University Recreation at Central Michigan University is hiring two Graduate Assistants for the 2026–2027 academic year! We are seeking motivated candidates for the following areas: 1) Competitive Sports and 2) Recreation Programs, Special Events & Outdoor Pursuits. These roles offer hands-on experience in a comprehensive collegiate recreation department while pursuing a graduate degree.

Graduate Assistant – Competitive Sports  

Position Overview: 

The Graduate Assistant for Competitive Sports supports the University Recreation department in the development, coordination, and administration of a comprehensive Competitive Sports program, including Intramural Sports, Club Sports, and select Special Events. This role is essential in fostering student engagement, supporting student leaders, and ensuring the delivery of safe, inclusive, and high-quality recreational opportunities. 

The GA will gain extensive experience in sport program administration, event management, student staff supervision, leadership development, scheduling, and risk management, making this a strong developmental position for students pursuing careers in recreation, sport management, or higher education. 

Responsibilities: 

Intramural Sports: 

• Assist in the planning, scheduling, and implementation of intramural leagues, tournaments, and special competitions.
• Supervise student staff, including officials, scorekeepers, and site supervisors.
• Support training and development of officials and supervisors through clinics, evaluations, and feedback.
• Ensure compliance with program policies, sport rules, and safety protocols. 

Club Sports: 

• Assist with the administration and daily operations of 40+ club sport organizations.
• Support club sport budgeting, travel paperwork, fundraising, and facility scheduling.
• Help design and facilitate club officer trainings, risk management workshops, and leader development sessions.
• Serve as a liaison between club sport leaders, university departments, and community partners. 

Special Events & Programming: 

• Assist in planning and executing recreational special events such as tournaments, late-night programs, one-day competitions, and collaborative campus activities.
• Coordinate event logistics including staffing, equipment, facility setup, and participant engagement.
• Work with marketing staff to promote events and increase program visibility. 

Leadership & Student Development: 

• Recruit, hire, train, and supervise intramural officials, supervisors, and game-day staff.
• Lead staff meetings, training sessions, and developmental workshops.
• Foster a positive, inclusive, and growth-oriented work environment. 

Administrative Responsibilities: 

• Help track participation, assessments, and program evaluations to guide improvements.
• Assist with maintaining accurate records for budgeting, incidents, ejections, and travel documentation.
• Prepare reports, updates, and presentations for the Coordinator and Associate Director. 

Graduate Assistant – Recreation Programs, Special Events & Outdoor Pursuits

Responsibilities: 

Recreation Programs & Special Events: 

• Assist in planning, coordinating, and evaluating recreation-based programs and major campus events such as RecFest, tournaments, themed activity nights, wellness-focused programs, and collaborative events with campus partners.
• Support program logistics including scheduling, facility reservations, event registration, equipment needs, and risk management planning.
• Provide on-site event supervision including staff coordination, participant engagement, and logistical oversight. 

Outdoor Pursuits & Adventure Programming: 

• Assist with planning, implementing, and evaluating outdoor adventure trips, workshops, and instructional programs (ex: hiking, kayaking, climbing, camping, skills clinics).
• Support the day-to-day operations of outdoor equipment rental services, bike programs, and maintenance of outdoor gear inventory.
• Help with staff training in outdoor leadership, trip preparation, safety procedures, and technical skills.
• Participate in the supervision and instruction of outdoor trips when needed. 

Leadership & Student Development: 

• Recruit, hire, train, schedule, and supervise student employees working in special events, recreation programs, and outdoor pursuits.
• Lead in-service trainings, professional development sessions, and staff meetings to support skill development and team building.
• Foster an inclusive, supportive, and growth-oriented work environment for student staff. 

Marketing & Outreach: 

• Assist with creating promotional materials, event campaigns, and social media content to increase participation in programs and adventure experiences.
• Collaborate with the University Recreation marketing team to highlight upcoming events, outdoor trips, and rental services.
• Represent University Recreation at orientations, outreach events, and campus tabling sessions. 

Risk Management & Operations: 

• Support risk management planning for both indoor and outdoor programs, including emergency action plan development and safety briefings.
• Assist in maintaining compliance with departmental and university policies for outdoor recreation and special events.
• Ensure proper documentation for incident reports, trip logs, equipment usage, and facility operations. 

Administrative Responsibilities: 

• Assist with collecting and analyzing program assessment data including attendance, feedback surveys, and engagement metrics.
• Help maintain accurate records for scheduling, payroll submissions, equipment inventory, and budgeting.
• Provide regular updates and reports to supervising staff and departmental leadership. 

Compensation: 

• Tuition waiver (details provided by the university).
• Stipend: $12,000 for 10 months
• Opportunities for professional development, certifications, and conference attendance when available. 

Application Process: 

Submit a resume, cover letter, and two references to Phil Leyerer, Associate Director for Programs, at leyer1p@cmich.edu. Preference will be given to those applicants who submit completed applications by February 28th. Applications will be accepted until the position is filled. 

Qualifications: 

• Bachelor’s degree in sport management, recreation, physical education, or a related field.
• Admission to a CMU graduate program.
• Experience in recreation programming, outdoor adventure activities, leadership development, or event planning, intramural sports, officiating, club sports, or recreation programming.
• Strong leadership, communication, and organizational skills.
• Ability to work evenings and weekends as required. 
• Preferred: Certifications such as Wilderness First Aid, CPR/AED, or outdoor technical skills (climbing, paddling, etc.) or willingness to obtain. 

About Central Michigan University - Mount Pleasant, MI

Central Michigan University University Recreation is a comprehensive, student-centered program committed to enhancing the CMU experience through inclusive recreation, wellness, and leadership development opportunities. Our department oversees Intramural Sports, Club Sports, Fitness & Wellness, Aquatics, and Esports, serving a diverse campus community of over 14,000 students. University Recreation at CMU values innovation, collaboration, and student development. We provide hands-on professional experiences, mentorship, and leadership opportunities that prepare students and professionals for success in the recreation and higher education fields. Our team is passionate about creating welcoming environments where all participants can belong, grow, and thrive. Located in Mount Pleasant, Michigan, CMU offers a vibrant campus community with a strong tradition of involvement, pride, and professional engagement within NIRSA and beyond.

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