Primary Duties and Responsibilities: This position will be responsible for assisting with all facets of the Thornton Center operations. The individual in this position will be expected to learn all aspects of what is required to be a successful student-athlete development support staff member. The Thornton Center staff is committed to developing all skills needed to be a great professional in this field. By the end of the two-year graduate assistant experience, you will be able to: oCreate programming for student-athletes that demonstrates a progression from year to year with a particular emphasis on leadership development, professional development, community outreach, diversity and inclusion, and character development. oCollaborate with campus departments such as Center for Career Development and Jones Center for Leadership and Service to identify and implement career programming and leadership opportunities for student-athletes. oCoordinate post graduate scholarship nominations and applications. oProactively connect and engage with campus departments, organizations, faculty, and staff to facilitate a positive working relationship. oProvide guidance to student-athletes in group and one-on-one settings as it pertains to their professional development and career interests. oAssist with website communication, social media, newsletter, and marketing designs. oUnderstand and be able to communicate the principles of a Student-Athlete Development program to a wide audience (prospects, coaches, staff, campus partners, etc). oContribute to meaningful professional conversations and produce high quality outcomes based on your previous professional development opportunities and involvement on local and national levels.

How to Apply: Submit cover letter, resume, and reference list electronically to: Thornton@utk.edu. Subject line Student-Athlete Development Graduate Assistant Application. oReview of applications will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled. oApplications received by Monday, January 30 will be given preference. oInterviews are expected to take place the week of February 6. oSuggested start date is June 1, 2023 with coursework beginning August 2023.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree required
• Excellent communication skills; strong work ethic, well organized, self-starter, and self-motivated; willingness to collaborate; ability to prioritize a workload and work under pressure in order to meet deadlines; exhibit a professional disposition
• Desire to obtain full-time employment in student-athlete support services
• Must be admitted to a graduate program at the University of Tennessee by the start of the Fall 2023 term

About The University of Tennessee Thornton Center

What’s Inside?With 18 full-time staff members, the Thornton Athletics Student Life Center offers academic counseling services, career development program, student development program, comprehensive tutoring program, writing lab, math lab, computer lab, and accommodations for students with special needs. What’s Our Mission?We foster the pursuit of comprehensive excellence through the holistic development of each student-athlete. We cultivate champions for life by maintaining a culture of integrity, utilizing an innovative approach, and displaying leadership while honoring and fulfilling the volunteer spirit.We are Thornton!What’s Our Vision?We will be constant in our pursuit of excellence through transformative programs and services that set the national standard. We will inspire greatness that transcends sport by empowering student-athletes to become self-directed learners and thinkers, developing ambassadors who embody the volunteer spirit, and preparing graduates for global success.

Connections working at The University of Tennessee Thornton Center