Graduate Assistant, Student-Athlete Development

Kansas Athletics, Inc. is a not for profit corporation which was organized in 1925 to foster development of intercollegiate athletics in conjunction with the educational activities of the University of Kansas. Kansas Athletics operates the varsity intercollegiate athletic programs (18 men's and women's intercollegiate teams) of the University of Kansas in facilities owned by the State of Kansas. A major comprehensive research and teaching university with an enrollment of approximately 27,000, the University provides outstanding excellence in education and research. Kansas Athletics is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Expected Start – Spring 2024

This is a part-time position, with the option for a semester (spring/summer 2024 semester) or 1-year appointment that can extend to a total two-year program. Days and hours of work will vary based on the needs of the department and as job duties demand. Some evening and weekend work will be required.

All applicants should upload a cover letter, resume, and three professional references. 

Position Summary

Performs assigned duties and projects in various areas of KU LEADS including but not limited to special events and performing clerical duties such as data entry and general office support duties.  The position works closely with a team of administrators, professional staff, and student-athletes.  Graduate Assistant positions are a one-year term that can be extended to two-years, and currently receive a monthly stipend and payment of tuition, fees, and required course textbooks.

Responsibilities of all Positions at Kansas Athletics

1. Adhere to University, Big 12 Conference, Kansas Athletics and NCAA policies and procedures;
2. Maintain knowledge of departmental activities, sports schedules and procedures;
3. Foster cooperative working relationships with immediate supervisor and staff members who work within or outside his/her work unit;
4. Support the athletics departmental goals and philosophies as described by the Director of Athletics, and work to achieve and uphold the department’s mission statement and core values;
5. Maintain a positive attitude toward performing job duties and working with other staff members;
6. Exhibit professional decorum at all times while representing Kansas Athletics, including routine events and meetings that occur outside of the office and on the road.
7. Maintain the confidentiality of all information obtained while an employee of Kansas Athletics including all private, confidential, or sensitive information and ensuring compliance with FERPA, HIPAA, and other applicable regulations.

Duties and Responsibilities of the Position

1.  Assist with the logistics of assigned KU Leads Signature events such as New Student-Athlete Session, All Student-Athlete Welcome Back, One Team events, JayRock;
2. Assist with tracking student-athlete engagement;
3. Assist with KU Leads assessment, communication, data collection, and research initiatives;
4. Serve as a leadership mentor for an assigned caseload of student-athletes through the KU Leads Leadership Academy;
5. Opportunities to assist with additional programs and projects which may include, but are not limited it: Student Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC), social media efforts, and leadership development programming;
6. Office management duties such as responding to inquiries, ordering materials, etc.;
7. Perform other duties as assigned.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree from an accredited college or university;
• Acceptance and continued enrollment in a graduate program at the University of Kansas;
• A desire to gain knowledge and develop professional skills;
• Positive and encouraging attitude;
• Outstanding communication, presentation, and leadership skills;
• Demonstrated excellent organizational skills, and great attention to detail;
• Excellent interpersonal skills, especially with students;
• Ability and willingness to work flexible hours, including evenings and weekends as needed;
• Ability to organize and prioritize assignments, and work independently to complete assignments despite various deadlines, competing requirements and changing priorities.

 Preferred Qualifications

• Former University of Kansas Student-Athlete;
• Experience as an intercollegiate athlete or coach.

Compensation: gross monthly stipend of $1,300.00 Tuition, required course textbooks, and fees. 

Encouraged to apply: Kansas Athletics is committed to providing an equal opportunity for all qualified individuals to be considered for staff positions regardless of race, religion, color, sex, disability, national origin, ancestry, sexual orientation, marital or parental status, age, or status as a veteran.  As a reflection of this commitment, Kansas Athletics strives to recruit and employ the most qualified applicants available, consistent with the requirements of the position and the long-range objectives of Kansas Athletics.

Work Environment

This job operates in both a professional office environment. This role routinely uses standard office equipment such as laptop computers and various digital devices, including, but not limited to:  cell phone, printer, copy machine, and other related devices. This job requires flexibility and adaptability in schedule and the ability to perform job related duties on short notice.

Physical Demands

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to speak and hear. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision and ability to adjust focus. This position may require frequent bending, moving, lifting, and carrying material weighing up to 25 pounds; sitting and/or standing up to eight hours each day.

Travel

Travel is not expected for this position.

Hours of Work

This is a part-time position, with the option for a semester (spring/summer 2024 semester) or 1-year appointment that can extend to a total two-year program. Days and hours of work will vary based on the needs of the department and as job duties demand. Some evening and weekend work will be required. Approximately 20 hours per week (on average) but no more than 40 hours per week will be expected for this position.

Other Duties

Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change at any time with or without notice.