Student Engagement Graduate Assistant (Messiah University campus)

Position Title:   Graduate Assistant of Student Engagement                                                                    

Department:      Office of Student Engagement

Reports To:        Director of Student Engagement

Office of Student Engagement: To foster student engagement, provide intentional leadership development experiences, and encourage thoughtful dialogue while promoting a sense of belonging for all students

Position Summary: The Office of Student Engagement (OSE) seeks one master’s level graduate student to work closely with the Director and Assistant Director to design and implement specific strategies related to the advancement of the Office of Student Engagment.

Education Required:  Bachelor's degree required; current enrollment in one of the degrees within the graduate program in Higher Education at Messiah University.

Skills, Characteristics Required for Position:

• Excellent interpersonal skills and positive attitude
• Excellent organizational, time-management, and program-design skills
• Demonstrated knowledge and understanding of diversity, equity and inclusion
• Strong verbal and written communication abilities
• Ability to work collaboratively with staff and students
• Demonstrated commitment to continued learning/professional development
• Highly professional, motivated, flexible,and creative
• Conflict-resolution and problem-solving skills
• Christian faith commitment required

Special Working Conditions: 20 hours a week, with weekend and evening work to be expected.

Primary Duties:

• Designing, implementing and evaluating programmatic events for new student orientations and other programs. This includes, but is not limited to, assisting with student leadership training; orientation leader training; and others as assigned
• Advise Synergy, a teambuilding student group of roughly 8 students. This includes, but is not limited to, ensuring students fulfill their Experiential Learning Intiative requirements, planning weekly team meetings, coordinating biweekly 1:1s with teammembers, and ensuring proper function of the group.
• Train orientation leaders in icebreaker activities and welcoming skills 
• Oversee the facilitation of orientation activities, including specific training sessions, large-group events, informal social activities, and others
• Work alongside SGA’s VP of Organizations to assist student leaders, advisors and clubs/organizations with planning, implementation, and supervision of student governance; this includes supporting executive, chartered and recognized clubs (as needed).
• Attend regular OSE team meetings for the purposes of intra-team bonding, personal growth, and logistical planning 
• Developing and conducting assessment for various programs and services offered through Student Engagement
• Assist with SAB & SGA events including but not limited to dances, concerts and retreats
• Serving as a Student Engagement Team Member by taking initiative and actively contributing to office-sponsored programs, professional development opportunities, staff meetings/training, and general administrative functions of the office
• Work collaboratively with other offices in order to further advance the mission of Student Engagement in an inclusive manner

Secondary Duties:

• Maintain a schedule of 20 hours per week
• Be available to attend meetings, programs, and events outside of the normal work day (evenings & weekends)
• Communicate regularly and attend meetings
• Meet regularly with supervisor
• Possess a willingness to be innovative and take initiative with assigned tasks
• Maintain office standards and protocol with respect to processes, confidentiality, and other issues as they arise
• Appreciate and internalize professional standards and ethics
• Develop credible, working relationships with a diverse set of stakeholders
• Integrate curricular and assistantship responsibilities by discussing and applying current issues in higher education and student affairs
• Be knowledgeable about current issues in higher education, student affairs and broader culture
• Be flexible, open-minded, and maintain a positive attitude
• Set personal and professional goals with a specific action plan