Campus News

Rockford University invites candidates for the position of Graduate Assistant-Cross County and Track & Field to begin August 2025.  The Graduate Assistant will fulfill all the necessary duties of a collegiate track and cross country coach, creatively assist the head coach in recruiting, practice planning, meet management, and fundraising and foster a team culture that enhances the quality of education for student-athletes at Rockford University.  Compensation includes 21 credit hours of tuition remission per academic year, monthly stipend and room and board.  Graduate Assistants work 12 months per year.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities include the following but not limited to:

• Generate large numbers of recruiting contact lists
• Organize mailings
• Make connections with high school coaches through email and/or phone
• Build relationships with potential student athletes through emails, phone calls, and in-person meetings.
• Manage Front Rush recruiting software
• Be able to create macro and micro training plans for any track and field event discipline as directed.
• Assist in practice planning for both track & field and cross country teams
• Develop offseason training plans for track and field athletes not competing in cross country
• Supervise practices and weight room sessions as needed
• Contact current students about tutoring opportunities
• Aid program in the successful adherence of all compliance requirements for both the NCAA and the University
• Assist in the acquisition, proper use, storage, and maintenance of team uniforms and equipment
• Help develop a highly competitive yet appropriate competition schedule
• Create and plan summer camps and clinics
• Generate fundraising plans
• Aid in event management of track & field and cross country meets hosted on the Rockford University campus (both collegiate and high school).
• Operate rental vehicles
• Organize storage spaces
• Complete facility management projects as needed
• Keep a clean and orderly workspace 

Education and/or Experience:

• Bachelor’s Degree.
• Admission into a Rockford University graduate program
• Experience as a collegiate athlete
• Experience in one or more: sprints, jumps, or throws
• Knowledge of NCAA Division III rules and regulations preferred
• Working knowledge of training theory
• Valid driver’s license, personal automobile insurance and eligibility to drive per Rockford University insurance
• Excellent communication skills, both written and oral
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail
• Experience in Microsoft Outlook and Microsoft Office.

Physical Demands:

Coaches are expected to actively participate in practices through running, biking, weightlifting, or walking. The successful candidate must be able to stand and/or walk for long periods of time and maintain a high level of enthusiasm while at practices and meets. Competitions will require a great deal of movement in a wide variety of weather conditions. Coaches must be able to lift 50lbs. It is preferred that coaches be able to demonstrate proper running and weight room mechanics to athletes.

Work Environment:

Coaches must maintain a consistent presence on campus throughout the school year and a professional appearance is required in all phases of the job. The successful candidate must be able to work with diverse individuals, and maintain working relationships with all members of the Rockford University faculty and staff. Work during evening hours and on weekends is expected. Some travel will be required.

How to Apply:

Review of resumes will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled.  Please email cover letter, resume, and list of three professional references to HumanResources@rockford.edu.