Graduate Assistant – Athletic Communications

Job Description

Graduate Assistant – Athletic Communications | Newman University

The Tone:
This is a part-time role at Newman University, located in Wichita, KS. Newman University is a liberal arts institution grounded in Catholic values and traditions, dedicated to empowering graduates to transform society. This role is crucial for individuals interested in a career in sports information, providing a hands-on learning experience in athletic communications and event management. The assistant will contribute to the institution’s mission by supporting the university’s sports teams and fostering a professional environment.

The TL;DR
• Role: Part Time
• Type: Part-time, Contractual (12-month, annual renewal)
• Location: In-person, Wichita, KS
• Pay: $250 monthly
• Team: Works within the Athletics and Sports Information departments.
• Mission: This role provides essential support for athletic communications, event management, and daily operations to effectively promote university sports and student-athletes.
• Tech Stack: Scoreboards, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Newman athletics website.

What You’ll Actually Do
• Communications & Media Relations: Write and edit press releases, and proactively work with local and national news media to pitch stories that promote Newman athletics.
• Digital Content Management: Maintain and update the Newman athletics website and social media accounts (including Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram), while also providing graphic design for various department publications.
• Event Operations & Management: Provide comprehensive event management for home athletic events, encompassing facility setup/teardown, operating scoreboards, music, public address announcing, and assisting with game day promotions.
• Statistical Management: Accurately record live statistics for sports such as soccer, volleyball, basketball, baseball, and softball, and diligently collect and compile statistics for all 18 of Newman’s athletic teams.
• Staff Coordination & Support: Oversee, schedule, and assist with the supervision of student workers, while developing strong professional relationships with coaching staff and the broader athletic department to facilitate smooth team operations.

The Must-Haves
• Background: This role requires a Bachelor’s Degree and is designed for an early career professional who possesses a genuine interest in and willingness to work with students, demonstrating an understanding of student attitudes, concerns, and problems within a sports information context.
• Experience: Candidates must have previous experience in a college athletic setting and be legally authorized to work in the United States. Additionally, applicants must be accepted and enrolled full-time (at least six credit hours per semester) in a Master’s degree program during the academic year, with an M.S.E. in Organizational Leadership preferred.
• Skills: Strong organizational and computer skills are essential, alongside a foundational knowledge of NCAA compliance rules and the ability to apply them correctly within athletic operations.
• Bonus: AED and/or CPR training are preferred qualifications for this position.