Graduate Assistants

We utilize graduate assistants to assist the professional staff in the administration, daily operations, and development of a multi-faceted recreation program. Graduate Assistants will assist with student personnel management, special events and various administrative duties. Learn more below!

Assistantship Details

Compensation is $15.00 per hour
10 month appointment from August 1 - May 31
20 hours per week
Renewal of another 10 month appointment and/or summer hourly work based on successful performance evaluation

Application Process

We are currently accepting applications for:

Aquatics and Facility Operations
Competitive Sports
Fitness and Instructional Programs.

To apply, submit a cover letter, resume, list of at least two references, a copy of unofficial transcript (transcript can be submitted separate from other application materials once grades have posted for the semester) and assistantship position(s) of choice by email.

For more information, questions, or to submit your materials, please reach out to Brooke Lambert.

Note: All potential Graduate Assistants must apply and be accepted to The Graduate School at UNCW before final offer can be extended. Graduate School application deadlines vary by degree program. A minimum GPA of 3.0 is required for acceptance into any graduate program. Test scores are required by some, but not all, programs.

We encourage applicants to check out the helpful information section at the bottom of the page for more details about graduate school and UNCW.

General Expectations

Adhere to Department of Campus Recreation Mission, Vision, ethics/values, policies and procedures and the UNCW Code of Student Life
Promote and support departmental mission, vision, standards and programs
Exhibit highest commitment to student development and customer service
Exhibit excellent interpersonal and communication skills and maintain a professional appearance for all assignments and activities
Represent the Department of Campus Recreation and the Division of Student Affairs in a positive way and conduct yourself professionally while attending meetings, collaborating with colleagues, working with student team members or participants
Demonstrate ability to take initiative, problem-solve, collaborate effectively as a member of a goal-oriented team and meet deadlines

Consult with direct supervisor prior to handling difficult situations that cannot be satisfactorily solved independently
Participate in other University or Division of Student Affairs initiatives or programs and Departmental special events, committee, etc. as assigned by you supervisor
Maintain affiliation and involvement with national, regional and state recreation associations
Attend and be actively involved at Graduate Assistant Training (August), Beginning of the Year Training/Common Training (August and January), specific program area training/in-services (Fall/Spring) and Campus Rec Staff Meetings/Retreats (Fall/Spring)
Remain enrolled in good standing as a UNCW graduate student
Become certified as an American Red Cross Instructor (CPR/First Aid/AED)

General Responsibilities

Responsibilities may vary by position, though they may include the following:

Assist with hiring, training, scheduling and evaluating student team members, interns, and practicum students
As directed by supervisor, conduct weekly/monthly staff meetings and in-service training's
Assist with the development and execution of departmental special events
Work evening and weekend hours as required
Participate in departmental assessment efforts to continually enhance services

Assist with the overall student development program, beginning of the year training, and annual risk management exercise, especially pertaining to the professional development of Program Assistants
Assist with managing payroll, operating budgets and annual reports, coordinating long-term projects relating to logistical support, program promotion and marketing, budget reporting and analysis, risk management, facility maintenance, program evaluation/assessment and analysis, general program planning and development
Assist with facility supervision and operational responsibilities for the 165,000 sq/ft Student Recreation Center and satellite facilities on a rotating basis (weekends)

SPECIFIC PROGRAM RESPONSIBILITIES

Aquatics & Facility Operations

Competitive Sports

Fitness & Instructional Programs

Facility Operations

Marketing

Student Development

Reports to the Assistant Director of Facility Operations and Student Development

Position Availability: Accepting Applications - Fall 2026 through Spring 2027

This role supports aquatics and facility operations through program coordination, staff supervision, and administrative oversight. Responsibilities include assisting with the management and continuous improvement of the Learn-to-Swim Program; supervising, training, scheduling, and developing student swim instructors; and supporting class scheduling, enrollment tracking, and program assessment while ensuring compliance with safety standards and policies. The position also assists with personnel recruitment, hiring, onboarding, and record keeping, serves as a resource for student employees, and contributes to daily facility operations such as inventory management, equipment maintenance coordination, and operational audits. Additional duties include supporting risk management efforts, emergency response training and documentation, professional development initiatives, policy and SOP updates, long-term planning, and the planning and execution of aquatics and facility special events.

Preferred Certifications: WSI or WSI-IT, LGI or LGI-IT, CPO, and/or AFO (may obtain after hire)

Reports to the Assistant Director - Competitive Sports

Position Availability: Accepting Applications - Fall 2026 through Spring 2027

Responsibilities include planning, organizing, administering, and supervising competitive sports programs and team members as assigned. Specific duties include: recruiting, training, scheduling, supervising, and evaluating (including video evaluation) officials and support staff for assigned activities and programs; maintaining accurate statistical records related to participation, budget, and equipment inventory; coordinating and communicating departmental programs and services to designated student representative groups; and conducting/instructing clinics and workshops on rules, playing techniques, officiating procedures, and policies. Mentor assigned Sport Clubs; assist with Sport Club Council meetings and officer training's, club budget allocation, roster and waiver management, home event planning and management, etc. Previous experience in programming and organizing Intramural Sports and previous experience officiating and/or officials’ training is preferred.

Reports to the Assistant Director - Fitness

Position Availability: Accepting Applications - Fall 2026 through Spring 2027

The Graduate Assistant for Instructional Programs supports the planning, delivery, and assessment of instructional fitness programs within Campus Recreation, with a primary focus on group fitness operations, staff development, special events, and preparation for nationally accredited certification courses. This position contributes to UNCW’s institutional priorities related to student engagement, applied learning, wellbeing, and data-informed decision making by supporting high-quality instructional experiences and structured learning opportunities for student staff.

Reports to the Assistant Director of Facility Operations & Student Development

Position Availability: Not Currently Accepting Applications

Responsibilities include assisting with the overall operation of the Pat Leonard Student Recreation Center for recreational programs. Prepare and supervise facilities for departmental programs; assist with scheduling of space and maintenance of equipment inventory; manage student team members including scheduling, training (conduct in-service training's and staff meetings) and evaluating; evaluate facilities for continued operational effectiveness; and conduct risk management safety inspections. Additionally, the Graduate Assistant will assist in the management of special maintenance projects that occur throughout the year (including break periods). Previous experience in facility supervision, equipment inventory, and/or maintenance is preferred.

Reports to the Marketing and Communications Specialist

Position Availability: Not Currently Accepting Applications

Responsibilities include organizing, developing, managing, and implementing overall marketing plan, marketing strategies and projects for the Department of Campus Recreation or within assigned program areas. Assist the Marketing and Communications Specialist with information fairs, special events and various activities within specific program areas. Other duties include development and management of website and social media, brochures/posters/flyers, public service announcements, and database management; strategy planning and targeting efforts; conduct presentations to designated groups; and assist with set-up/take down and logistical concerns for information fairs and special events. Manage the marketing student staff (schedule, train, evaluate), plan and facilitate marketing staff meetings (scheduling, creating/sharing agendas, incorporating in-service training & team building), and assigns duties or projects. Will be responsible for reviewing and proofreading promotional materials created by marketing team members. Previous experience with marketing programs or events, Adobe Suite software (Illustrator, Photoshop, InDesign, etc.), graphic design and layout skills, working with a variety of social media platforms, photography and videography, website development and management, and writing blogs and/or newsletter articles is preferred.

Reports to the Assistant Director of Facility Operations & Student Development

Position Availability: Not Currently Accepting Applications

Responsibilities include developing, organizing, managing and implementing the overall student development program for the Department of Campus Recreation. Develop, coordinate, market and lead the Seahawk Recreation Leadership Series (workshops/training's/activities designed to promote professional and personal development in and out of the workplace). Work collaboratively to create goals, objectives and outcomes for the Seahawk Recreation Development Program. Coordinate, develop and lead our Beginning of the Year Training and other common training's. Assist in the management and oversight of the Student Advisory Board and their programming efforts (student social event, service projects, etc.). Coordinate, develop, and lead new student team member orientations (onboarding program) to ensure consistent information and preparation is provided to all student team members. Create, design, and implement on-line training and/or development modules for use with leadership series and/or onboarding. Work collaboratively to plan and implement employee recognition awards and events. Assist in creating and developing new methods to improve student staff performance, engagement and morale. Conduct assessment and solicit feedback of training's and development modules. This Graduate Assistant will work collaboratively with all professional staff members and Graduate Assistants within Campus Recreation. Produce bi-annual and annual training reports. Previous experience leading employee training, group facilitation, and team-building is preferred.

Learning Outcomes

To communicate concepts and instructions efficiently and articulately to a variety of communication and learning styles (Effective Communication).
To integrate contextual knowledge into practical applications by developing organized processes for managing crisis, enforcing policies and diffusing conflict (Informed Reasoning).
To acquire and consciously apply appropriate leadership models when interacting with peers, student team members and participants (Personal Responsibility).
To demonstrate the ability to set specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and timely objectives to accomplish goals, stay motivated and manage personal, academic, and work responsibilities (Personal Responsibility).
To display the ability to interact, facilitate and lead a variety of groups and individuals with dissimilar backgrounds.
To express the importance of commitment, ethics, values, integrity and contributions to being a successful team member (Personal Responsibility).

Skills Acquired

Professionalism and Leadership
Personnel Management
Risk and crisis management coordination/training
Time management
Communication skills/techniques and soft skills
Critical thinking, informed reasoning and problem solving
Technical skills related to your specific program area

Helpful Information

About UNCW

UNCW Graduate School

Meet our Graduate Assistants

Equal Education & Employment Opportunity

The University of North Carolina Wilmington is committed to and will provide equality of educational and employment opportunity for all persons regardless of race, sex (such as gender, marital status, and pregnancy), age, color, national origin (including ethnicity), creed, religion, disability, sexual orientation, political affiliation, veteran status or relationship to other university constituents—except where sex, age, or ability represent bona fide educational or occupational qualifications or where marital status is a statutorily established eligibility criterion for state-funded employee benefit programs.