Graduate Assistant - External Affairs

Grand Canyon University•Phoenix, AZ

11d•Onsite

About The Position

Grand Canyon University is seeking an External Affairs Graduate Assistant to support the Office of External Affairs. This role involves researching and tracking higher education policy issues, monitoring legislative and regulatory developments, preparing briefings, coordinating stakeholder meetings, and maintaining confidential records. The position offers an opportunity to work closely with research consultants, gain exposure to academic review processes, and access tuition programs. GCU is a Christ-centered institution that values diversity and integrates faith, learning, and work.

Requirements

Be admitted to a graduate degree seeking program at GCU. (Certificate only programs do not satisfy this requirement.)
Have a minimum GPA of 3.0. (If a student is newly admitted to the University, the admission GPA is considered for this requirement.) A student must also maintain a minimum GPA of 3.0 during their employment.
Be enrolled in as a “regular” (not provisional) degree-seeking student for at least 6 graduate level units leading to the degree. (Undergraduate or audited courses do not satisfy this requirement.)
Hiring departments may require a higher enrollment.
Assistantships may be revoked at any time duties are not fulfilled satisfactorily.
Graduate assistants assume responsibility for upholding the University’s Student Code of Conduct.
Graduate Assistants must follow the HR employment workflow processes and pre-employment background checks.
After all degree requirements for the planned program of study are met, a student is no longer eligible to receive a graduate assistantship.
“Incomplete” grades must be removed during the period following the teaching period in which the “I” was recorded in order to continue the assistantship.
Provide a positive example to students by supporting the University’s Doctrinal Statement, Ethical Position Statement and Mission of Grand Canyon University.

Responsibilities

Conduct research and analysis on federal, state, and local policy issues impacting the university and higher education.
Monitor legislative, regulatory, and public policy developments and prepare concise summaries for leadership.
Assist in scheduling, coordinating, and preparing materials for meetings with elected officials, government agencies, community leaders, and external stakeholders.
Draft correspondence, briefing documents, talking points, meeting agendas, and follow-up communications.
Maintain calendars, contact databases, and records related to government relations activities and stakeholder engagement.
Support the planning and execution of external affairs events, community engagement initiatives, and legislative visits.
Track legislation, committee hearings, and policy proposals relevant to institutional priorities.
Assist with preparation of reports, presentations, and background materials for senior leadership.
Conduct benchmarking and research on public policy trends, best practices, and peer institution initiatives.
Maintain professionalism and confidentiality when handling sensitive information and communications.
Perform other administrative and project-based duties in support of the Office of External Affairs and Government Relations.
Other duties as assigned.