Graduate Assistant - Student Leadership and Engagement Programs

University of Redlands•Redlands, CA

2d•Onsite

About The Position

The Graduate Assistant, Student Leadership and Engagement Programs supports the mission of the office of Student Campus Life by advancing leadership development, student engagement, and campus traditions through innovative programming, student leader advising, and co-curricular learning experiences. Reporting to the Assistant Dean of Leadership and Engagement Programs, the Graduate Assistant serves as an integral member of the Student Campus Life team and assists in the planning, implementation, assessment, and continuous improvement of leadership initiatives, student government, campus programming, orientation experiences, and leadership education. The Graduate Assistant works collaboratively with student leaders, campus departments, faculty, staff and community partners to cultivate meaningful involvement opportunities that foster belonging, leadership development, civic responsibility, and student success. This position requires flexible work hours, including evenings, weekends, and occasional academic break periods to support campus events and student programs.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree from an accredited institution.
Demonstrated leadership experience through student organizations, student government, orientation, campus employment, athletics, community service, or comparable involvement.
Strong interest in higher education, student affairs, leadership development, or student engagement.
Ability to work evenings and weekends as programming requires.
Valid California driver's license (or ability to obtain one upon hire) with an acceptable driving record.
Strong organizational and project management skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities.
Excellent written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills.
Ability to establish positive relationships with students, faculty, staff, and campus partners.
Ability to mentor, coach, and develop student leaders.
Strong customer service orientation and commitment to student success.
Ability to facilitate workshops, presentations, and leadership development experiences.
Ability to work collaboratively within a team while exercising sound independent judgment.
Experience or willingness to learn student engagement technologies, Microsoft Office, Google Workspace, and university software platforms.
Ability to assess programs, interpret participation data, and recommend improvements.
Commitment to fostering inclusive, welcoming, and student-centered environments.
Flexibility to adapt to changing priorities in a dynamic student affairs environment.
Professionalism, initiative, creativity, and attention to detail.
Ability to maintain confidentiality and exercise discretion when working with student information.

Nice To Haves

Experience planning campus events or leadership programs.
Experience serving in student government, orientation, residence life, programming boards, leadership organizations, or similar roles.
Experience facilitating presentations, workshops, or leadership development activities.
Experience advising, mentoring, or supervising peers or student employees.
CPR/First Aid certification (preferred but not required).

Responsibilities

Assist in the planning, implementation, and assessment of leadership development initiatives for undergraduate students.
Support the development and facilitation of the W.O.O.F. Leadership curriculum, leadership workshops, retreats, and educational experiences.
Assist with leadership training opportunities for student organization officers, student government leaders, orientation leaders, and emerging student leaders.
Support leadership learning outcomes through assessment and continuous improvement practices.
Assist with advising and supporting the Redlands Student Government (RSG) in achieving organizational goals and initiatives.
Attend weekly RSG meetings, committee meetings, and major events.
Assist with student government elections, onboarding, officer transitions, and leadership development.
Support governance processes including meeting logistics, agenda preparation, communications, and documentation.
Assist with planning and implementation of campus traditions and signature Student Campus Life programs, including DAWGS events, leadership recognition events, Bulldog Beginnings, and other university traditions.
Collaborate with student leaders to develop engaging, inclusive, and educational campus programming.
Coordinate program logistics including space reservations, vendor communication, purchasing, catering, contracts, and event setup.
Assist with marketing and promotional efforts through social media, digital signage, newsletters, and other communication platforms.
Serve as a mentor and resource to student leaders, providing guidance on leadership development, organizational effectiveness, event planning, and university policies.
Support leadership recognition initiatives, awards, and appreciation programs.
Assist with leadership coaching and individual student leader development.
Assist in the planning, implementation, and assessment of New Student Orientation, transfer student programming, and leadership transition experiences.
Support recruitment, training, and supervision of Orientation Leaders and student volunteers as assigned.
Provide administrative support to the Assistant Dean of Leadership and Engagement Programs.
Assist with calendar management, purchasing, budget tracking, event reservations (25Live), and departmental communications.
Coordinate meeting logistics, maintain program records, and prepare reports.
Assist with assessment efforts by collecting participation data and preparing program evaluations.
Represent Student Campus Life at campus events, committee meetings, and outreach opportunities.
Collaborate with professional staff across Student Affairs to promote student engagement and belonging.