Wrestling Graduate Assistant

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

Benefits offered by this job

Full tuition for master’s program

$5,000 stipend

Health insurance

403(b) retirement plan

Job summary

Aurora University seeks a Wrestling Graduate Assistant Coach responsible for coaching men's and women's wrestling teams and supporting academic progress. This role involves recruitment, managing practice sessions, and ensuring adherence to NCAA rules. A Bachelor's degree and acceptance into a graduate program are required, along with experience in collegiate wrestling.

Compensation includes full tuition for a master's program and a $5,000 stipend. The position offers excellent benefits, including health and retirement plans.

Qualifications

• Previous playing experience in collegiate wrestling required.
• 3 to 4 years of experience in freestyle wrestling preferred.
• Coaching experience at the high school or club level preferred.

Responsibilities

• Manages all aspects of the Men’s and Women’s Wrestling Programs.
• Recruits and retains quality student-athletes.
• Monitors academic progress of student-athletes.
• Instructs student-athletes on proper conduct and safety.

Skills

Strong communication

Organizational skills

Leadership skills

Desire to coach collegiate women’s wrestling

Education

Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university

Acceptance into a graduate program at Aurora University

Job description

Position Purpose

The Wrestling Graduate Assistant Coach supports the educational mission of Aurora University by providing leadership, organization, and administration of all aspects of the Wrestling program. Responsibilities include, but are not limited to, coaching men’s and women’s wrestling teams, recruiting student‑athletes, developing and assisting in daily practices, monitoring academics, supporting all fundraising efforts, and other duties assigned by the head coach.

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 Wrestling Programs: recruiting and teaching/coaching student‑athletes, scheduling varsity and junior varsity contests as necessary, developing and managing operating budget, and making team travel arrangements.
• 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, including 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 and 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 or 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.
• 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.
• Supports the Director of Wrestling by carrying out assigned responsibilities.
• Handles confidential information with tact and discretion.
• Drives university or rental vehicles as needed for away contests.

Essential Job Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university.
• Acceptance into a graduate program at Aurora University.
• Previous playing experience in collegiate wrestling required.
• 3 to 4 years of experience in freestyle wrestling preferred.
• Coaching experience at the high school or club level preferred.
• Strong communication, organizational, and leadership skills.
• Desire to coach collegiate women’s wrestling.

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 the 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.

Compensation includes full tuition for the master’s program and a $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.

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.