Graduate Assistant for Sykes Student Union Programming & Commons

The Graduate Assistant for Sykes Student Union will assist the Assistant Director of Sykes Union with the operations, event management, and customer relations functions in the portions of The Commons under the management of Sykes Union and Student Activities and the programming elements of the third floor of Sykes Student Union. They will supervise a small team of student workers regarding the Commons area to help with these responsibilities.

REPORTS TO: Assistant Director of Sykes Union and Student Activities

BENEFITS 

• 9 credit tuition waiver per semester
• $5000/semester stipend

DETAILS 

• 10-month contract August- May (first day of classes to last day of classes)
• Must be available to plan for and attend staff training in August and January the week before classes (Hourly pay compensation offered in addition to stipend).
• 20 hours per week
• May be asked to "flex schedule" to support evening or weekend events as needed.

RESPONSIBILITIES 

SECC Commons Management

• Assists in managing day-to-day operations of the SECC Ballroom and Information Desk.
• Supervises paraprofessional staff (Commons Coordinators) which includes conducting monthly 1:1s with students, monthly staff meetings, scheduling shifts and routine performance evaluations
• Trains paraprofessional staff on managing the space and working with clients (i.e. technology use, furniture use/needs, use of Club 1871).
• Manage staff expectations program (EARL), communicating violations to staff and supervisors
• May be required to attend events on nights and weekends to support specific high-profile events. 

Training & Paraprofessional Engagement 

• Collaborates with Graduate Assistant of Student Staffing to assist with training and development of all student staff.
• Collaborates with Graduate Assistant of Student Staffing on paraprofessional engagement activities (socials, end of year events, etc.)

Programming

• Assists in the planning, implementation, and coordination of programs for the Sykes Union 3rd floor space. 
• Participate in the development and allocation of department budget and resources regarding programming needs. 
• Oversee the evaluation and assessment of the programs and use of the space. 
• Be comfortable with adaptability, uncertainty, and demonstrate flexibility as this is a new space, and the  creation of ongoing programming and resources is still being developed. 

Administration 

• Attend all departmental and divisional staff meetings 
• Enforce all policies and procedures as they relate to staffing, the union, and the University.
• Attend all training sessions, orientations, new staff programs and workshops as appropriate.
• Volunteer on Division of Student Affairs committees that pertain to career interests and professional development goals as applicable

QUALIFICATIONS 

Experience in small- and large-scale event planning, programming, and/or marketing in a university setting is preferred. Experience supervising student employees preferred.  Enrollment in the M.S: Higher Education Policy Student Affairs program is preferred. A two-year commitment is strongly preferred.

• Acceptance into a West Chester University Graduate Program
• Excellent organizational, administrative, and planning skills/experience.
• Interest and enthusiasm in working with college students individually and in groups
• Possess strong leadership and advisory skills.
• Multitasking abilities
• Ability to work with diverse groups of people.
• Ability to train staff in a variety of skills.
• Technology skills such as Microsoft Office (Outlook, Teams, Excel, etc.), Handshake, Canva, Qualtrics. 

APPLICATION PROCESS 

Please submit a resume, cover letter, and contact information for three references via Handshake. Your cover letter should address your program of study, why you are interested in this position, and how it applies to your course of study or career goals.