Kent State Athletics is accepting applications for its graduate assistant program for the 2026–27 academic year. Our GA program offers students enrolled in Kent State University’s graduate programs the opportunity to gain real-world, hands-on experience working within a Division I athletics department. Graduate assistants work alongside full-time professional staff across the department, developing the skills, portfolio, and industry connections to launch a career in sports.
Open positions with job descriptions and how to apply:
Athletic Communications (Sports Information Director)
Graduate Assistant, Athletic Communications
Kent State Athletics | Kent, Ohio
Kent State Athletics is seeking a Graduate Assistant for Athletic Communications to join our fast-paced sports information operation. This is an excellent opportunity for a student passionate about collegiate athletics and sports media to gain hands-on experience in a Division I environment.
About the role
The GA for Athletic Communications will assist the Kent State Athletics communications staff in the day-to-day operations of the sports information office. Responsibilities include writing game recaps, press releases, and feature content, maintaining statistical records, managing sport-specific website pages and social media, and supporting media relations across a portfolio of Golden Flashes programs.
What you’ll do
- Write and edit game recaps, preview stories, and news releases for assigned sports (field hockey, gymnastics, men’s & women’s golf (subject to change))
- Coordinate media credentials and press row logistics on game days.
- Maintain rosters, bios, and historical records on the athletics website
- Assist with social media content and stats
- Support championship and postseason event operations as needed
What we’re looking for
- Enrollment in Kent State’s Sport Administration graduate program
- Strong writing skills and attention to detail
- Passion for collegiate athletics and sports media
- Ability to work evenings and weekends during sports seasons
- Experience with SIDEARM, Genius Sports, PrestoStats, and Virtius is a plus
- Experience with Adobe Creative Cloud (Photoshop, Lightroom, InDesign)
To apply, email your cover letter and resume to Josh Padilla at jpadill3@kent.edu.
Graphic Designer
Graduate Assistant, Graphic Designer
Kent State Athletics | Kent, Ohio
Kent State Athletics is looking for a creative and driven Graduate Assistant for Graphic Design to support our in-house creative team. If you want to build a professional design portfolio while working in Division I athletics, this role is for you.
About the role
The GA for Graphic Design will work alongside the Kent State Athletics creative staff to produce visual content for digital platforms, social media, in-venue displays, and print needs across our department.
What you’ll do
- Design graphics for social media, digital signage, web, and print
- Create game day and event materials, including schedules, programs, promotional pieces, and more
- Collaborate with the communications and video teams on integrated content campaigns
- Assist with photography editing and asset management
- Help maintain brand consistency across all Golden Flashes platforms
What we’re looking for
- Enrollment in Kent State’s Sport Administration graduate program
- Proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop, Lightroom)
- A strong design portfolio demonstrating creative range
- Understanding of sports branding and visual identity preferred
- Ability to meet tight deadlines in a high-volume environment
To apply, email your resume and portfolio to Josh Padilla at jpadill3@kent.edu.
Marketing
Graduate Assistant, Athletic Marketing
Kent State Athletics | Kent, Ohio
Kent State Athletics is seeking a Graduate Assistant for Athletic Marketing to join our fast-paced sports marketing operation. This is an excellent opportunity for a student passionate about collegiate athletics and sports marketing to gain hands-on experience in a Division I environment.
About the role
The GA for Athletic Marketing will assist the Kent State Athletics marketing staff in the day-to-day operations of the sports marketing office. Responsibilities include the promotion of assigned sports, events, and brands, focusing on driving fan attendance, revenue, and sponsor fulfillment. Additionally, this role will assist in on-field/on-court activations at home football and basketball games.
What you’ll do
- Oversee in-game activities, promotions, and on-site activations for three assigned sports
- Create and execute promotional strategies to boost game attendance and ticket sale for assigned sports
- Fulfill sponsor agreements by ensuring logo visibility and activating partnership assets when applicable
- Develop marketing materials and coordinate with sports information for social media platforms to increase fan engagement.
- Work with athletic department staff to develop marketing plans and support the athletic department.
What we’re looking for
- Enrollment in Kent State’s Sport Administration graduate program
- Prior experience in marketing/game day operations
- Passion for collegiate athletics and sports marketing
- Ability to work evenings and weekends during sports seasons
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office, strong communication skills, and familiarity with social media platforms
- Experience with Adobe Creative Cloud (Photoshop, InDesign) is a plus
To apply, email your cover letter and resume to Ryan Paul at rpaul17@kent.edu.
Videographer
Graduate Assistant, Videographer
Kent State Athletics | Kent, Ohio
Kent State Athletics is seeking a Graduate Assistant for Video to join our creative and communications team. This is a hands-on opportunity to produce compelling video content for Kent State Athletics.
About the role
The GA for Video will assist in the production and editing of video content across Kent State Athletics’ digital channels, including YouTube, social media, and in-venue platforms. From feature storytelling to live event coverage, this role touches every corner of the athletics department.
What you’ll do
- Film and edit feature videos, hype content, game recaps, and social media clips
- Operate cameras at games, practices, and special events
- Assist with live production broadcasts for non-football and MAC Center events
- Manage video assets and maintain an organized media library
- Collaborate with the graphics and communications teams on multimedia campaigns
What we’re looking for
- Enrollment in Kent State’s Sport Administration graduate program
- Experience with video production and editing (Adobe Premiere, Final Cut Pro, or similar)
- Strong storytelling instincts and an eye for compelling visuals
- Ability to work evenings and weekends during sports seasons
- Experience with live production or broadcast is a plus
To apply, email your resume and portfolio to Josh Padilla at jpadill3@kent.edu.
