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Graduate Program Assistant Jobs (NOW HIRING)

The Graduate Assistant will support the continued success of the Women's Tennis program while gaining valuable experience in collegiate athletics administration and coaching. This appointment is for ...

Graduate Assistant Job Summary: Assist with facutly research including, but not limited to, grant ... Must be an admitted student to a University of Nebraska at Kearney Graduate program. Information at ...

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Graduate Program Assistant information

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$21.5K

$45.7K

$63K

How much do graduate program assistant jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 9, 2026, the average yearly pay for graduate program assistant in the United States is $45,721.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $37,500.00 and $47,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are Graduate Program Assistants?

Graduate Program Assistants are staff members who provide administrative and operational support to graduate programs within universities or colleges. Their responsibilities often include coordinating admissions processes, assisting students and faculty, managing records, organizing events, and ensuring compliance with institutional policies. They play a crucial role in maintaining smooth communication among students, faculty, and external departments, helping to create an efficient and supportive academic environment for graduate students.

How does a Graduate Program Assistant typically collaborate with faculty and students in their daily work?

Graduate Program Assistants play a key liaison role, supporting both faculty and graduate students by coordinating schedules, managing program communications, and assisting with the administration of academic processes like admissions or thesis submissions. They often handle inquiries from students, organize program events, and ensure faculty have the resources needed for teaching and advising. Regular collaboration with academic advisors, department chairs, and administrative offices is essential to keep the program running smoothly and to address any issues promptly.

How much is a graduate assistant paid?

Graduate Program Assistants typically earn between $15 and $30 per hour, depending on the institution, location, and level of experience. Some programs offer stipends or hourly wages, and the position often requires a commitment of 10-20 hours per week while pursuing graduate studies.

What is the difference between Graduate Program Assistant vs Research Assistant?

AspectGraduate Program AssistantResearch Assistant
Required CredentialsTypically a graduate student or recent graduateUsually a student or early-career professional with relevant skills
Work EnvironmentAdministrative settings, academic institutions, or program officesLaboratories, research centers, or field sites
Employer & Industry UsageUniversities, colleges, and educational programsResearch institutions, universities, and labs
Common Search & Comparison IntentUnderstanding program support roles in academiaResearch project involvement and technical tasks

The Graduate Program Assistant primarily handles administrative and program support tasks within academic settings, often requiring a background in education or related fields. In contrast, Research Assistants focus on supporting research projects, often requiring technical skills and familiarity with research methodologies. While both roles are common in academic environments, they serve different functions and skill sets.

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

To thrive as a Graduate Program Assistant, you need strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and a background in office administration, often supported by a bachelor's degree. Familiarity with student information systems, scheduling software, and Microsoft Office Suite is typically required. Exceptional communication, customer service, and problem-solving abilities help you effectively support students and faculty. These skills ensure efficient program operations, positive student experiences, and smooth coordination of academic activities.

What is a graduate assistant program?

A graduate assistant program is a structured opportunity for graduate students to work part-time in academic or administrative roles within a university or college. These programs often provide stipends, tuition waivers, and valuable experience in areas such as research, teaching, or student services, typically requiring a commitment of 10-20 hours per week.

What qualifications do you need to be a grad assistant?

Graduate Program Assistants typically need to be enrolled in a graduate program or pursuing a master's or doctoral degree. Relevant skills include strong organizational, communication, and computer skills, often with experience in office software or research tools. Some positions may require a minimum GPA or specific coursework related to the department or field.

Do grad assistants get paid?

Graduate program assistants typically receive a stipend or salary in exchange for their work, which may include tasks such as administrative support or research assistance. Compensation varies by institution and program, and some positions may also include tuition waivers or benefits.
More about Graduate Program Assistant jobs
What cities are hiring for Graduate Program Assistant jobs? Cities with the most Graduate Program Assistant job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Graduate Program jobs? The most popular types of Graduate Program jobs are:
What states have the most Graduate Program Assistant jobs? States with the most job openings for Graduate Program Assistant jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Graduate Program Assistant jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Graduate Program Assistant jobs are:
Infographic showing various Graduate Program Assistant job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 75% Full Time, 21% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $45,721 per year, or $22 per hour.
Program Assistant I - Office of Graduate Studies

Program Assistant I - Office of Graduate Studies

State of Colorado

Golden, CO • On-site

$25.67 - $30.05/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 8 days ago


State Of Colorado rating

7.2

Company rating: 7.2 out of 10

Based on 93 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

38th of 50 rated states


Job description

Salary: $25.67 - $30.05 Hourly
Location : Golden, CO
Job Type: Full Time
Job Number: GLA - JR108032 - 07/26
Department: Colorado School of Mines
Opening Date: 07/02/2026
Closing Date: 7/16/2026 11:59 PM Mountain
FLSA: Determined by Position
Type of Announcement: This position is open only to Colorado state residents.
Primary Physical Work Address: 1500 Illinois St. Golden, CO 80401
FLSA Status: Non-Exempt; position is eligible for overtime compensation.
Department Contact Information: 303-273-3250recruitment@mines.edu
How To Apply: Please submit an online application for this position at https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/colorado. Reach out to the Department Contact to apply using a paper application, including any supplemental questions. Failure to submit a complete and timely application may result in the rejection of your application. Applicants are responsible for ensuring that application materials are received by the appropriate Human Resources office before the closing date and time listed.
Department Information
Colorado School of Mines (Mines) is an internationally preeminent teaching and research university dedicated to meeting the resource development needs of a rapidly evolving, technology-based society. Mines was selected by the Colorado State Legislature as the state's first "exemplary institution" of public higher education due to our "high degree of responsibility and capability with regard to academic and administrative functions."
Colorado's oldest public university, Mines is located in Golden, Colorado at the gateway of the Rocky Mountains, 13 miles west of downtown Denver and 21 miles south of Boulder.
MINES IS PROUD TO OFFER EXCELLENT BENEFITS TO ATTRACT AND RETAIN EXTRAORDINARY TALENT. OUR PERKS INCLUDE:
  • Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance
  • Generous vacation and sick leave plus 13 paid holidays
  • State retirement plan (PERA)
  • Parental Leave
  • Reduced cost tuition for employee and family members
  • Life and Disability Insurance
  • Professional growth and training opportunities
  • Access to technology and equipment
  • Colorado State Employee Assistance Program
  • Access to a world-class recreation center
  • Interaction with an international population and cultural events
  • state employee discount program
  • RTD Eco-Pass

Description of Job
Make an impact at one of the nation's top STEM universities
The Office of Graduate Studies (OGS) at Colorado School of Mines is seeking a highly organized, student-centered Program Assistant I to serve as a key contributor to graduate student success. This role is ideal for someone who thrives in a fast-paced academic environment and enjoys balancing student services, program coordination, and operational support.
In this role, you'll be the front door to Graduate Studies, supporting students, faculty, and staff while helping plan and deliver programming that shapes the graduate student experience from orientation through graduation.
About the Office of Graduate Studies
OGS supports graduate students across Mines by overseeing academic progress and degree completion, maintaining graduate policies, managing graduate assistantships, and advancing enrollment, retention, and student engagement initiatives. Our work directly impacts the success of graduate programs and the student experience campus-wide.
What You'll Do
As the Program Assistant I, you'll contribute across four core areas:
Graduate Programming & Events
  • Coordinate high-impact graduate programming, including Graduate Orientation, professional development events, the 3 Minute Thesis Competition, GRADS Conference, and other signature experiences
  • Plan events end-to-end, including space reservations, timelines, communications, materials, catering, staffing, and follow-up
  • Support biannual graduate Commencement ceremonies
  • Compile and distribute a monthly Graduate Student Newsletter
  • Identify new opportunities to strengthen graduate recruitment, enrollment, and retention

Office Operations & Technical Support
  • Serve as a consistent, professional presence in the OGS office and as a first point of contact for students, faculty, and staff
  • Maintain student records and databases
  • Manage and update the office website and other systems
  • Provide administrative and process support to the Dean, Assistant Dean, and other office staff across a range of projects and initiatives
  • Coordinate staff travel, expense reports, meetings, and events
  • Manage office needs such as orders, supplies, and equipment
  • Assist with hiring, onboarding, and supervising work-study students
  • Identify opportunities to improve workflows, documentation, and service delivery

Student Services & Academic Support
  • Respond to graduate student, faculty, and staff inquiries in a prompt, courteous, and solution-oriented manner
  • Manage emails submitted to the grad.services@mines.edu inbox
  • Guide students and faculty through Graduate Catalog policies and academic processes
  • Process academic forms and milestones (advisor changes, committee forms, thesis defenses, leaves, withdrawals, etc.)
  • Collaborate with campus partners including Admissions, Registrar, Financial Aid, Academic Affairs, and academic departments
  • Support academic standing reviews, fellowship awards, contract preparation, and student record tracking in Banner and internal systems

Other Duties
  • Contribute flexibly to OGS priorities and initiatives that support graduate student success

Why Join Colorado School of Mines?
  • Be part of a mission-driven university recognized for academic excellence and innovation
  • Make a direct impact on graduate student success and experience
  • Collaborate with passionate colleagues across campus
  • Enjoy the benefits of state employment, including work-life balance, competitive benefits, and professional development opportunities
  • Work in Golden, Colorado, at the foothills of the Rocky Mountains
Work Environment & Additional Details
  • Full-time, exempt position
  • On-campus presence required (limited remote work may be available by approval)
  • Background check required
  • Some evening or occasional event support may be required
How to Apply
Please submit:
  • A resume
  • A cover letter describing your interest and relevant experience

Minimum Qualifications, Substitutions, Conditions of Employment & Appeal Rights
Residency Requirement:
This posting is only open to residents of the State of Colorado at the time of submitting your application.
Class Code & Classification Description:
H4R1XX
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
Experience Only:
Four (4) years of relevant experience in an occupation related to the work assigned to this position, including work in communications, managing and organizing information, proficiency with common office technologies (email, spreadsheets, databases, web platforms),
familiarity with database management and record-keeping protocols (Experience must be clearly documented in the work history section of your application. "See Resume" will not be accepted. Part time work will be pro-rated).
OR
Education and Experience:
A combination of related education and/or relevant experience in an occupation related to the work assigned equal to four (4) years. (TRANSCRIPTS MUST BE ATTACHED FOR EDUCATIONAL CREDIT)
PRPEFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:
  • Prior experience working in the Office of Graduate Studies at Colorado School of Mines
  • Experience in event planning and execution, and experience in customer service
  • Experience in higher education, student services, academic administration, or program coordination
  • Event planning or project coordination experience
  • Experience working with student information systems (e.g., Banner)
  • Proficient in systems such as Slate, Banner, Tableau, Workday.
  • Familiarity with Canvas, content management systems, or newsletters
  • Experience supervising or leading student employees
  • Prior relevant state service

Appeal Rights:
An applicant who has been removed from an employment list or removed from consideration during the selection process may request a review by the State Personnel Director.
As an applicant directly affected by the results of the selection or comparative analysis process, you may file a written appeal with the State Personnel Director.
Review of the completed, signed and submitted appeal will be timely on the basis of written material submitted by you, using the official appeal form signed by you or your representative. This form must be completed and delivered to the State Personnel Board by email at dpa_state.personnelboard@state.co.us within ten (10) calendar days from your receipt of notice or acknowledgement of the Department's action.
For further information on the Board Rules, you can refer to 4 Colorado Code of Regulations (CCR) 801-1, State Personnel Board Rules and Personnel Director's Administrative Procedures, Chapter 8, Resolution of Appeals and Disputes, atspb.colorado.gov/board-rules.
Supplemental Information
Colorado School of Mines is committed to equal opportunity for all persons. Mines does not discriminate on the basis of age, sex, gender (including gender identity and gender expression), ancestry, creed, marital status, race, ethnicity, religion, national origin, disability, sexual orientation, genetic information, veteran status or current military service. Further, Mines does not retaliate against community members for filing complaints regarding or implicating any of these protected statuses.
Mines' commitment to nondiscrimination, equal opportunity and equal access is reflected in the administration of its policies, procedures, programs and activities and in its efforts to achieve a talented student body and workforce.
Through its policies, procedures and resources, Mines complies with federal law, Colorado state law, administrative regulations, executive orders and other legal requirements to prevent discrimination (including harassment or retaliation) within the Mines campus community and to address potential allegations of inequality or concerns for safety.
Are you looking for an inspiring, mission-driven workplace where you can contribute to solving the world's problems and educating the next generation of change makers? Are you an individual who values a rich and vibrant diverse and inclusive community, where our different perspectives and experiences enrich the educational and work experience?
Look to Mines.
The State of Colorado offers permanent employees a variety of benefits including medical, dental, life and disability insurance, as well as a comprehensive leave program. Please click the following link for detailed information:
Please note that each agency's contact information is different; therefore, we encourage all applicants to view the full, official job announcement which includes contact information and class title. Select the job you wish to view, then click on the "Print" icon.
01
This position requires four (4) years of relevant experience in an occupation related to the work assigned to this position, including work in communications, managing and organizing information, proficiency with common office technologies (email, spreadsheets, databases, web platforms), familiarity with database management and record-keeping protocols (Experience must be clearly documented in the work history section of your application. "See Resume" will not be accepted. Part time work will be pro-rated). OREducation and Experience:A combination of related education and/or relevant experience in an occupation related to the work assigned equal to four (4) years. (TRANSCRIPTS MUST BE ATTACHED FOR EDUCATIONAL CREDIT)Do you meet this requirement?
  • Yes
  • No

02
If you answered "yes", please explain how you meet this requirement. If you answered, "no", please enter "n/a".
03
This position prefers experience in event planning and execution, and experience in customer service. Please describe your experience in these areas.
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