Graduate Assistant for Student Development-Student Advisory Council Advisor & Communications

Last Updated: 2025-01-15
Graduate Assistantship

Location:
University Life Space & Events--Student Development, Houston Hall 307

Modality:
Hybrid

Position Length:
Academic Year (Fall - Spring)

Work Hours and Commitment:
20 hours per week

Pay Rate:
$20.00/hr

Additional Compensation:
None

Overview

The Graduate Assistant for Student Development-Student Advisory Council Advisor & Communications will report to the Associate Director for Student Development within University Life Space and Events. This role focuses on three main areas: advising the Student Union @ Houston Hall Student Advisory Council, collaborating with the Programming Graduate Assistant and Coordinator for Student Development for marketing and communication needs related to events and employment opportunities and providing leadership and administrative support to the "Wake Up Wednesdays" WUW Fairs that take place weekly for student organizations and campus partners to table in Houston Hall. The GA will also oversee social media accounts for Student Development while developing and refining communication/marketing strategies to enhance student engagement with the Student Union @ Houston Hall programs and employment. 

Supervisor/Contact

Jonathon May - Associate Director for Student Engagement--Student Union & Penn Student Agencies

jjmay@upenn.edu

Required Duties

  1. Advise the Student Union Student Advisory Council: 
  • Lead the recruitment of the Student Union Student Advisory Council (SAC). 
  • Onboard and orient new members of the Student Union (SAC). 
  • Collaborate with the Director of ULSE and the Associate Director for Student Development to set strategic goals for the Student Union (SAC), for the academic year. 
  • Plan and coordinate all meetings of the Student Union (SAC) including setting agendas, facilitating discussions, taking notes, and following up on action items based on student feedback. 
  • Update governing documents, policies, and processes for Student Union (SAC). 
  • Ensure a positive student experience and support the development and recognition of Student Union (SAC) members. 
  1.  Develop and Refine Communication Strategies: 
  • Collaborate with the Associate Director for Student Development to develop and implement comprehensive communication strategies aimed at enhancing the image of the Student Union at Houston Hall. These strategies will encompass various channels, including social media, website content, display screens within Houston Hall, email newsletters, email marketing, "semester at a glance" posters, and more. 
  • Develop and maintain a social media content calendar, guiding the SD Staff to provide engaging content. Update and enforce social media policies, including guidelines for likes, reposts, and other interactions. 
  • Analyze social media metrics to continually refine strategies and boost engagement. 
  1. Collaborate with the Programming Graduate Assistant and Coordinator for Student Development on Student Events and Employment Opportunities: 
  • Serve on the Selection, Training and Development Committee within ULSE Student Development to assist in planning, implementing and assessing April and August Training programs.
  • Take ownership of recruiting for and hosting weekly "Wake Up Wednesdays WUW Fairs" to provide student organizations and campus partners tabling opportunities to engage students.  
  • Serve on the Student Development Programming Committee to plan and execute signature monthly events for all Penn students, including the Fall and Spring Porch Parties, Community Building Events and Passive Events. 
  • Collect and analyze feedback from these events to inform and improve future programming. 
  1. This job description is not all inclusive of all responsibilities required of the position and the selected candidate will have other duties as assigned by the Director of ULSE and/or the Associate Director for Student Development. 

Preferred Qualification and Essential Skills

Preferred Skills & Experience: 

  • Excellent communication and organizational skill required  
  • Student leadership experiences required 
  • Previous experience working with undergraduate students (preferred) 
  • Experience in student programming (preferred) 
  • Proficiency in social media management (preferred) 

Application Instructions

Application Process: For questions about the role or to apply, please email your statement of interest/cover letter and resume to Dr. Jonathon May, Associate Director for Student Engagement at jjmay@upenn.edu.  The position will remain open until it is filled.