Graduate Assistant, Office of External Relations

POSTING DATE:  February 10, 2026

APPLICATION DEADLINE:  March 15, 2026

POSITION TITLE:  Graduate Assistant, Office of External Relations

SUPERVISOR: Executive Director for External Relations

POSITION DESCRIPTION:

The Graduate Assistant for the Office of External Relations will support and contribute to the work of the Office and its Executive Director and specifically the Center for Community Solutions housed within the Office.  The Executive Director serves as the University’s government relations officer and works to cultivate and sustain relationships with local, state, and federal elected officials and their offices and government entities and a leading liaison within community.  The purpose of the Center is to pair students with community partners to meet community need through funding support from the President’s Office. 

The Graduate Assistant will support this work through fulfilling project management and tracking responsibilities, contributing to the writing of communication material, developing and keeping current website content, and performing additional associated duties as applicable and appropriate. The University’s role as an anchor institution within the community is central to the work of the Office and Center. Therefore, this position offers the Graduate Assistant an opportunity to engage and work with an extremely diverse cohort of stakeholders, such as elected officials and government entities at all levels of government, non-profit organizations, businesses, and community residents as well as the University’s leadership, faculty, staff, and students. 

The Graduate Assistant will receive tuition funding for credits of graduate coursework for the Fall and Spring semesters as well as a stipend in fulfilling the hours of work per week associated with the number of credit hours for the 2026-2027 academic year. This position is an in-person position.

QUALIFICATIONS:

The Graduate Assistant ought to be able to think critically and creatively; problem solve; offer strong critical thinking and communication skills; and develop and sustain relationships with internal and external constituents.  Honesty, open-mindedness, reliability, a relentless work ethic, compassion, and genuine enthusiasm are essential characteristics of the ideal candidate.

The Graduate Assistant ought to possess an aim to serve and lead within the campus and broader community guided by sound ethical decision making and a commitment to have a positive impact upon society and the lives of those who reside within it with a sincerity of purpose. 

POSITION TIME COMMITMENT AND COMPENSATION:

• A nine (9)-month contract that includes work for the Fall 2026 and Spring 2027 terms; graduate assistants are not required to work during Winter Break
• Weekday hours will be determined in consultation with the selected candidate; hours outside of weekday hours will not be required but may be offered reflective of relevant events as an opportunity for personal and/or professional development. 
• Paid tuition for graduate credit hours for the Fall 2026 and Spring 2027 semesters and a stipend associated with the credit hours
• Potential for a two-year commitment

APPLICATION PROCESS:

Please apply via Handshake with a single PDF that includes a cover letter, current resume, and the names and contact information for three academic or professional references. Your cover letter ought to indicate your graduate program of study, an explanation of your interest in and qualifications for the position, and alignment of this position with your personal and professional development.