GA for Community Development

Position Description

Graduate Assistant for Community Development

The Graduate Assistant for Community Development, as a member of the Office Residence Life and part of the Campus Living Thematic Area, is responsible for assisting professional and student staff developing community across the undergraduate experience within the Center for Community Development and reporting to the Assistant Director for Residence Life.

Career Readiness is the attainment and demonstration of requisite competencies that broadly prepare college graduates for a successful transition into the workplace. While education and experiences are important, employers have identified the following eight competencies as necessary skills for any new college graduate.

Team Membership & Supervision 

NACE Competencies; (Communication, Equity & Inclusion, Leadership)  

• Work as a paraprofessional staff team member to manage the Center for Community Development; establish and maintain a positive and supportive working relationship with supervisors and the staff team.  
• Supervise, lead, and mentor a team of Community Consultants, evaluate CC’s performance, and hold each accountable through the department's Performance Standards as needed to promote individual success and development.  
• Collaborate with various campus and community offices/departments to provide resources for Campus Living student leaders and staff committed to creating a welcoming community and providing students with a sense of belonging and, in the process, educate university-wide student leaders on community development
• Serve as a resource, referral, and communication agent for staff and residents. Distribute paperwork, flyers, brochures, etc., according to instructions. Serve as liaison between staff, residents, and Residence Life.  
• Compile an annual report for submission to the Associate Director for Living Learning Communities & Engagement.  
• Collaborate within the department by serving on committees as a liaison for campus partners; possibly also serve on division/university-wide initiatives.  
• Organize Center for Community Development initiatives.   

 Community Development 

NACE Competencies; (Critical Thinking, Teamwork, Technology)

• Develop and implement a community development communication plan involving newsletters, social media, blog, and hardcopy marketing pieces
• Execute the strategies outlined in the ORL's education plan within the Center for Community Development; collaborate with staff and campus partners to support the department's goals and outcomes. 

Administrative Responsibilities & Communication  

NACE Competencies; (Communication, Equity & Inclusion, Leadership)  

• Assist the Assistant Director of Residence Life in developing onboarding and training curriculum for student staff (undergraduate student leaders), to include their application (via StarRez), selection, hiring, and training
• Assist the Assistant Director of Residence Life in administrating and managing the Center for Community Development, including completing tasks and duties. 
• Abide by University policies; confront, enforce, and report violations of policies and inappropriate behavior in the assigned area. Assist campus officials or other responsible parties elsewhere on campus when requested to do so  

Training & Meetings

NACE Competencies; (Career & Self-Development, Professionalism, Critical Thinking)

• Attend staff meetings, training sessions, in-services, and individual meetings with supervisor.
• Participate in divisional activities, including monthly Division meetings and semester Kick-off/Renewal Days

• All Residence Life student staff are considered essential personnel and must be present to assist in crises and emergencies (hurricanes, building/system failures, fire watches, student death, etc.) as long as the university and/or residence halls remain open and occupied. 
• Other duties as assigned

Preferred Qualifications

• Ability to collaborate with others while exhibiting a high level of creative energy and flexibility.
• Demonstrated ability and organizational skills to coordinate and manage concurrent processes.
• Experience working with under-represented, distinctive student populations.
• Familiar with core higher education marketing technology, such as social media channels, design programs, and website management.
• Asset if willing to invest in and foster the growth and development of passionate and highly devoted undergraduate student leaders.
• Prior experience with community development; program centers; event management and/or student activities is strongly preferred.

Learning Outcomes

• Gain understanding of Campus Living functional areas within Student Affairs and the greater environment of Higher Education.
• Interact with services and programs across the university landscape to support student success.
• Further develop skills that promote college student development, personal/professional task management, and program/event/initiative coordination.
• Gain experience in general human resources processes, team development, and staff supervision.
• Develop self-awareness and connection of personal values to profession goals

Position Type

                                    ☒ Masters Level                 

                                    ☒ Full-time (20 hours/week)

 Compensation / Benefits

• For students enrolled in the Higher Education program:
  • School of Education tuition (in-state rate)
  • $17,000 stipend (for mid-August to mid-May contract)
  • $500 loaded onto student account to for parking pass, meals, or other student expenses
• For non-Higher Education students in School of Education:
  • School of Education tuition (in-state rate) 
  • $5,500 stipend (for mid-August to mid-May contract)
  • $500 loaded onto student account to for parking pass, meals, or other student expenses
• For students outside the School of Education
  • $23,000 Stipend (for mid-August to mid-May contract)
  • Tuition payment not included.

Non-Discrimination Notice

William & 玛丽 does not discriminate based on race/ethnicity, color, gender, sexual orientation, religion, national origin, age, mental or physical disability, or status as a disabled Veteran in the administration of its educational policies, programs, or activities, admission policies and procedures, scholarship and loan programs, employment, recreational, athletic or other university-administered program. It is also the university's policy to implement appropriate affirmative action initiatives.