Graduate Assistant
Location/Department: The President’s Office– Belonging & Strategic Planning, On the 2nd Floor
Description/Duties: The Graduate Assistant (GA) will provide leadership, research, creative, and administrative support for initiatives that advance the university’s belonging and strategic planning priorities. This role focuses on fostering partnerships within academic administration, supporting programs that prioritize students, and contributing to institutional initiatives that enhance student success and overall campus culture. The GA will also apply design and digital storytelling skills to share key initiatives and outcomes with campus stakeholders, and will work closely with the special advisor to the president.
Qualifications:
• Enrollment in a graduate program at Southern Adventist University.
• Strong organizational, leadership, and project management skills.
• Excellent writing, research, and communication abilities.
• Proficiency in desktop publishing, ethical use of AI, graphic design, and digital communication tools (Adobe Creative Suite, Canva, Microsoft Office, or comparable software).
• Ability to create engaging presentations and reports through digital storytelling.
• Capacity to work both independently and collaboratively with administrators, faculty, and students.
• Interest in higher education leadership, student engagement, and strategic planning.
Institutional Research & Strategic Planning
• Assist with data collection, analysis, and reporting for institutional research and assessment.
• Support strategic planning and grant-related initiatives using evidence-based insights.
• Contribute to projects that promote student success.
• Perform other duties as assigned.
Student Engagement & Belonging
• Help design and implement student-centered programs that foster belonging.
• Collaborate with campus partners to strengthen community connections.
• Use research to guide engagement strategies and evaluate their impact.
Program Development & Campus Initiatives
• Support campus-wide efforts to enhance student success and institutional culture.
• Apply research findings to improve programs and measure outcomes.
Creative Communication & Digital Storytelling
• Create reports, presentations, graphics, and digital content to communicate key initiatives.
• Use storytelling to share research insights and highlight strategic efforts.
• Assist with planning and administrative coordination.
Professional Development
• Participate in mentorship and leadership training.
• Gain practical experience in higher education administration and strategic planning.
Hours: Between 10–12 hours per week (flexible scheduling around academic commitments).
Pay Rate: Based on Graduate Assistant pay scale.
Person to Contact: Kathy Purnell
Email: purnell@southern.edu
Office Phone: 423-236-2280
Job Posted: 9/4