Event Operations & Promotions Graduate Assistant - Athletics

TO APPLY:  

To be considered for this position, please submit 1) a cover letter; 2) a resume; 3) unofficial transcripts; 4) contact information for three references statement to Assistant Athletic Director for Sport Operations, Trista Smith, via email at trista.smith.2@mnsu.edu. 

APPLICATION CLOSE DATE: 3/14/2026

POSITION START DATE: 8/16/2026

RESPONSIBILITIES/JOB DESCRIPTION: 

Minnesota State Athletics is now accepting applications for two (2) event operations and promotions graduate assistants. These positions would report to the Assistant Athletic Director for Sport Operations and would be responsible for assisting with all facets of event operations and promotions. These facets include facility management, event management, concession operations, ticket operations, marketing campaigns, in-game promotions, execution of corporate partnerships, and implementation of a positive fan experience. In addition to home athletic events, the applicant will also be expected to maintain office hours and work a number of special events and external events hosted by the department or university. Evening, weekend, and sometimes holiday hours are expected with these positions. This position complies with all applicable National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA), Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference (NSIC), Central Collegiate Hockey Association (CCHA), Western Collegiate Hockey Association (WCHA), and Minnesota State University 
(MSU) rules, regulations, and protocols in the performance of all job duties.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS: 

• A bachelor's degree from an accredited institution in Sport Management, Business Administration, Marketing, Communications, or a related field.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Excellent organizational skills and the ability to handle multiple tasks at once.
• Individual is detail-oriented, intuitive, and can work independently.
• Willingness to work long hours, nights, weekends, and sometimes holidays.
• Working knowledge of Microsoft Office and Adobe Creative Suite.
• Admitted to a Minnesota State University, Mankato graduate program by start date. 
• Enrolled in a minimum of six (6) graduate credits per semester during assistantship, and in good academic standing. 

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS: 

• A bachelor's degree from an accredited institution in Sport Management, Business Administration, Marketing, Communications, or a related field.
• Admission to and full-time enrollment in a graduate degree program at Minnesota State.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Excellent organizational skills and the ability to handle multiple tasks at once.
• Individual is detail-oriented, intuitive, and can work independently.
• Willingness to work long hours, nights, weekends, and sometimes holidays.
• Working knowledge of Microsoft Office and Adobe Creative Suite.
• Demonstrated commitment to fostering a diverse working and learning environment. 

SALARY/STIPEND: Up to $10,000 plus tuition stipends, dependent upon availability of funds, period of appointment, and assignment. Appointments made after the tenth day of classes are not eligible for a tuition waiver. 

RELATED INFORMATION: 

Minnesota State System policy requires that graduate assistants must reside within the State of Minnesota for the duration of their appointment. 

Additional information on Minnesota State University, Mankato can be found at www.mnsu.edu. 

CONTACT 

Trista Smith, Assistant Athletic Director, Sport Operations 

Athletics

Minnesota State University, Mankato 

MF 135

Mankato, MN 56001 

Phone: 507-389-5236 

TTY: 800-627-3529 or 711 

Email: trista.smith.2@mnsu.edu

NOTICE:  

In accordance with the Minnesota State Colleges & Universities (MnSCU) Vehicle Fleet Safety Program, employees driving on college/university business who use a rental or state vehicle, shall be required to conform to MnSCU’s vehicle use criteria and consent to a Motor Vehicle Records check.  

The Minnesota State University, Mankato Annual Security and Fire Safety Report is available for your review. This report is required by federal law and contains policy statements and crime statistics for the University. The policy statements address the school's policies, procedures, and programs concerning safety and security. Three years' worth of statistics are included for certain types of crimes that were reported to have occurred on-campus, or in other University affiliated locations. This report is available online at http://www.mnsu.edu/safety/. You may also request a paper copy from University Security at 507-389-2111 or by emailing security@mnsu.edu. 

Minnesota State University, Mankato has a long-standing commitment to diversity and is actively seeking to nurture and enrich its underrepresented communities. Women, minorities, veterans, and individuals with disabilities are encouraged to apply. In accordance with USCIS regulations, successful applicants must be legally able to accept work in the United States. Requests for reasonable accommodation of a disability during the application and/or interview process should be made to the Office of Human Resources, 507-389-2015 (V), 800-627-3529 or 711 (MRS/TTY). This vacancy notice is available in an alternative format upon request. Minnesota State University, Mankato is an affirmative action/equal opportunity University and is a member of the Minnesota State Colleges and Universities System.