Athletic Facilities and Event Management Graduate Assistant

Western Kentucky University, Department of Athletics, is seeking applications for Facility and Event Management Graduate Assistant beginning July 6th of 2026. This is a 12-month, part-time position that reports to the Director of Athletic Facilities. Applicants must have a commitment to and responsibility for adhering to all rules and regulations of WKU, Conference USA and the NCAA.

Primary Duties and Responsibilities:

The following duties are customary for this position, but are not to be construed as all-inclusive. Duties may be added, deleted and assigned based on management discretion and institutional needs.

• Assist with day-to-day operations at all athletic facilities

• Serve as game manager of one fall Olympic sport and one spring Olympic Sport

  Manage and communicate with game officials, PA announcer, and official scoring personnel

Coordinate game day operations with the visiting team prior to their arrival and throughout the event while serving as the visiting team liaison

Supervise game day student staff, event ushers, and ball kids (when applicable)

• Assist with game management for men's basketball, women's basketball and football

• Support various external events as the facilities event main contact and assist in set-up and breakdown of special events located in athletic facilities

• Receive quotes for equipment and services from vendors as needed and requested by Athletic Facilities staff

• Perform all painting and striping of playing lines on athletic fields

• Maintain softball field conditions as needed including infield skin and bullpens

• Assist with post-season Conference USA or NCAA Tournaments

• Troubleshoot issues that arise as needed

• Support the Athletic Facilities staff in the operations of all athletic facilities

Knowledge and Skills Considered Essential for Success:

• Excellent written and verbal skills

• Exemplary interpersonal, customer service and organizational skills

• Ability to handle confidential and sensitive situations with tact and diplomacy

• Keen attention to detail

• Self-motivated

• Experience in game operations and/or facility operations is highly desirable

• Must have a valid driver’s license

• Must be able to use Microsoft office

• Ability to lift and move athletics equipment up to 50 pounds.

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree, preferably in Sport Management or related field

• Must have 1 year of experience in a Division I athletic department

• Acceptance into a graduate program at Western Kentucky University

• Must have a 3.0 cumulative GPA in undergraduate studies

Compensation:

$1,100 stipend, paid monthly. The scholarship will cover full tuition expenses for two classes per semester. Does not cover course-related fees or textbooks. The candidate must have earned a baccalaureate degree and be admitted as a full-time student in any graduate program at Western Kentucky University, effective fall 2026. This position is a two-year commitment, renewed after one year based on satisfactory academic and work-related performance. The selected candidate must maintain a 3.0 GPA in the WKU graduate program of their choice.

Applications for employment will be accepted electronically only. Interested candidates must submit a cover letter, a current resume, list of references via email to parker.vick@wku.edu. To ensure full consideration submit application materials by June 1st, 2026. Anticipated start date July 6th, 2026.

Western Kentucky University does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, sex, sexual orientation, disability, age, religion, or marital status in admission to career and technical education programs and/or activities, or employment practices in accordance with the Title VI and VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Title IX of the Educational Amendments of 1972, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, Revised 1992, and the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990.