Graduate Assistant-Sport & Recreation Leadership (Horizons Edge Sports Campus)

Working Title: Graduate Assistant-Sport & Recreation Leadership (Horizons Edge Sports Campus)

State Role Title:Graduate Assistant

Position Type:Graduate Assistant

Position Status: Part-Time

FLSA Status: Non-Exempt: Eligible for Overtime

College/Division: College of Business

Department: 100624 - Hospitality Sport and Rec Management

Pay Rate:Stipend

Specify Range or Amount: $10110

Is this a JMU only positionN/A

Is this a grant-funded positionYes. This is a grant-funded position and is contingent upon continued funding.

Is this a Conflict of Interest designated positionN/A

Beginning Review Date:02/20/2026

About JMU:

Located in the heart of Virginias beautiful Shenandoah Valley the city of Harrisonburg is approximately 120 miles from Washington D.C. and Richmond VA. With a population of just over 53000 Harrisonburg is one of the most diverse communities in the Commonwealth of Virginia. JMU is a selective public institution with a growing national reputation for offering experiences that lead to an outstanding education and inclusive environment for students faculty and staff. The student body includes approximately 20000 undergraduate and 1900 graduate students with over 1000 full-time instructional faculty.

General Information:

The Sport and Recreation Leadership masters degree program invites applications for a 20 hour/week graduate assistantship working with Horizons Edge Sports Campus for AY 2026-2027.

PLEASE NOTE: Applicants for this position MUST apply to the JMU Sport and Recreation Leadership masters degree program BEFORE applying for this GA position. If you only apply to for this GA position without applying to the Sport and Recreation Leadership masters degree program your GA application will NOT be considered. If you have any questions about this requirement contact Ben Carr at

Horizons Edge Sports Campus is partnering with the James Madison University Sport and Recreation Leadership Masters degree program to offer this graduate assistant position. This is a unique experience where students will work with Horizons Edge Sports Campus to gain professional experience in facility program and event management and attend classes at James Madison University. The GA will take an active role in operational and programmatic tasks such as operational leadership shifts program administration and facilitation food and beverage operations and customer service while developing their leadership skills in the workplace. Students will have the opportunity to learn and practice their risk management and critical thinking skills in this fun exciting position in a state-of-the-art facility and full-service sports campus.

Graduate assistantships include enrollment in the Sport and Recreation graduate program (Sport & Recreation concentration preferred) and involve 20 hours of work per week at Horizons Edge Sports Campus during the academic school year. Graduate assistants will begin work prior to the start of the school year and the position continues through the end of the academic year. The position includes a stipend and a tuition waiver. Weekend and evening work required.

Duties and Responsibilities:

Duties include but are not limited to:
Support in the successful day-to-day operations of Horizons Edge Sports Campus based on assigned department.
With the approval of the Leadership Team identify outline execute and present a project contributing to the successful operation or improvement of Horizons Edge Sports Campus
Shadow various department heads as scheduled to learn functions and daily operations of each
Work with the Program Director to develop and implement recreational sports programs allowing guests the opportunity to participate in recreational play leagues and/or club sports
Aid in the planning and promotion of recreational programs camps and special events.
Evaluate current program offerings making suggestions for improvement or adjustment
Coordinate and execute selected programs and events as assigned.
Foresee potential issues and react/adapt in an appropriate manner to minimize any negative impact on customers.
Lead by example demonstrating excellent work ethic to part time staff
Respond to incoming phone calls and walk-in guests relating to reservation inquiries and program operations.
Listen communicate and work effectively with guests staff and management in a fast-paced environment.
Complete any necessary paperwork such as injury/incident reports maintenance requests closing check lists and inventories in a timely and accurate manner
Exemplify and enforce the facilitys policies and procedures ensuring safety to all staff and guests
Provide courteous and friendly service to all guests and provide answers and directions as needed
Have general knowledge regarding program options and facility events
Open and close facility following outlined procedures
Support as a Team Lead and/or Welcome Desk Attendant as needed.

Qualifications:

Qualifications:
Must be accepted into the Sport and Recreation Leadership graduate program (Sport & Recreation concentration preferred) at James Madison University.
Bachelors Degree Required. Degree in Recreation or Sport Management preferred
Previous experience organizing recreational sports programs or working in sports facility preferred Knowledge of special event programming preferred
Experience with supervision/leadership of undergraduate students preferred
Ability to work independently as well as with a team Strong computer skills required Weekend and evening availability required
First Aid/CPR Certification Required or ability and willingness to obtain

Additional Posting Information:

Physical Demands:
The physical demands described are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Employee may be required to sit or stand for hours at a time and carry loads exceeding 50 pounds climb and descend stairs daily. Employee will be required to maintain focus throughout sports programs. May be required to perform other tasks which may require walking kneeling or crouching for long periods of time. Specific vision capabilities required by this job include close vision distance vision and peripheral vision and the employee must have the ability to hear communication via phone voicemail and in person.
Work Environment:
The work environment described is representative of what must be tolerated by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. While performing the duties of this job the employee is required to work in an indoor/outdoor sports facility setting in varying temperature and weather conditions. Volume in high traffic areas such as lobbies program spaces and dining facilities will range in volume from very loud to very quiet

Conditions of Employment:

Students may apply to a graduate assistantship prior to being accepted into a graduate program. However to be eligible to receive an assistantship upon entry into a graduate program the following criteria must be met:

The student must be conditionally or unconditionally accepted into a graduate program. Students who are provisionally accepted will not be eligible until they achieve conditional or unconditional acceptance into their program.

The students must have an official transcript on file indicating completion of a baccalaureate degree from an accredited institution or agency

After receiving an assistantship the student must maintain at least a 3.0 graduate GPA in order to retain or reapply for the assistantship.

These are minimum criteria. Graduate program coordinators have the right to impose additional criteria if they see fit.

EEO Statement:

James Madison University is committed to creating and supporting a diverse and inclusive work and educational community that is free of all forms of discrimination. This institution does not tolerate discrimination or harassment on the basis of age color disability gender identity or expression genetic information national origin parental status political affiliation race religion sex sexual orientation or veteran status.

We promote access inclusion and diversity for all students faculty staff constituents and programs believing that these qualities are foundational components of an outstanding education in keeping with our mission. The university is interested in candidates whose experience and qualifications support an ongoing commitment to this core quality.

Anyone having questions concerning discrimination should contact the Office for Equal Opportunity: .

Reasonable Accommodation:

If you are a student with a disability and need assistance please contact the Office of Disability Services at or You may also visit the Office of Disability Services located in the Student Success Center Suite 1202 and they will be happy to assist you.