Track and Field Graduate Assistant

Aurora University; Aurora (IL); Hybrid; USD 4,500 - 5,500; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

Tuition remission

Health and dental benefits

403(b) retirement plan

Long-term disability

Job summary

Aurora University is seeking a Track & Field Graduate Assistant to lead the Men’s and Women’s Track & Field and Cross Country programs. Key responsibilities involve managing operations, recruiting student athletes, and ensuring compliance with NCAA regulations. The role requires excellent organizational and interpersonal skills, with a Bachelor’s Degree and relevant experience.

Compensation includes a full tuition waiver for the master’s program plus a stipend of $5,000. Benefits include health and retirement plans, making this an excellent opportunity for dedicated individuals.

Qualifications

• Minimum of three to four years relevant experience in track & field/cross country.
• Ability to work effectively with a diverse group.
• Strong strategic thinking and problem-solving abilities.

Responsibilities

• Manage Men's and Women's Track & Field/Cross Country programs.
• Recruit and coach student athletes.
• Ensure compliance with NCAA rules and regulations.
• Oversee equipment maintenance and team records.
• Develop positive relationships with students and alumni.

Skills

Organizational skills

Excellent verbal and written skills

Strong interpersonal skills

General computer knowledge

Knowledge of athletics

Education

Bachelor's Degree

Job description

Position Purpose

The Track & Field Graduate Assistant supports the educational mission of Aurora University by providing leadership, organization, and administration of all aspects of the Men’s and Women’s Track & Field/Cross Country programs. Responsibilities include, but are not limited to, scheduling varsity and junior varsity competitions, developing and managing the program’s operating budget, coordinating team travel, and overseeing day-to-day program operations.

Core Competencies

1. Represents Aurora University in the most positive manner with prospective, former and current students, clients, suppliers and the community we serve. Interacts effectively with a diverse group of faculty, staff, students and other customers of our service, learns and uses operating practices of the department and Aurora University.
2. Upholds the Mission Statement: Aurora University is an inclusive community dedicated to the transformative power of learning. As a teaching-centered institution, we encourage undergraduate and graduate students to discover what it takes to build meaningful and examined lives. Our singular goal is to empower our students to achieve lasting personal and professional success.
3. Handles all information with tact and discretion and recognizes the confidential nature of university business.
4. Supports learning through performance of essential job functions and performing other duties and functions as necessary or as assigned, including voluntary participation in university committees, activities and events.

Essential Job Functions

• Manages and administers all aspects of the Men’s and Women’s Track & Field/Cross Country programs. This includes, but is not limited to, recruiting and teaching/coaching student athletes. Helping coach specified event group(s).
• Supervises assigned Assistant Coach(es) to ensure compliance with applicable rules, policies and procedures; provides orientation, training and guidance as needed; conducts performance evaluations.
• Understands and follows NCAA and conference rules and regulations. Follows NCAA rules as outlined in Bylaw 13 in the NCAA Division III Manual. Reports any alleged violations of conference, or institutional rules and regulations.
• Teaching/Coaching
  • Keeps informed of contemporary trends, tactics, techniques and strategies in coaching, which includes developing a philosophy of what to teach and how to implement. Provides coaching and direction to assistant coaches, as well as praise and constructive feedback.
  • Plans, implements and evaluates practice sessions. Communicates expectations, praise and corrective feedback in a clear and constructive manner.
  • Develops effective game plans. Prepares team physically, mentally and emotionally for competition; maintains and meets high expectations for team athletic success.
  • Instructs student‑athletes on high expectations for academic achievement; monitors the academic progress of student‑athletes.
  • Instructs student‑athletes on high expectations for student‑athlete social responsibility and works to develop well‑rounded student‑athletes.
  • Instructs student‑athletes on a standard of proper student‑athlete conduct, both in and out of the athletic arena and works with the Vice President for Athletics to sanction those who do not meet the set standard.
  • Instructs student‑athletes on a standard of proper safety. Monitors condition of equipment and facilities, and reports items in need of repair/maintenance.
• Recruitment of Student‑Athletes
  • Recruits and retains quality student‑athletes and works with the Vice President for Athletics and the Office of Admission to satisfy target squad size numbers and freshmen/transfer recruitment goals.
  • Assists student‑athletes and their parents in understanding the educational programs and opportunities at Aurora University as well as the opportunities in the athletic program. Answers questions to aid in the understanding of NCAA Division III rules related to recruitment.
• Oversees selection, purchase and maintenance of team equipment, to include uniforms, athletic equipment and supplies.
• Maintains records and statistics of team and individual performances. Utilizes the support of the Sports Information Director in collecting the necessary information for archives.
• Maintains self‑control and poise; provides an example of sportsmanlike conduct for team members, officials, opponents and spectators.
• Develops and maintains a positive relationship with alumni and interested segments of the university and community.
• Attends athletic department meetings and university community meetings and functions.
• Supports the Head Track and Field/Cross Country Coach by carrying out assigned responsibilities. This will include aspects of XC & TF throughout the school year.
• Handles confidential information with tact and discretion.
• Drives university or rental vehicles as needed for away contests.
• Performs special and/or additional duties as required by the Vice President for Athletics.
• Coaching and helping to recruit the throwers will be essential to this role.

Essential Job Requirements

• Education: Bachelor’s Degree required.
• Experience: Minimum of three to four or more years of relevant experience in track & field/cross country.

Skills

• Organizational skills and understanding of compliance standards and regulations
• Experience supervising staff
• Excellent verbal and written skills required
• Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to work with a wide range of constituents: student‑athletes, parents, coaches, media, alumni, administrators, support staff, campus community and the community at‑large
• Ability to set and achieve or exceed goals and meet deadlines, strong strategic thinking and problem solving abilities
• General computer knowledge
• Strong knowledge of athletics

Physical Requirements

• Ability to interact verbally in person, over telephone and via written and electronic media.
• Ability to move about campus and other locations.
• Evening and weekend availability is required.
• Flexibility with an evolving work environment important.

Work Hours

Expected equivalent of 20 hours per week, but days/hours may vary as needed. Hybrid or work from home employment will be considered if candidate can demonstrate ability to fulfill this role effectively off‑site.

Special Requirements

• A valid driver's license and driving record which meets institutional requirements is required.
• Requires travel between campus locations or to attend off‑site meetings.

Compensation

Compensation includes full tuition for the master’s program and $5,000.00 stipend.

The pay range referenced in the job posting is the budgeted amount the university reasonably expects to pay for this position. The final pay rate will not be below the lowest pay rate listed herein.

Benefits

Benefit‑eligible positions offer excellent benefits including health, dental, life, vision, long term disability, a 403(b) retirement plan through TIAA, and tuition remission.

Aurora University is an Equal Opportunity Employer.