Graduate Assistant – Premium Operations and Events

ABOUT IPTAY AND CLEMSON ATHLETICS:

The Clemson University Athletic Department, one of the nation’s premier athletic and academic brands, sponsors 21 NCAA Division-I sports and supports more than 500 student-athletes. The department relies on the support of IPTAY (originally – I pay ten a year), which was founded in 1934. It is now one of the of the most successful athletic fundraising organizations, providing millions of dollars in scholarships for student-athletes and non-athletes alike and substantial support for programs and facilities that help Clemson Athletics build championship-level programs. IPTAY staff help student-athletes be top competitors both on the field and in the classroom and receive many opportunities that come with being a part of this important organization. IPTAY is supported through annual donations, gift planning, and major gifts. Each is vital to the success of Clemson Athletics.

SUMMARY:

Reports to the Associate Director of Premium Hospitality & Events. This position provides students an opportunity to gain experience in athletic fundraising event planning for IPTAY. The graduate assistant is responsible for assisting with premium operations and donor stewardship event planning.

Throughout this experience, the graduate assistant will gain experience in:

• Strategically executing gameday operations for premium spaces, ensuring seamless and exceptional customer experiences for Memorial Stadium, Littlejohn Coliseum, and Doug Kingsmore Stadium.

• Support IPTAY Events, including donor stewardship, annual fund events, and other Clemson Athletics Events.

• Vendor management including catering, custodial, facilities, security etc.

• Collaborate with internal stakeholders (IPTAY and Clemson Athletic Department) regarding the day-to-day operations of the hospitality team to improve customer satisfaction and experience.

• Experience in recruiting, hiring, and training game day services team.

• Managing external rental events.

• Provide and maintain a high level of customer service for donors and guests.

ABOUT IPTAY AND CLEMSON ATHLETICS:

The Clemson University Athletic Department, one of the nation’s premier athletic and academic brands, sponsors 21 NCAA Division-I sports and supports more than 500 student-athletes. The department relies on the support of IPTAY (originally – I pay ten a year), which was founded in 1934. It is now one of the of the most successful athletic fundraising organizations, providing millions of dollars in scholarships for student-athletes and non-athletes alike and substantial support for programs and facilities that help Clemson Athletics build championship-level programs. IPTAY staff help student-athletes be top competitors both on the field and in the classroom and receive many opportunities that come with being a part of this important organization. IPTAY is supported through annual donations, gift planning, and major gifts. Each is vital to the success of Clemson Athletics.

SUMMARY:

Reports to the Associate Director of Premium Hospitality & Events. This position provides students an opportunity to gain experience in athletic fundraising event planning for IPTAY. The graduate assistant is responsible for assisting with premium operations and donor stewardship event planning.

Throughout this experience, the graduate assistant will gain experience in:

• Strategically executing gameday operations for premium spaces, ensuring seamless and exceptional customer experiences for Memorial Stadium, Littlejohn Coliseum, and Doug Kingsmore Stadium.

• Support IPTAY Events, including donor stewardship, annual fund events, and other Clemson Athletics Events.

• Vendor management including catering, custodial, facilities, security etc.

• Collaborate with internal stakeholders (IPTAY and Clemson Athletic Department) regarding the day-to-day operations of the hospitality team to improve customer satisfaction and experience.

• Experience in recruiting, hiring, and training game day services team.

• Managing external rental events.

• Provide and maintain a high level of customer service for donors and guests.

Requirements

Interested students should have a bachelor’s degree in sports management, communications, or related field. Students should possess excellent communication (both verbal and written) and organization skills, and a willingness to work athletic-related events. Additionally, students should display strong computer skills, ability to multi-task and manage multiple, and ability to display a creative mindset. Additional consideration will be given to those with experience in premium operations. Assistantship contingent on acceptance to Clemson graduate program. Graduate Assistants m** ust be able to work all 7 home football games at Memorial Stadium: 8/30, 9/6, 9/20, 10/18, 11/1, 11/8, 11/22 and a potential CFP game 12/20 or 12/21.**

Timeframe

Starts August 2025 and runs through May 2026.

Questions

Contact Ashley Woolford, Associate Director of Premium Hospitality (IPTAY): awoolfo@clemson.edu

Employment

Neither positions as Student-Interns nor as Student-Assistants are employment opportunities. While financial aid may be provided to offset educational expenses, no Student-Intern or Student-Assistant should expect to receive compensation for the positions they hold within the team or the support area. There should also be no expectation of employment following the conclusion of the internship/assistantship.

IPTAY is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer. We make every effort to provide fair and equal treatment on the basis of merit in all our employment decisions, including but not limited to decisions concerning hiring, retention, promotions, working conditions, compensation, benefits, training, and all other privileges, terms, and conditions of employment. We pledge to treat all employees fairly without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression, pregnancy, national origin, age, disability, genetics, military or veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law. IPTAY is committed to ensuring equal access to its employment application process. Any applicant with a disability may contact IPTAY at 864-656-2115 or iptayhospitality@clemson.edu to request an accommodation related to the application process.

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