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Naia Graduate Assistant Jobs in Wisconsin (NOW HIRING)

Naia Graduate Assistant information

What is a NAIA Graduate Assistant?

A NAIA Graduate Assistant is a graduate student who works part-time, typically for an athletic department at a college or university affiliated with the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA). The position allows the individual to gain practical experience in coaching, administration, or athletic support roles while pursuing a graduate degree. Graduate Assistants often receive a stipend, tuition remission, or other benefits in exchange for their work. These roles are designed to help students develop professional skills and build a foundation for a career in athletics, education, or related fields.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an NAIA Graduate Assistant?

To thrive as an NAIA Graduate Assistant, you typically need a bachelor’s degree, experience in collegiate athletics (either as a player or coach), and a strong understanding of NAIA rules and regulations. Familiarity with software such as Microsoft Office, compliance systems, and athletic management platforms is often required. Excellent communication, leadership, and time management skills help you balance coaching responsibilities with academic and administrative tasks. These skills ensure you can effectively support athletic programs, foster student-athlete development, and contribute to the overall success of the team and institution.

What are some common challenges faced by NAIA Graduate Assistants, and how can they be effectively managed?

NAIA Graduate Assistants often balance multiple responsibilities, such as coaching duties, administrative tasks, and their own graduate coursework. Time management is a frequent challenge, as GAs must prioritize team commitments while maintaining academic performance. Building strong communication skills and establishing clear schedules with supervisors can help manage these demands. Additionally, GAs may face the challenge of transitioning from being a student-athlete to a coaching role, requiring adaptability and professionalism to earn respect from team members and staff.

What is the difference between Naia Graduate Assistant vs Naia Intern?

AspectNaia Graduate AssistantNaia Intern
Required CredentialsGraduate degree or enrollment in a graduate programUndergraduate or early graduate students
Work EnvironmentAcademic institutions, offices, or campus settingsVaries; often on-campus or event-based
Employer & Industry UsageColleges, universities, and educational organizationsEducational institutions, sports, or event organizations
Common Search & Comparison IntentUnderstanding roles, responsibilities, and qualificationsLearning about internship opportunities and experience

The Naia Graduate Assistant typically holds a graduate degree or is enrolled in a graduate program, working in academic or campus settings to support educational activities. In contrast, a Naia Intern is usually an undergraduate or early graduate student gaining practical experience through internships, often in campus or event environments. Both roles are common in educational organizations but differ mainly in educational level and scope of responsibilities.

What are popular job titles related to Naia Graduate Assistant jobs in Wisconsin?

For Naia Graduate Assistant jobs in Wisconsin, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Naia Graduate Assistant jobs in Wisconsin look for?

The top searched job categories for Naia Graduate Assistant jobs in Wisconsin are:

Infographic showing various Naia Graduate Assistant job openings in Wisconsin as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 60% Full Time, and 40% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution.

Head Cross-Country Coach and Assistant Track & Field Coach

Viterbo University

La Crosse, WI • On-site

Full-time

Posted 23 days ago


Job description

Viterbo University is seeking a Head Coach for Men's and Women's Cross-Country will also serve as the Assistant Men's and Women's Track & Field Coach. As the head coach of the cross-country program, this person will provide leadership, guidance, and direction to student athletes, organize practices and competitions, and maintain positive interactions with student-athletes, department staff, university colleagues, alumni, and benefactors. As the assistant track & field coach, this person will help support the head track & field coach with coaching and administrative tasks. This is a 10-month, full-time position.

Responsibilities:

  • Organize and oversee all aspects of Viterbo intercollegiate cross-country programs.
  • Serve as the assistant track & field coach while serving as primary coach for distance runners.
  • Recruit top quality student-athletes to Viterbo University.
  • Plan practices, prepare team for competition, coordinate off-season training program. Schedule competition, coordinate travel, and manage budget.
  • Monitor and foster academic progress of student-athletes. Coordinate team involvement with community outreach or service projects.
  • Generate booster club support and assist with departmental fund-raisers. Hire, train, supervise, and evaluate assistant coaches.
  • Support and adhere to all institutional policies outlined in the employee handbook.
  • Teach and embrace the five core values of the NAIA's "Champions of Character" initiative.
  • Ensure that all program operations are complaint with Viterbo, NSAA, and NAIA rules Attend all required departmental, university, and conference meetings.
  • Attend all required departmental, university, and conference meetings.
  • Carry out other responsibilities as delegated or assigned by the Director of Athletics.

Qualifications:

  • Bachelor's degree required
  • Experience with cross country or track & field as an athlete, coach, educator, or administrator required.
  • A valid drivers license with a satisfactory driving record. 
  • Willingness to work flexible hours including nights and weekends.

To Apply: Please complete the online employment application form and upload a letter of interest highlighting your experiences to support your candidacy., CV/resume, and three professional references.

Alignment: Viterbo University seeks employees who will embrace the University mission and incorporate our values into their day-to-day work.

Mission: The Viterbo University community prepares students for faithful service and ethical leadership.

Values: In keeping with the tradition of our Franciscan founders, we hold the following core values:

  • Contemplation, reflecting upon the presence of God in our lives and work
  • Hospitality, welcoming everyone we encounter as an honored guest
  • Integrity, striving for honesty in everything we say and do
  • Service, working for the common good in the spirit of humility and joy
  • Stewardship, practicing responsible use of all resources in our trust

About the University: Viterbo University is a private, not-for-profit, Catholic, Franciscan institutions founded by the Franciscan Sisters of Perpetual Adoration in 1871. Viterbo offers a student-centered liberal arts education with a wide range of undergraduate, graduate, and professional programs. Located in La Crosse, Wisconsin, the university is nestled along the scenic Mississippi River and surrounded by the stunning bluffs. The local area combines natural beauty with a vibrant, welcoming community, offering opportunities for outdoor recreation, arts and culture. Together, Viterbo and La Crosse provide an exceptional place to live, work, and make a difference.

Applicants must be authorized to work for any employer in the U.S. We are unable to sponsor or take over sponsorship at this time.

The university does not unlawfully discriminate on the basis of sex or engage in sex discrimination in any education program or activity that the university operates. Title IX's mandate not to discriminate on the basis of sex extends to students, employees, applicants for employment, and other persons in all aspects of the university's programs, activities, and operations. Inquiries regarding how Title IX applies to the university may be referred to the university Title IX coordinator, to the U.S. Department of Education Office of Civil Rights, or to both.

Contact information for the Title IX coordinator is available at www.viterbo.edu/titleix.