Graduate Program Assistant Jobs in Illinois (NOW HIRING)

Description

Greenville University is seeking a Graduate Assistant for Residence Life to join the Student Integrated Success Team. The Graduate Assistant (GA) is responsible for supporting the leadership, supervision, and oversight of assigned residential communities while fostering a safe, inclusive, and developmentally rich living environment that supports Greenville University's mission and values.

As an educator, mentor, and emerging student affairs professional, the Graduate Assistant intentionally cultivates student growth by helping residents connect their academic experiences with personal, social, spiritual, and leadership development. Through the support and supervision of student leaders, crisis response, community development, and administrative management, the Graduate Assistant plays a vital role in promoting student success, retention, and belonging.

This is a part-time, live-in position requiring the employee to reside in an assigned campus residence.

Position Responsibilities/Duties: 

Student Leadership and Supervision

• Assist in the recruitment, selection, training, supervision, and evaluation of Resident Assistants. 
• Provide mentorship, accountability, and developmental support to assigned student leaders. 
• Conduct regular one-on-one meetings with Resident Assistants to foster leadership growth and effectiveness. 
• Support staff development initiatives and leadership training throughout the academic year. 

Community Development and Student Engagement

• Cultivate inclusive residential communities where students feel seen, known, and inspired. 
• Develop and implement programs that promote academic success, personal wellness, spiritual formation, leadership development, and community engagement. 
• Build meaningful relationships with residents through intentional interactions and visibility within the community. 
• Encourage student involvement and connection to campus resources and opportunities. 

Student Support and Crisis Response

• Serve as a first-line support resource for students experiencing personal, academic, or social concerns. 
• Assist professional staff in responding to student crises, behavioral concerns, and conduct matters. 
• Participate in an on-call rotation, responding to after-hours emergencies and incidents. 
• Collaborate with campus partners to connect students with appropriate support services. 
• Assist in emergency preparedness efforts and uphold university safety procedures. 

Administrative Operations

• Support occupancy management, room changes, health and safety inspections, and residence hall openings and closings. 
• Maintain accurate records, incident documentation, and departmental reports. 
• Assist with departmental assessment initiatives and ongoing operational processes. 
• Participate in Residence Life staff meetings, divisional trainings, and university events. 
• Perform additional duties as assigned by Residence Life leadership.

On-Call Responsibilities

• Participate in the Residence Life professional staff on-call rotation.
• Serve as a primary responder for residential emergencies and student concerns occurring outside of regular business hours.
• Provide consultation, support, and follow-up related to after-hours incidents.

Other Duties

• Perform additional responsibilities as assigned by leadership or designated supervisor in support of departmental and institutional goals.

Requirements

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree from an  accredited institution. 
• Admission to or enrollment in a Greenville University graduate program. 
• Demonstrated leadership experience and a commitment to student development. 
• Strong interpersonal, organizational, and written and verbal communication skills. 
• Ability to exercise sound judgment, maintain confidentiality, and manage competing priorities. 
• Ability to work evenings and weekends as required. 

Preferred Qualifications

• Previous experience as a Resident Assistant, Orientation Leader, or other student leader. 
• Experience in Residence Life, Student Affairs, ministry, or related helping professions. 
• Knowledge of student development theory and residential education practices.

Expectations

The successful candidate will:

• Demonstrate support for Greenville University's mission and values. 
• Model integrity, professionalism, and servant leadership. 
• Actively contribute to a collaborative and student-centered Student Development team. 
• Foster an environment where students are challenged, supported, and encouraged to grow into their fullest potential. 
• Help create a residential experience where every student has the opportunity to be Seen. Known. Inspired. 

Compensation and Benefits

This Graduate Assistant position includes a stipend paid over designated pay periods and campus housing as part of the appointment. Graduate Assistants gain valuable hands-on experience in Residence Life and Student Affairs through meaningful mentorship, professional development opportunities, and direct impact on the student experience.

Greenville University does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, age, sex, disability, family responsibilities, or  national or ethnic origin, in employment opportunities, in keeping with applicable state and federal laws. In keeping with the mission of the institution, Greenville University seeks applicants with a strong commitment to the values and lifestyle of evangelical Christianity and who profess a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. As a Christian institution, we require faculty and staff to adhere to the University's Lifestyle statement and to enforce a religiously based code of conduct for all University employees. Women and minorities are encouraged to apply. Greenville University, as an educational institution affiliated with the Free Methodist Church USA, reserves the right to prefer employees on the basis of religion (Title VII, Sections 702-703, United States Civil Rights Act of 1964 as amended).