(Revised) Athletics Graduate Assistants (Fall 2026)

Targeted salary of $23,934.04 annually, based on position and experience. Benefits eligible: No.

About the Role

The Athletics Graduate Assistant program supports individuals committed to a career in intercollegiate athletics while pursuing graduate studies. Appointments include:

• Full waiver of graduate tuition (student responsible for associated fees)
• Bi-weekly stipend
• Health insurance coverage
• Other benefits provided to athletics department employees (e.g., complimentary admission to athletic events)

Graduate Assistants work an average of 20 hours per week during the academic year, with hours varying by assigned area. Duties differ based on the specific role within athletics.

Schedule

Work schedule is dependent on the department. Travel may be required.

Areas with Graduate Assistant Positions

Academics

Assistant Academic Advisors work with student-athletes in individualized sessions to develop study skills, techniques, and problem-solving strategies. Responsibilities include:

• Teaching students how to utilize their unique learning styles
• Reporting grades and status updates to coaches and sport administrators
• Participating in professional development workshops to advance workplace skills and knowledge of athletic advising

This program prepares graduate assistants for careers in academic advising and support services.

Communications

The OU Athletics Communication Graduate Assistant manages publicity efforts for assigned sports, including:

• Overseeing websites, social media, and written content
• Coordinating media relations and interviews
• Running and maintaining statistical records, providing live updates
• Assisting with game management tasks (e.g., credential distribution, post-game press conferences)
• Creating publications like media guides and game programs
• Collaborating with marketing, event management, and SoonerVision
• Supporting recruiting projects and providing assistance across various sports

Event Management/Game Operations

The Event Management/Game Operations GA assists with:

• Planning, execution, and evaluation of NCAA events, University events, special events, and championships
• Oversight of student and temporary worker staff hiring, scheduling, and management
• Facility operations, game management, risk management, and event setup/teardown

Equipment

Graduate Assistants in equipment work with a specific sport or in the equipment room, assisting with:

• Daily operations and practice duties
• Competition setup and breakdown

Headington Hall

The Headington Hall Graduate Assistant Residence Director supports the development and management of a positive living environment for student residents by:

• Overseeing daily operations and supervising resident advisors and desk clerks
• Advising the Student Leadership Association
• Coordinating community development efforts
• Assisting with occupancy and conduct matters
• Leading recruitment and tours

This role serves as a mentor to foster students' intellectual, emotional, and social growth.

Branding and Licensing

The OU Licensing and Branding Graduate Assistant assists with:

• Promoting and monitoring the use of OU's brand and trademarks
• Overseeing the university's crafter program
• Managing the OU Licensing email
• Developing, implementing, and evaluating the department's strategic licensing plan
• Analyzing royalty reports and other data
• Coordinating special local, community, and campus events

Lloyd Noble Center

Lloyd Noble Center Graduate Assistants help organize and execute athletic and special events, including:

• Managing Sooner Village and serving as event contacts
• Overseeing facility operations and coordinating logistics with stakeholders
• Assisting with event setup, staffing, and scheduling
• Developing event documents and managing financial aspects of event bookings
• Supporting marketing efforts and handling administrative tasks

Nutrition (Administrative Assistant)

The OU Sports Nutrition Administrative GA supports Athletics Dietitians by:

• Managing daily operations, logistics, and administrative functions of the Sports Nutrition program
• Overseeing fueling stations, inventory, vendors, and food service processes
• Supervising and scheduling student workers and interns
• Facilitating communication across the nutrition team
• Assisting with special events, sport-specific fueling needs, and travel coordination

Nutrition

The OU Nutrition Graduate Assistant serves as the primary dietitian for Volleyball and Track & Field while supporting Football, including:

• Delivering nutrition education through team talks, social media, and individualized counseling
• Conducting body composition testing
• Managing fueling stations and overseeing inventory and procurement
• Coordinating travel nutrition needs (e.g., performance menus, snack preparation)
• Collaborating with coaches and medical staff
• Supervising student interns

People & Culture

The Athletics People & Culture Graduate Assistant supports student-athlete engagement and leadership development by:

• Assisting with orientation activities, leadership institute events, and networking opportunities
• Facilitating social or civic engagement efforts for Student-Athletes
• Helping plan and execute staff engagement events, onboarding activities, and culture-building programs
• Serving as a connector across campus partners, athletics staff, and student-athlete groups

Sooner Club

The Sooner Club Graduate Assistant supports membership engagement by:

• Handling communications, troubleshooting, and donor services for Sooner Club and Varsity O members
• Managing development processes (e.g., failed payments, monthly memberships, donation processing)
• Assisting with ticket requests and donor account management
• Coordinating and supporting game day and special events (e.g., tailgates, premium hospitality, letterwinner reunions)
• Assisting with fundraising efforts, office operations, and research projects

Special Events

The Special Events Graduate Assistant is responsible for:

• Planning and executing special events
• Scheduling staffing and operational plans
• Managing on-site operations and event setup/teardown
• Coordinating with internal and external stakeholders
• Supervising labor and equipment vendors
• Managing contracts and handling event-related inquiries
• Supporting internal athletic events, conferences, and NCAA post-season activities
• Overseeing temporary staff for guest services and special events

Ticket Office

The OU Athletics Ticket Office Graduate Assistant supports daily operations by:

• Assisting with customer service, ticket sales, and order management
• Preparing for and managing game day ticketing operations
• Resolving ticket issues and overseeing complimentary ticket fulfillment
• Scheduling student workers and coordinating event ticketing logistics
• Serving as the primary ticket manager for an assigned Olympic sport

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree
• Must be a current or incoming OU Graduate Student enrolled in the Summer and/or Fall 2026 semester(s)
• If not yet enrolled, must provide a document explaining actual or estimated application and/or enrollment date
• Applicants need not be admitted into the Graduate College to apply, but no offer of employment will be extended without verification of Graduate College and program acceptance and enrollment

Skills and Abilities

• Proficient in Microsoft Office
• Highly organized with the ability to handle multiple projects and deadlines
• Strong initiative to solve problems
• Effective communication and interaction with diverse populations
• Strong interpersonal skills with colleagues, student-athletes, coaches, and administrators
• Ability to handle multiple tasks in a high-stress environment
• Ability to gain and maintain working knowledge of university, SEC, and NCAA rules and regulations

Preferences

• Driver's License

Hiring contingent upon a background check: Yes.