Athletic Graduate Intern - Flag Football

The Graduate Intern Coach for Women's Flag Football at Gardner-Webb University is responsible for promoting and assisting in an environment where the administration, supervision, and management of the program operate within the parameters of the rules and regulations of Gardner-Webb University and the NCAA. This position provides hands-on experience in a competitive collegiate athletics environment and is designed for individuals pursuing careers in coaching, athletic administration, or sports management.

JOB DESCRIPTION

Program & Practice Setup

• Arrive to the practice field a minimum of 30 minutes prior to scheduled practice to prepare and organize all equipment, drill stations, flag belts, and field markings.

• Manage the inventory, maintenance, and distribution of team equipment, uniforms, and practice supplies.

• Coordinate facility scheduling, travel logistics, and game-day operational needs as directed by the head coaching staff.

• Support pre-season and post-season conditioning sessions in coordination with the strength and performance staff.

• Assist with camp setup, operation, and breakdown as needed.

Executing Practices

• Assist coaches in running position group sessions, including route running, defensive scheme installation, red zone packages, and special teams assignments.

• Help implement and adhere to daily practice scripts, ensuring smooth transitions between periods and efficient use of practice time.

• Provide on-field feedback and coaching cues to student-athletes on technique, alignment, release mechanics, and assignment execution under the direct supervision of the coaching staff.

• Prepare and distribute practice materials, daily schedules, opponent game plans, and installation packets for players and staff.

• Assist coaches with individual and unit-level drills, including 7-on-7 situational work, blitz pickup, and route concept installation.

Film Breakdown & Data Input

• Break down opponent and self-scout film to identify offensive formations, route concepts, personnel groupings, defensive alignments, and coverage tendencies.

• Input game, practice, and statistical data into the program's film and analytics platform (Hudl or equivalent software assigned by the coaching staff).

• Compile statistical reports on key performance indicators including completion percentage, yards after catch, red zone efficiency, third-down conversion rates, and blitz pickup efficiency.

• Prepare comprehensive opponent scouting reports for coaching staff and player distribution, detailing formations, motion packages, route trees, and situational tendencies.

• Produce film cut-ups and video edits for team meetings, individual player development, and recruiting purposes.

• Print and organize physical scout materials for coaches and players in advance of each game.

Social Media Management & Communication

• Manage the program's official social media accounts (Instagram, X/Twitter, TikTok, and others as assigned) in alignment with Gardner-Webb University Athletics brand standards and communications guidelines.

• Create and schedule engaging content including game-day graphics, behind-the-scenes footage, player spotlights, practice highlights, and program milestones.

• Collaborate with the athletic communications and digital media departments to ensure consistent, timely, and brand-compliant messaging across all platforms.

• Assist with recruiting communications by producing targeted digital content — graphics, videos, and stories — for prospective student-athletes on Instagram and other platforms as directed.

• Post weekly recruiting-facing content showcasing the program culture, facilities, and competitive environment.

• Monitor social media analytics and provide periodic reporting on engagement, reach, and follower growth to the coaching staff.

Recruiting Support

• Assist the Recruiting Coordinator with the creation and posting of stories, graphics, and content to Instagram and other social media platforms for recruiting outreach.

• Maintain a spreadsheet of prospective student-athlete schedules including high school and club (7-on-7) tournament and game dates.

• Help develop coaches' schedules for live recruiting evaluation periods, including club and tournament travel planning.

• Assist with the coordination and execution of official and unofficial campus visits as instructed by the Recruiting Coordinator.

Game Duties & Responsibilities

• Coordinate with support staff and managers to ensure proper field setup, sideline preparation, and locker room organization for all home and away contests.

• Track and communicate real-time situational statistics including drive efficiency, third-down conversion rates, red zone scoring percentage, and turnover margin.

• Maintain and distribute situational play sheets and end-of-half/end-of-game scripts for staff use during games.

• Monitor defensive and offensive series trends and relay relevant information to the appropriate position coaches during the game.

Other Duties

• Adhere to all NCAA, University, Big South Conference, and Women's Flag Football rules, regulations, and policies at all times.

• Maintain a professional standard of conduct consistent with the mission and values of Gardner-Webb University and the Athletics Department.

• Assist the Equipment staff as needed with equipment inventory, repair, and game-day preparation.

• Perform all other duties as assigned by the head coach.

QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Acceptance into a Gardner-Webb University Master's program required.

• Bachelor's degree from an accredited institution, or equivalent combination of education and experience.

• Demonstrated knowledge of flag football rules, strategy, and terminology, including offensive concepts (route trees, formations, red zone schemes) and defensive principles (coverage shells, blitz packages, special teams).

• Strong organizational, written, and verbal communication skills.

• Effective interpersonal and public relations skills with the ability to communicate across cultural boundaries.

• Demonstrated ability to foster a positive, enthusiastic, and disciplined team culture.

• Valid driver's license and eligibility to operate a college-owned vehicle.

Preferred

• NCAA experience preferred.

• Prior playing or coaching experience at the high school, club, or collegiate level in flag football or a related sport.

• Proficiency with video analysis platforms (Hudl preferred) and standard productivity software (Microsoft Office, Google Workspace).

• Experience with social media content creation, platform management, and digital branding.

• Familiarity with athletic data entry, statistical analysis, or sports analytics tools.

• Experience with graphic design or video editing software (Canva, Adobe Creative Suite, or equivalent).

• Experience planning, developing, and administering budgets is helpful.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to stand, walk, and remain active on the practice field for extended periods in varying weather conditions.

• Capacity to work non-traditional hours, including evenings, weekends, and holidays as the program schedule demands.

Gardner-Webb University is a Christian university committed to helping individuals become more in faith, learning, and service. Located in Boiling Springs, North Carolina, GWU offers the benefits of a close-knit community with easy access to Charlotte, Asheville, and the greater Greenville-Spartanburg region.

Founded in 1905 and rooted in the Baptist tradition, the University now serves approximately 3,000 students across more than 80 undergraduate and graduate programs. As a Carnegie Doctoral/Professional institution, Gardner-Webb is dedicated to academic excellence, leadership development, and meaningful service to others.

Our community reflects a shared commitment to One Webb, creating an environment where people support one another, pursue their purpose, and work together to make a lasting impact. GWU attracts students from across the nation and around the world and competes in NCAA Division I athletics with 22 teams and more than 500 student-athletes.