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Graduate Assistant Jobs in Hoffman Estates, IL (NOW HIRING)

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Graduate Assistant information

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How much do graduate assistant jobs pay per hour?

As of May 27, 2026, the average hourly pay for graduate assistant in Hoffman Estates, IL is $19.20, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.86 and $21.01 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What Is the Job of a Graduate Assistant?

The job of a graduate assistant is to perform research, teach, or work at a university as part of their academic education. Graduate assistants are typically doctoral candidates, but some master’s students may also qualify to work in this position. Your duties in this career differ depending on your role and the level of class at which you assist. For example, many large lecture classes need graders, readers, and teaching assistants, all with separate responsibilities. On the other hand, if you work in labs or departmental offices, you may work as a full-time researcher.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Graduate Assistant, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Graduate Assistant, you generally need strong academic credentials in your field, research and analytical skills, and enrollment in a graduate program. Familiarity with educational technology platforms, data analysis tools, or laboratory equipment (depending on the discipline) is often required. Excellent communication, time management, and teamwork skills help you effectively support faculty and collaborate with students. These skills are vital for balancing multiple responsibilities while contributing to academic and research excellence.

What are some common challenges Graduate Assistants face when balancing academic work with assistantship responsibilities?

Graduate Assistants often juggle coursework, research, and their assistantship duties, which can include teaching, grading, or administrative tasks. Time management is a frequent challenge, as deadlines for academic work and assistantship responsibilities can sometimes overlap. Setting clear expectations with supervisors, prioritizing tasks, and using organizational tools can help maintain a healthy balance. Open communication with faculty and peers also plays a crucial role in managing workload and reducing stress.

What are Graduate Assistants?

Graduate Assistants (GAs) are graduate students who work part-time at a college or university, typically assisting faculty or departments with teaching, research, or administrative tasks. These positions often provide a stipend and/or tuition waiver in exchange for their work. Graduate Assistants gain valuable professional experience while pursuing their advanced degrees, and their responsibilities can vary widely depending on the department and the specific assistantship. Common duties include helping with classroom instruction, grading assignments, conducting research, or supporting university operations.

What is the difference between Graduate Assistant vs Research Assistant?

AspectGraduate AssistantResearch Assistant
Required CredentialsEnrolled graduate student, often with a relevant degreeUndergraduate or graduate student, sometimes with specific research experience
Work EnvironmentAcademic settings, assisting in teaching or administrative tasksResearch labs, projects, or fieldwork within academic or research institutions
Employer & Industry UsageUniversities, colleges, academic departmentsResearch institutions, universities, government agencies
Common Search & Comparison IntentUnderstanding roles, responsibilities, and qualificationsClarifying research duties and experience needed

While both roles support academic and research activities, a Graduate Assistant typically assists with teaching or administrative tasks while pursuing a graduate degree. A Research Assistant focuses primarily on conducting research projects, often requiring specific research skills. The roles often overlap in academic settings, but their main focus and responsibilities differ.

What are the most commonly searched types of Graduate jobs in Hoffman Estates, IL? The most popular types of Graduate jobs in Hoffman Estates, IL are:
What cities near Hoffman Estates, IL are hiring for Graduate Assistant jobs? Cities near Hoffman Estates, IL with the most Graduate Assistant job openings:
Infographic showing various Graduate Assistant job openings in Hoffman Estates, IL as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 85% Full Time, 12% Part Time, 1% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 94% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $39,938 per year, or $19.2 per hour.
Institutional Advancement Graduate Assistant

Institutional Advancement Graduate Assistant

North Central College

Naperville, IL • On-site

Part-time

Posted 17 days ago


Job description

Posting Details
Position Information
Posting Number
GA000156
Position Title
Institutional Advancement Graduate Assistant
Position ID
REQUESTED
Department
Institutional Advancement
Division
Institutional Advancement
Supervisor
Sara Hubner
Supervisor Title
Executive Assistant to the Vice President for Institutional
Description of Job Duties
Department: Institutional Advancement
Reports To: Executive Assistant to the Vice President for Institutional Advancement
Employment Status: Part-Time, Graduate Assistantship
Position Summary
The Graduate Assistant for Institutional Advancement supports the College's fundraising and external relations efforts. This position plays an active role in sponsorship solicitation, annual giving donor cultivation, and athletics fundraising initiatives. The Graduate Assistant will work closely with advancement staff to strengthen donor relationships, enhance the visibility of the institution, and contribute to securing resources that support student success and institutional priorities.
Key Responsibilities
1. Sponsorship Solicitation
• Assist in identifying, researching, and qualifying potential corporate and community sponsors.
• Draft sponsorship proposals, presentations, and customized partnership materials.
• Support outreach to prospective sponsors through email, phone calls, in-person meetings, and event participation.
• Maintain accurate records of sponsorship activity, agreements, and stewardship actions.
• Collaborate with campus departments and event organizers to fulfill sponsorship benefits.
2. Annual Giving - Donor Cultivation and Solicitation
• Support planning and execution of annual giving initiatives, including digital outreach, ThankView videos, Day of Giving planning, and GiveCampus pages
• Engage with alumni, parents, friends, and community members to build relationships and encourage philanthropic support.
• Conduct donor thank-you calls, follow-up communications, and stewardship touches.
• Assist with segmentation, donor research, and prospect strategy development.
• Help manage giving data, track results, and prepare reports for internal stakeholders.
3. Athletics Giving
• Partner with athletics staff to engage donors, fans, and alumni in supporting athletic programs.
• Assist in organizing athletics fundraising events (e.g., golf outings, booster events, alumni games).
• Help solicit gifts for athletics priorities, including team funds, facilities, and scholarships.
• Maintain strong communication with coaches and athletics leadership to align fundraising needs and messaging.
4. General Advancement Support
• Provide event coordination support for donor receptions, alumni gatherings, and institutional celebrations.
• Assist with database entry, gift processing support, and overall data integrity.
• Participate in strategic meetings, training sessions, and professional development activities.
• Represent the Institutional Advancement office in a positive and professional manner at events and meetings.
Work Schedule & Compensation
• Hours per week dependent on class schedule; typically 20 hours
• Schedule may include occasional evenings and weekends for events.
• Graduate tuition benefits and stipend provided according to institutional assistantship policies.
Do the job duties for this position have any potential exposure to student records?
Yes
Do the job duties for this position include any driving requirements?
No
Will this position be working with minors?
No
Job Qualifications
o Bachelor's degree required; must be enrolled in a graduate program at the College.
o Strong interpersonal skills and comfort interacting with alumni, donors, and external partners.
o Excellent written and verbal communication abilities.
o Organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple tasks and deadlines.
o Proficiency with Microsoft Office; experience with CRM or fundraising databases preferred.
o Interest in fundraising, nonprofit management, higher education, or athletics administration is highly desirable.
Approximate number of work hours per week
20
New or Replacement?
New
If replacement, person(s) being replaced
Posting Detail Information
EEO Statement
North Central College is an Equal Opportunity Employer. North Central College provides reasonable accommodation to applicants with disabilities where appropriate. If you need reasonable accommodation, please notify the Office of Human Resource. Determinations on requests for reasonable accommodation will be made on a case-by-case basis.
Open Date
12/12/2025
Close Date
Open Until Filled
No