Graduate Assistants - Sports; 1 and Fitness

Illinois State University Campus Recreation

Are you passionate about creating welcoming spaces, supporting student well-being, and using movement as a tool for connection and growth? Illinois State University Campus Recreation is excited to invite applications for our two open Graduate Assistant positions, designed for graduate students who want hands‑on experience while making a meaningful impact on campus life.

At Illinois State University Campus Recreation, our mission is to encourage the campus community to embrace fun and well‑being through movement, challenge, and play. We are committed to creating inclusive, engaging environments where students can thrive both personally and professionally.

Our work is guided by the following values:

• Learning and Development – Promote leadership, growth, and critical thinking

• Belonging – Create a welcoming, safe, and valued community

• Responsibility – Ensure accountable, ethical, and informed decision‑making

• Respect – Embrace an inclusive and equitable environment

• Teamwork – Cultivate a fun, collaborative, and transparent atmosphere

Illinois State University Campus Recreation offers Graduate Assistantships that provide hands‑on professional experience in a collaborative, energetic environment. Graduate Assistants play a vital role in delivering programs that support student well‑being, leadership development, and community engagement through movement, challenge, and play.

• Monthly stipend: $2,025 per month

• Tuition waiver (per University and assistantship guidelines)

• Professional development, mentorship, and leadership opportunities

• Practical experience preparing you for a career in Campus Recreation or Student Affairs

The Graduate Assistant for Competitive Sports assists the Competitive Sports team (Assistant Director and Coordinator) in the overall administration of Sport Clubs and Intramural Sports. This role offers meaningful leadership experience through student development, event management, and program operations.

• Design, deliver, and evaluate trainings, meetings, and workshops for Sport Club officers, Intramural officials, and student team members

• Advise and support Sport Club student leaders in areas such as event management, budgeting, and conflict resolution

• Plan and evaluate major events including Sport Club Expo, Intramural Championship Nights, Redbird Rumble, and the Sport Club Leadership Awards

• Manage one or more intramural sports, including student staff training, registration management (IMLeagues), and in‑season operations

• Coordinate and schedule Sport Club practices and competitions across University facilities

• Hire, train, supervise, and evaluate student team members serving as Supervisors and Officials

• Assist with payroll and scheduling for a student team of approximately 25–40 employees

The Graduate Assistant for Fitness is integrally involved in all aspects of Fitness programming, including group fitness, personal training, special events, and student staff development. This position is ideal for graduate students interested in fitness leadership, instruction, and program management.

• Assist with the development and coordination of fitness special events and instructional programs

• Support the creation and implementation of group fitness class formats

• Teach group fitness classes and provide personal training as needed

• Mentor and support student team members

• Assist with participant data collection and statistical analysis

• Hire, train, supervise, and evaluate fitness instructors and personal trainers

• Coordinate scheduling and staffing of student team members

• Assist with monthly staff meetings and professional development sessions

• Assist in teaching the ACE Group Fitness Prep Course and ACE Personal Training Prep Course

If you’re excited about supporting student well‑being, developing future leaders, and gaining hands‑on experience in a dynamic Campus Recreation environment, we encourage you to apply for a Graduate Assistantship with Illinois State University Campus Recreation.

• Applicants must qualify for admission to the Illinois State University Graduate School. Learn more about applying at (Use the "Apply for this Job" box below)..
• Eligible for appointment as per the requirements in the Graduate Assistant Handbook which can be found at .
• Must be a degree‑seeking graduate student at Illinois State University. Preferred degrees as follows:
  • Competitive Sports:
    Kinesiology and Recreation (KNR), College of Business, College Student Personnel Administration program, or a related field.
  • Fitness:
    College Student Personnel Administration, Kinesiology and Recreation, Master of Business Administration, Master of Public Health.
• Position Specific Requirements available on ISU postings:
  • Competitive Sports:…