Graduate Assistant Athletics Jobs in Chicago, IL

GRADUATE ASSISTANTSHIP OVERVIEW

Elmhurst University welcomes applications for a graduate assistantship in the 2026-2027 academic year, which is renewable for the 2027-2028 academic year. This is a student position. Interested applicants will need to submit an application for admission into a degree-granting graduate program at elmhurst.edu/graduatestudies and be accepted before becoming eligible for consideration for a graduate assistant position that correlates with their area of study.

Graduate assistants at Elmhurst University may be hired for a full tuition waiver based on 20 hours of service per week. Graduate assistants also receive a stipend while they are working, paid bi-weekly, in support of their continued education. Graduate assistants participate in their assistantships during the Fall and Spring terms at minimum, and may be required to participate during January and/or Summer terms.
Eligible Graduate Programs: Master of Business Administration, M.A. in Industrial/Organizational Psychology.

Weekly Hours: 20

Tuition Waiver: Full

Stipend: $5,625 per academic year ($625 per month between September and May).

Terms: Fall 2026, January 2027, and Spring 2027; renewable for the 2027-2028 academic year.

ASSISTANTSHIP SUMMARY

Aids the Head Coach in planning, organizing, and evaluating all phases of a competitive intercollegiate softball program. Understands the role of NCAA and Division III athletics in the educational process and aids in the recruitment of student-athletes, which will reflect and represent the quality of Elmhurst University.

Special Notations

Offers for this position are conditional upon acceptance into one of the above noted graduate programs at Elmhurst University. Graduate students must maintain full-time enrollment in their graduate program in order to maintain a graduate assistantship.

Graduate assistants in the athletic department must possess a commitment and responsibility for adhering to all rules and regulations of Elmhurst University, the CCIW, and the NCAA. They must cooperate with and furnish the NCAA, the CCIW, and/or Elmhurst University with truthful and complete information concerning involvement in or knowledge of rules violations. Any person who is found in violation of NCAA regulations shall be subject to disciplinary or correction actions as set forth in the provisions of the NCAA enforcement procedures, including suspension without pay or termination for significant or repeated violations.

• Aids the Head Coach in the organization and operation of an effective and competitive softball program.
• Assists the Head Coach in the coordination of recruitment of student-athletes.
• Maintains and updates a sufficient inventory of equipment. Oversees the issuing and collecting of all equipment, uniforms, supplies, and materials.
• Coordinates all team travel arrangements for the softball program.
• Attends all pre-season conditioning and non-traditional season practices for the program. Attends and participates in all team planning sessions with coaching staff.
• Aids in the planning, organizing, and executing of all in-season practice sessions for the softball program.
• Conducts on-field coaching during intercollegiate contests as set by the Head Coach.
• Develops and carries out fundraising projects when appropriate.
• Works closely with the Head Coach and Director of Athletic Communications (DAC) pertaining to all media relations. Provides information for the promotional needs of game programs, team media guides, recruiting brochures and other publications.
• Responsible for reporting to the media (DAC) all scores, statistics, and game results when competing on the road.
• Demonstrates a working knowledge of Elmhurst University, NCAA, CCIW and rules and regulations.
• Adheres to NCAA Compliance Regulations.
• Endorses and supports other sports within the Athletic Department as outlined by the Director of Athletics in roles such as transportation or game management assistance.
• Endorses and supports other areas within Student Affairs including attendance at all meetings.
• Interacts with all other University constituencies and actively participates in their events.

Other Responsibilities

• Demonstrates a strong commitment to continuous improvement.
• Supports the University’s mission, vision, and values.
• Supports the Athletic Department and the University’s commitment to supporting students from all backgrounds.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Requirements

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree.

Preferred Qualifications

• Previous teaching experience.
• Familiarity with Division III athletics.
• Recruiting skills and interest.
• Knowledge of NCAA rules and regulations.

Working Conditions/Physical Requirements

The essential functions of this position are primarily performed in a variety of indoor and outdoor facilities, with regular exposure to varying weather conditions, including extended periods of extreme heat and cold. Work requires frequent districtwide, statewide, and out-of-state travel for recruiting or attending athletic competitions. Required abilities include walking, navigating uneven or slippery surfaces, bending, kneeling, and standing for extended periods; may require lifting and transporting equipment in excess of 50 pounds frequently and up to 100 pounds occasionally; and using fine motor skills to operate and maneuver a range of athletic or training equipment. Qualified applicants who can perform the essential functions of this position with or without reasonable accommodations will be considered.

Benefits

An overview of Elmhurst University benefits is available here.