University Recreation at Mississippi State University is seeking qualified applicants for 5 GRADUATE ASSISTANTSHIPS. The positions are 12-­month positions, 0.5 FTE, and the University provides a tuition waiver (see stipend details below).

AVAILABLE JULY 2023 (start dates negotiable)

- COMPETITIVE SPORTS GA

- FITNESS GA - GROUP EXERCISE

- FITNESS GA - PERSONAL TRAINING

- MARKETING GA

- OUTDOOR ADVENTURES GA

COMPETITIVE SPORTS GRADUATE ASSISTANT  

The Graduate Assistant of Competitive Sports will be primarily responsible for the management of University Recreation Competitive Sports programming which includes Intramural Sports and Club Sports. Competitive Sports take place at the Sanderson Center, four outdoor softball fields, and two multi-purpose fields.  

QUALIFICATIONS 

• Completed Bachelor’s Degree from an accredited four-year institution (Required)
• Acceptance into a Mississippi State University graduate program is required
• Preferred Areas: Sports Administration/Management, Kinesiology, Physical/Health Education, Higher Education/Student Affairs
• One or more years of experience as an intramural official.
• Participation in and/or work with a Collegiate Sport Club (preferred)
• Experience supervising intramural sports (preferred)
• Ability to supervise and train employees, including organizing, prioritizing, and scheduling work assignments.

RESPONSIBILITIES 

• Oversee the daily operations of the Competitive Sports Office. This includes assisting with scheduling; updating league standings and forfeit information daily; assisting with sport registration.
• Assist in the recruiting, hiring, training, supervision, and evaluation of student employees.
• Be on-site or on-call as assigned for intramural and sport club events; ensure that all fields or courts are adequately staffed to begin play and that all games begin promptly.
• Ensure that the RecPlex is open as advertised and adequately staffed for safe and efficient operation. Ensure that all facilities offer a safe environment; report any necessary equipment or facility repairs to Competitive Sports Coordinator and Building Maintenance Supervisor.
• Advise the Sport Club Alliance. Assist clubs with the development of budgets. Ensure clubs operate within university policy. Assist clubs in making reservations for activity space. Serve as the liaison between clubs and the university.
• Complete general maintenance on fields for intramural sports and sport clubs.

HOW TO APPLY 

Applicants should email a cover letter, resume, and references to John McNeal, Assistant Director of Competitive Sports and Youth Programs at jmcneal@saffairs.mssstate.edu. For full consideration, apply by 1/22/2023 

FITNESS / GROUP EXERCISE GRADUATE ASSISTANT 

 QUALIFICATIONS 

• AFAA or comparable certification preferred and experience teaching a variety formats. 
• Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to work effectively with a wide range of constituencies in a diverse community. 
• Proficiency in written and oral communication skills and utilization of computers 
• Ability to foster a positive, cooperative work environment. 
• Ability to plan, organize, and implement promotional programs and events. 
• Ability to supervise and train employees, to include organizing, prioritizing, and scheduling work assignments. 
• Employee development and performance management skills. 
• Ability to comply with all policies and regulations of Mississippi State University and enforce policies that apply to University Recreation programs and services. 

RESPONSIBILITIES 

• Ensure that the Strength & Aerobic Conditioning Room is open as advertised and adequately staffed for safe and efficient operation. 
• Assist in the training, supervision, and evaluation of student fitness trainers and group exercise instructors.  
• Schedule student fitness trainers and group exercise instructors and classes. Supervise personnel on a daily basis, especially as related to punctuality and productivity. Prepare counseling report as directed. 
• Assist with development of fitness training manuals. 
• Develop and supervise equipment maintenance schedule. 
• Organize staff meetings as directed. 
• Properly restock and purchase new equipment as needed. 
• Assist with planning, promotion and supervision of University Recreation events. 
• Be on-site/on-call for fitness programs and special events as necessary. 
• Other duties as requested by University Recreation professional staff. 

HOW TO APPLY  

Applicants should email cover letter, resume, and other supporting documents to Meridith Nuckolls mnuckolls@saffairs.msstate.edu 

FITNESS / PERSONAL TRAINING GRADUATE ASSISTANT 

 QUALIFICATIONS 

• AFAA, ACE or comparable Personal Training certification desirable 
• At least two years experience in personal training a wide variety of clients 
• Strong interpersonal skills and ability to work effectively with a wide range of constituencies in a diverse community 
• Proficiency in written and oral communication skills and utilization of computers 
• Ability to supervise and train employees, to include organizing, prioritizing, and scheduling work assignments 
• Employee development and performance management skills  
• Ability to foster a positive, cooperative work environment 
• Ability to plan, organize, and implement promotional programs and events 
• Ability to comply with all policies and regulations of Mississippi State University and enforce policies that apply to University Recreation programs and services 

Responsibilities 

• Assist in supervision and evaluation of personal training program and student fitness trainers. 
• Train and evaluate personal trainers, track clients and training package sales, develop staff trainings. 
• Insure that all fitness areas and programs are safely staffed and managed for efficient operation. 
• Organize and develop in-service meetings. 
• Insure that all facilities offer a safe environment; report equipment and facility repairs to Building Maintenance Supervisor. 
• Properly restock and purchase new equipment as needed. 
• Assist with planning, promotion and supervision of University Recreation events. 
• Participate in short and long term planning for all areas of department. 
• Be on-site/on-call for fitness programs and special events as necessary 
• Other duties as requested by University Recreation professional staff. 

HOW TO APPLY  

Applicants should email cover letter, resume, and other supporting documents to Meridith Nuckolls mnuckolls@saffairs.msstate.edu 

MARKETING 

Available July 2023

The Graduate Assistant for Marketing is responsible for the student marketing team and managing the social media presence of the department and its program areas as well as the advertisement of programs and events.  

Role & Responsibilities:  

• Copy writing for print & digital   
• Conceptualize and develop print and digital material   
• Help market program and events via signage, tabling and social media posts   
• Organize information for social media regarding different program areas    
• Developing Social Media Content   
• Assist with campus digital signage    
• Establishing a Stock Photo Collection   
• Proof & Edit Material    
• Communicate with various program areas on material needs   
• Other duties as assigned   

Required Qualifications:  

• Completed Bachelor’s Degree from an accredited four-year institution  
• Cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher  
• Acceptance into a Mississippi State University graduate program    
• Knowledge of Social Media Channels   
• Strong Writing & Proofing   
• Excellent Communication Skills   
• Organized and detail-oriented   
• Knowledge of Office 365    

Preferred Qualifications:  

• Photography experience 
• Knowledge of Adobe Creative Suite (InDesign, Illustrator, Photoshop)   

How to Apply:  

• Applicants should email their cover letter, resume, and references to Annie Bills, Assistant Director for Outdoor Adventures, Marketing, and Membership Services, at abills@saffairs.msstate.edu 

OUTDOOR ADVENTURES 

Priority Deadline: Monday, February 21st  

The Graduate Assistant for Outdoor Adventures will assist with the Outdoor Adventures program. OA programs including the Indoor Climbing Wall, Outdoor Low Ropes Course, Rental Center and Trips.  

Role & Responsibilities:  

• Maintain daily office hours, as well as night time hours for classes and weekend supervision of outdoor trips and challenge course programs.   
• Assist with recruiting, hiring, training, and supervision of all outdoor adventures staff. This includes developing training sessions and in-service training and testing. Discipline and counsel as needed.   
• Assist with planning, promoting, and conducting outdoor recreation trips. Maintain participant registration and trip records.   
• Assist student staff in planning, promoting, and conducting safe, fun, educational outdoor skills workshops.   
• Assist with the management of the Outdoor Adventures Center.  
• Assist with administering challenge course programs. This includes facilitating groups through the course and recruiting, training, and scheduling student facilitators.   
• Oversee operation of the Sanderson Center climbing wall including staff supervision, safety inspections, and programming.   
• Work cooperatively with other Campus Recreation staff members and assist with departmental special events    
• Ensure that all facilities offer a safe environment   
• Attend all departmental and divisional meetings.  
• Other duties as assigned 

Required Qualifications:  

• Completed Bachelor’s Degree from an accredited four-year institution  
• Cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher  
• Acceptance into a Mississippi State University graduate program 
• Experience in at least two of the following activity areas; camping, caving, canoeing, backpacking, sea kayaking, stand up paddle boarding, rock climbing, climbing walls and challenge courses.   
• Applicants must have a valid driver’s license.  
• Applicants should have excellent verbal and written communication skills, word processing, desktop publishing computer skills, as well as strong interpersonal skills.  
• They will need the ability to recruit, develop, lead, supervise and motivate student personnel and must possess excellent customer service skills.   
• Positive attitude, proven ability to work successfully with diverse populations, and excellent customer service skills 

Preferred Qualifications:  

• Outdoor Recreation, Recreation Administration and Adventure Education or related degrees 
• Experience with outdoor rental equipment and maintenance preferred. 
• CPR and First aid certification with Wilderness First Aid or Wilderness First Responder  
• Certifications in at least two of the following activity areas; camping, caving, canoeing, backpacking, sea kayaking, stand up paddle boarding, rock climbing, climbing walls and challenge courses. 

How to Apply:  

• Applicants should email their cover letter, resume, and references to Annie Bills, Assistant Director for Outdoor Adventures, Marketing, and Membership Services, at abills@saffairs.msstate.edu 

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement:

MSU is an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, ethnicity, sex, religion, national origin, disability, age, sexual orientation, genetic information, pregnancy, gender identity, status as a U.S. veteran, and/or any other status protected by applicable law. We always welcome nominations and applications from women, members of any minority group, and others who share our passion for building a diverse community that reflects the diversity in our student population.

What do I do if I need an accommodation?

In compliance with the ADA Amendments Act (ADAAA), if you have a disability and would like to request an accommodation in order to apply for a position with Mississippi State University, please contact the Department of Human Resources Management at tel: (662) 325-3713 or ada@hrm.msstate.edu.

If you have any questions regarding this policy, contact the Department of Human Resources Management at (662) 325-3713 or ada@hrm.msstate.edu. Upon request, sections of this job listing are available in large print, and readers are available to assist the visually impaired.

Must be admitted unconditionally to a graduate program at Mississippi State University. 

About Mississippi State University

Mississippi State University is a comprehensive doctoral-granting land grant institution offering to a diverse and capable student body a wide range of opportunities and challenges for learning and growth. Current enrollment is approximately 23,000. Mississippi State forms a cohesive town-gown community with the growing city of Starkville. Located in the northeastern part of the state, it is 125 northeast of Jackson, 130 miles west of Birmingham, and 170 miles southeast of Memphis.  

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