Summer working opportunities are available at an hourly rate $15/hour. Second year term will be renewable based on performance.
Required Education:
4 Year Degree
Additional Information:
4 openings available.
Recreation & Wellness at Butler University is excited to announce its inaugural Graduate Assistant cohort in partnership with Indiana University's Master of Science in Recreation Management (online) program. These (4) positions will span Fall 2025 - Spring 2027 and provide hands-on experience in collegiate recreation while pursuing your graduate degree. Graduate Assistant opportunities are available in the following areas:
Operations
Fitness
Sports Programming
Aquatics & Safety
Details:
Compensation: $12,000 stipend for 9 months, with potential opportunities for summer work.
Tuition Support: Full tuition waiver for in-state and out-of-state residents (university fees not included).
Professional Development: Travel assistance for conferences and additional development opportunities.
Workload: Average of 20 hours per week.
Job Descriptions:
The Operations Graduate Assistant supports the day-to-day management of the Health & Recreation Complex (HRC), ensuring the facility operates efficiently, safely, and in alignment with the mission of Recreation & Wellness. This position involves oversight of staffing, scheduling, facility maintenance, and coordination of special events. The Graduate Assistant will collaborate with professional staff and student employees to maintain a welcoming and inclusive environment while delivering high-quality service to all users. This role offers valuable experience in facility management, staff supervision, and operational logistics in a collegiate recreation setting.
Key Responsibilities:
Oversee the recruitment, hiring, and training of building supervisors and member services assistants.
Assist in scheduling and supervision of day-to-day facility operations, including special events and rentals.
Monitor equipment and facilities, coordinating maintenance and repairs as needed.
Support risk management practices, ensuring a safe environment for all users.
Assist in tracking facility usage, creating reports, and making recommendations for improvements.
Collaborate with campus partners and external groups to ensure proper facility usage and scheduling.
Qualifications:
Bachelor’s degree in Recreation, Facility Management, or a related field.
Accepted and enrolled in Indiana University Master of Science in Recreation Administration (Online) Graduate Program (starting Fall 2025)
Prior experience in facility operations and staff management preferred.
Excellent organizational and problem-solving skills.
Ability to work independently and in a team-oriented environment.
CPR/First Aid and AED certification (or willingness to obtain).
The Sports Programming Graduate Assistant supports the administration and growth of Butler University’s comprehensive Club Sports and Intramural Sports programs. This role involves working closely with student leaders, overseeing league and tournament operations, and promoting a vibrant and inclusive recreational sports culture on campus. The Graduate Assistant will contribute to the planning, execution, and evaluation of programs, ensuring they meet the needs of a diverse student body while aligning with the mission of Recreation & Wellness. This position offers hands-on experience in program management, leadership development, and operational logistics in a campus recreation setting.
Key Responsibilities:
Assist in planning, promoting, and implementing intramural leagues, tournaments, and special events.
Recruit, hire, train and evaluate student staff, including officials, scorekeepers, and event supervisors.
Provide leadership and guidance to club sports teams, ensuring compliance with university policies and risk management procedures.
Facilitate communication with team captains, officials, and participants to enhance the participant experience.
Lead the organization and administration of major intramural events and tournaments.
Support the strategic goals of Recreation & Wellness by enhancing student engagement and involvement.
Other duties as assigned
Qualifications:
Bachelor’s degree in Recreation, Sports Management, or a related field.
Enrolled in Indiana University Master of Science in Recreation Administration (Online) Graduate Program (starting Fall 2025)
Experience in sports programming, intramurals, or club sports preferred.
Strong interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to lead and manage student teams.
Familiarity with risk management and safety protocols.
CPR/First Aid and AED certification (or willingness to obtain).
The Fitness Graduate Assistant plays a vital role in supporting the development, implementation, and management of fitness programs within Recreation & Wellness. This position includes oversight of group exercise classes, personal training services, and campus-wide wellness initiatives. The Graduate Assistant will assist in supervising and mentoring student staff, engage directly with participants to foster a culture of health and wellness, and collaborate with campus partners to enhance fitness opportunities. This role provides an opportunity to gain valuable professional experience in program management, leadership, and operations in a campus recreation setting.
Key Responsibilities:
Assist in the recruitment, training, and supervision of fitness floor assistants, personal trainers, and group exercise instructors.
Collaborate on the development and delivery of fitness and wellness programs, including fitness challenges, workshops, and special events.
Manage fitness center operations, including equipment maintenance and facility cleanliness.
Conduct fitness assessments and provide educational workshops on wellness topics.
Develop and implement strategies to increase student engagement in fitness programs.
Assist with risk management and ensure safety protocols are followed during all fitness activities.
Qualifications:
Bachelor’s degree in Exercise Science, Kinesiology, or a related field.
Accepted and enrolled in Indiana University Master of Science in Recreation Administration (Online) Graduate Program (starting Fall 2025)
Certification in personal training or group fitness instruction (e.g., ACSM, ACE, NASM) preferred.
Experience in managing fitness programs and working with diverse populations.
Strong communication and leadership skills.
CPR/First Aid and AED certification (or willingness to obtain).
The Aquatics & Safety Graduate Assistant supports the daily operations and management of the Health & Recreation Complex (HRC) Aquatics Center, ensuring a safe, inclusive, and enjoyable environment for all users. This position involves supervising lifeguards, swim instructors, and other aquatic staff while maintaining high standards of water safety and compliance with industry best practices. The Graduate Assistant will also contribute to the development and implementation of aquatic programming, certifications, and special events, providing a valuable opportunity to gain hands-on experience in aquatic operations, risk management, and program coordination.
Key Responsibilities:
Oversee the recruitment, training, scheduling, and supervision of lifeguards and swim instructors.
Ensure compliance with all safety standards, including pool chemical testing and safety inspections.
Assist in organizing aquatic programs such as swim lessons, aquatic fitness classes, and special events.
Conduct American Red Cross lifeguard certification and recertification courses.
Support risk management initiatives by conducting regular safety drills and inspections.
Collaborate with other departments to coordinate pool usage for academic classes, intramurals, and special events.
Qualifications:
Bachelor’s degree in Recreation, Sports Management, Exercise Science, or a related field.
Accepted and enrolled in Indiana University Master of Science in Recreation Administration (Online) Graduate Program (starting Fall 2025)
Certification in American Red Cross Lifeguarding (Instructor certification preferred).
Previous experience in aquatic facility operations and staff management.
Strong leadership, communication, and organizational skills.
CPR/First Aid and AED certification.
Please note that acceptance into Indiana University's Master of Science in Recreation Management online program is required for this position. For more details on application instructions and program curriculum, please explore the IU program website. Deadline to apply is April 15th.
This is a great opportunity to gain practical experience while earning your degree in a supportive and collaborative environment.
Requirements:
Bachelor’s degree in Exercise Science, Kinesiology, or a related field.
Accepted and enrolled in Indiana University Master of Science in Recreation Administration (Online) Graduate Program (starting Fall 2025) Note: GPA and GRE requirements are program specific and must be met prior to admission.
CPR/First Aid and AED certification (or willingness to obtain).
Experience working in Campus Recreation as a student employee
Must be able to start by August 1, 2025.
Priority Deadline: March 1, 2025
Questions regarding this position may be directed to Laura Surles, Director of Recreation & Wellness, at (317) 940-6156 or LSurles@butler.edu.
To apply, please email the following materials to Laura Surles:
Cover letter
Resume
References (3)
Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis, with priority consideration given to those submitted by March 1, 2025. The position will remain open until filled.
Located in Indianapolis, Butler University is a private, nationally recognized comprehensive university encompassing six colleges: Arts, Business, Communication, Education, Liberal Arts & Sciences, and Pharmacy & Health Sciences. Approximately 4,500 undergraduate and 1,000 graduate and doctoral students are enrolled at Butler, representing 46 states and 24 countries.