Graduate Assistant Jobs in Connecticut (NOW HIRING)

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The Director of the McDougal Graduate Student Center and Student Life will provide visionary leadership and supervise day-to-day management of the Center. This position reports to the Dean of the Graduate School, or the Dean’s designee, and serves as a primary advocate for the graduate student population, working collaboratively with university administration, academic departments, and student organizations to provide resources, community-building opportunities, and professional development. In addition, the Director will oversee all large-scale events such as orientation, matriculation, commencement, and any other events that may be deemed necessary by the Dean of the Graduate School.

• Develop and implement a long-term vision and strategic plan for the Graduate Student Center that aligns with the institution’s mission and supports the holistic needs of graduate students.
• Oversee all aspects of Center operations, including facility usage, program development, and resource allocation.
• Work with the associate director of the Center to hire, train, supervise, and evaluate staff and student hourly employees, fostering a collaborative work environment.
• Establish Center policies and procedures that comply with university regulations and support students’ needs.

• Participate in recruitment activities: Provide GSAS resource information for department or program information sessions and assist with virtual recruitment outreach.
• Curate, promote, and deliver programs to enrich the academic journeys, personal growth, and professional development of graduate students, coordinating with the Office of Career Strategy, the assistant dean for graduate student professional development, and other campus constituencies.
• Assist with advising graduate student organizations, including the Graduate Student Assembly, to enhance student life and engagement.
• Create a welcoming environment that fosters interdisciplinary networking and belonging, overseeing family-friendly events and large-scale events such as orientation, matriculation, and commencement.
• Serve as an advocate for graduate students, providing guidance on issues and connecting students with campus resources such as mental health counseling and wellness, career services.

• Develop and monitor annual budgets, manage internal financial controls, and ensure compliance with university fiscal policies.
• Utilize metrics and student survey data to evaluate the effectiveness of programs, identify trends in student needs, and drive continuous improvement.

• Function as a key liaison between the Graduate School, university offices supporting graduate student needs, and academic departments to enhance infrastructure and support.
• Represent the graduate student population at national graduate student life conferences and meetings.

• Master’s degree in Higher Education Administration, Student Affairs, Counseling, or a related field.
• Minimum of 5 years of progressive leadership experience in student affairs, student success, or related fields, with a significant portion focused on graduate students.
• Demonstrated ability to lead, mentor, and supervise staff while fostering a welcoming environment for all.
• Proven experience managing budgets, financial planning, and compliance.
• Excellent interpersonal, written, and oral communication skills, with the ability to represent the center to various stakeholders.

Master’s degree in Higher Education Administration, Student Affairs, Counseling, or a related field and a minimum of 5 years of relevant experience or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

• Ph.D.
• Knowledge of federal regulations related to student services.
• Familiarity with online student engagement platforms.
• Experience managing informational websites.
• Interest in using AI for managing resource information.

The University is committed to basing judgments concerning the admission, education, and employment of individuals upon their qualifications and abilities and seeks to attract to its faculty, staff, and student body qualified persons from a broad range of backgrounds and perspectives. In accordance with this policy and as delineated by federal and Connecticut law, Yale does not discriminate in admissions, educational programs, or employment against any individual on account of that individual’s sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, race, color, national or ethnic origin, religion, age, disability, status as a special disabled veteran, veteran of the Vietnam era or other covered veteran. Inquiries concerning Yale’s Policy Against Discrimination and Harassment may be referred to the Office of Institutional Equity and Accessibility (OIEA).

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