Position: Office of Strategic Initiatives Graduate Assistant

Status: Part-time, (20hrs/week)

Department: Office of Strategic Initiatives

Reports to: Vice President of Strategic Initiatives

Start Date: Fall Semester 2025

Compensation: Stipend, Room, and Tuition

Stipend is $5000/semester and tuition scholarship is 100%, but students are responsible for program fees, including textbook fees charged each semester, and meals during residencies.

Description:

The Office of Strategic Initiatives is seeking a highly motivated and organized Graduate Assistant to provide support in various areas, including communications, research, grant preparation, administrative tasks, and event/meeting support. This position offers a valuable opportunity to gain experience with grant writing and administration, project management, logistics planning, communication, and higher education administration.

The Office of Strategic Initiatives drives and supports key institutional priorities. It fosters collaboration, facilitates grant and contract management, and oversees projects that advance the college’s mission. The Office also provides leadership and support to the college’s “centers of excellence” including the Adirondack Watershed Institute, Visitor’s Interpretive Center, Institute of Forestry, and the Culinary and Adventure Hospitality Institute. The Office works across departments to improve processes, facilitate initiatives, and expand opportunities for students.

Responsibilities:

• Assist with grant research, including identifying funding opportunities and data management.
• Support grant preparation, which may include gathering data, formatting documents, and other related tasks.
• Assist with grant management tasks including maintaining grant files, managing communication with project leaders, and gathering data for reports.
• Assist with database and digital file management.
• Develop and disseminate communications materials for the Office of Strategic Initiatives and the college’s Institutes including blogs, social media and other written/video materials.
• Support the Office’s bi-monthly Strategic Initiative Learning Space gatherings.
• Collaborate with faculty and staff on project management.
• Provide periodic assistance to the Institutes including logistics for events, scheduling meetings, and tracking data.
• Assist with other duties as needed, including driving vans to support academic programming, or assigned by the VP of Strategic Initiates and/or other Office of Strategic Initiatives team members.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree from a four-year institution and enrollment in Paul Smith’s College Master’s degree programs.
• Ability to work with a broad range of diverse individuals and groups to form a safe and inclusive campus community.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office1 Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) and other relevant software.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Ability to prioritize tasks and meet deadlines.
• May require occasional evening or weekend work related to events.
• Driver’s license and driving record acceptable to PSC insurance carrier is preferred.

Candidates encouraged to apply on a rolling basis and first review of candidates begins 03/31/2025.

Paul Smith’s College values diversity in the College community and seeks to assure equal opportunity through its continued Affirmative Action program. EOE/AA/M/F/D/V