Athletics: Graduate Assistant

Title: Graduate Assistant

Department/Location:  Hay Field House/Elsah

Organizational Relationships:  Reports to Athletics Facilities and Events Manager

Summary: Event and facility management responsibilities, game day operations (live stats, live stream, referees) – all sports. May help with the business of establishing and maintaining a team; may coach a sport; must work within the sports budget.  Part-time, 9-month position.

Who We Are  

At our award-winning pre-K–12 school in St. Louis, Missouri, and top-ranked Principia College in Elsah, Illinois, Principia faculty and staff make up a close-knit community of educators, coaches, and professionals taking a distinct approach to education—blending academic excellence with Christian Science-based character education. Principia’s team of over 500 employees supports not only Principia School and Principia College, but also a worldwide network of Alumni & Friends.  

At Principia College, our globally-focused curriculum honors diverse perspectives and develops creative changemakers who use their academic skills for good in service to themselves, their communities, and the world. In-depth study meets real-world experience through study abroad programs, internships, capstone projects, and a robust slate of student activities, including a world-renowned mediation team, top-ranked solar car team, national champion rugby club, and the nation’s oldest student-run public affairs conference. 

Principia employees are part of an engaging academic community preparing students to be tomorrow’s leaders, thinkers, and changemakers. We strive to create a collaborative and inclusive environment where everyone feels they belong and are valued.    

Work Performed - Essential Duties*: 

Manages the intercollegiate sport program in accord with National, Conference, and Principia College rules:

• Helps develop and execute in-season/out of season programs, technical/skill, and strategic/tactical content of program; game and/or practice/training plans; helps with travel planning

• Helps prepare accurate posting of all sport information data
• Coordinates with Athletics Director, Alumni Office, and Advancement teams to develop and maintain appropriate relations with alumni and the community
• Adhere to national, conference and Principia College rules and expectations, and addresses any violations relating to sportsmanship and ethical conduct by student-athletes or coaches
• Communicate any violations or incidents to the Athletics Director promptly
• Demonstrates an ability to manage a budget; establish a playing season; make travel arrangements; purchase equipment.
• Helps with logistics and operations within the department

Effectively works with students in balancing their academic/athletic responsibilities:

• Monitors progress of and works with athletes who are experiencing academic or social difficulty, and ensures that study and progress is not compromised by athletic activity
• Advises Athletics Director of any/all issues pertaining to individual student challenges/problems

• Ensures that students in the program are encouraged to exemplify the high standards of Principia and takes corrective action, if appropriate

To perform this job successfully, a coach should demonstrate the following competencies/standards for excellence in coaching:

• Acumen – Proficiency (talent, ability, aptitude); Expertise (expert skill, knowledge)
• People Skills – Ability to communicate (listening and relating); Relationship building (trust)
• Recognizes that the department functions as a team in support of the whole of athletics
• Conceptual Skills –Vision (direction and meaning); Initiative (innovation and learning)
• Track Record – Experience; Consistency (pattern of success)
• Discretion – Evaluate strengths and weaknesses (candor); Attract talent (recruiting)
• Judgment – Confidence (self-reliance, assurance, boldness); Composure (poise in the moment)
• Character – Modeling the way; Professionalism (behavior, appropriate conduct)
• Oral and Written Communication

Special Requirements:

• Willingness to work nights and weekends
• Ability and desire to obtain graduate degree in the field of sports                     

Minimum Qualifications:  

• Student of Christian Science
• Supportive of Principia’s mission, vision, and values as articulated here https://www.principia.edu/about/mission  
• Bachelor’s Degree 
• Ability to be an effective, professional role model for students
• Knowledge and support of Principia policies

* The statements herein are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed but are not to be a complete list of responsibilities and are subject to change at the discretion of the employer.

Compensation and Benefits

We offer an hourly wage for this position: $15 hourly

In addition to salary, our comprehensive total rewards package includes:

• Generous Employee Tuition Discount: Enjoy student loan deferment during your employment as a GA 
• Professional Development: Access to learning opportunities, training programs, and career growth support

Equal Opportunity   

Principia, a mission-driven institution, believes every person has the right to an equitable and respectful educational environment and workplace. Principia does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, ethnicity, gender (identity or expression), sexual orientation, family status, disability, age, or military or veteran status.  

In hiring, admissions, and related decisions, Principia—as an institution with a religious mission—gives preference, where appropriate, to Christian Scientists.