The Ohio State University Department of Recreational Sports is inviting applications for 2027–2029 Graduate Assistantships in Competitive Sports, Facility Operations and Outdoor Facility Operations.
The assistantships provide graduate students with professional experience in recreational sports administration, facility management, student employee supervision, event planning and higher education. Successful Graduate Assistants receive a monthly stipend and a full tuition waiver, including in-state, out-of-state and international tuition.
Graduate Assistantship Opportunities
Ohio State Recreational Sports is recruiting for four Graduate Assistant positions:
- Competitive Sports – 2 positions
- Facility Operations – 1 position
- Outdoor Facility Operations – 1 position
The appointments are expected to run for two years, with Graduate Assistants serving on nine-month appointments.
Competitive Sports Graduate Assistant
The Competitive Sports Graduate Assistant will support the administration and management of Ohio State’s Competitive Sports programme.
The programme includes more than 60 sport clubs with over 2,400 participants, as well as more than 40 intramural leagues and events serving over 1,800 teams each year.
Responsibilities include supporting the supervision, onboarding, training and development of student employees; coordinating intramural sports and sport club competitions and events; managing scheduling and programme logistics; and serving as a primary resource and point of contact for sport clubs and participants.
Facility Operations Graduate Assistant
The Facility Operations position supports the management and daily operations of the Recreation and Physical Activity Center (RPAC).
The RPAC is a 565,000-square-foot indoor recreation facility serving more than 100,000 participants annually.
The Graduate Assistant will help supervise, onboard, train and develop student employees while also supporting training and certification programmes and assessing student learning.
The role also contributes to the management of various RPAC facilities, including fitness areas, 12 wood courts, 10 racquetball courts, four squash courts, indoor golf hitting stations, meeting spaces and a demonstration kitchen.
Outdoor Facility Operations Graduate Assistant
The Outdoor Facility Operations position supports the management and daily operation of Ohio State’s outdoor recreation facilities and indoor tennis centre.
Responsibilities include student employee supervision, onboarding, training and development, creating and facilitating training and certification programmes, assessing student learning, supporting facility operations and assisting with event planning.
The Graduate Assistant will also help ensure that outdoor recreation spaces and the indoor tennis centre remain safe, welcoming and effectively managed for the university community.
Eligibility and Qualifications
Candidates seeking a Graduate Assistantship must apply to one of the two graduate programmes specified by Ohio State Recreational Sports:
- Master of Science in Kinesiology – Sport Management
- Master of Arts in Educational Studies – Higher Education and Student Affairs
A minimum GPA of 3.0 is required for admission to graduate school at The Ohio State University.
Ohio State Recreational Sports is currently accepting materials only from applicants to the specified graduate programmes. Applicants to other programmes or degrees are not being considered for these assistantships.
Stipend and Tuition Benefits
Graduate Assistants are appointed for nine-month terms and receive an approximate monthly stipend of $2,682.
The assistantships are expected to last for two years.
A full tuition waiver is included and covers:
- In-state tuition
- Out-of-state tuition
- International tuition
Summer employment may also be available, although it is not guaranteed.
Final candidates must successfully complete a background check.
Application Deadline
The Ohio State Recreational Sports Graduate Assistant application is currently accepting applications for the 2027–2029 positions.
Preference will be given to applications received by November 1, 2026.
Applicants should therefore submit their materials before this date to receive consideration under the stated preference.
How to Apply
Applicants should first apply to either the Sport Management graduate programme or the Higher Education and Student Affairs graduate programme at Ohio State University.
They must then complete the Rec Sports Graduate Assistant Application.
After submitting the online application, applicants are required to email a cover letter and resume to Kolby Carothers, Student Staff Training Specialist.
Applications submitted through Bluefishjobs.com will not be reviewed.
Applicants should ensure that their application demonstrates relevant experience, leadership ability, interest in higher education or recreational sports and suitability for the specific Graduate Assistant position.
Why This Opportunity Is Valuable
These assistantships combine graduate education with practical professional experience within a major university recreational sports department.
Depending on the position, Graduate Assistants can gain experience in sports administration, facility operations, student employee development, event management, training, programme coordination and higher education.
The combination of a monthly stipend and full tuition waiver can also substantially support students while they complete their graduate studies.
How to Strengthen the Application
Applicants should select the Graduate Assistant position that best matches their academic interests and previous experience. The cover letter should clearly explain their interest in the position and demonstrate relevant leadership, programme management, sports, student affairs or facility operations experience where applicable.
Candidates should also ensure that their resume is current and highlights measurable responsibilities and achievements. Applications should be submitted before November 1, 2026, as preference is given to applications received by that date.
Opportunity: Ohio State Recreational Sports Graduate Assistantships
Positions: 4
Study programmes: Sport Management or Higher Education and Student Affairs
Location: Columbus, Ohio, USA
Stipend: Approximately $2,682 per month
Tuition: Full tuition waiver
Duration: Two years
Application preference deadline: November 1, 2026
