Graduate Student Project Assistant Jobs in Minnesota

Job Title: Lead Piper Center Student Peer Advisor (WS-ST3)

Classification: Student Employee (non-exempt)

Name and Address of Employer: St. Olaf College, 1520 St. Olaf Ave, Northfield, MN 55057

If the position requires the student to work off campus, provide the name and address here:

Department Name: The Piper Center for Vocation and Career 

Unit Number (5 digits): 11560

Length of Position: See Employment Authorization  

Contact Person/Supervisor: Assistant Director, Career Development and Coaching

Wage Range: $12.00-13.00/hour

Description of the Position: (Purpose of the Position): 

The Lead Piper Center Student Peer Advisor serves as a student leader within the Peer Advisor program by supporting the onboarding, development, and success of the Peer Advisor team. In addition to serving students through coaching and front desk responsibilities, the Lead Peer Advisor partners closely with professional staff to coordinate training, facilitate team development, support program operations, and serve as a knowledgeable resource for fellow Peer Advisors throughout the academic year.

Transferable Skills: 

• Leadership: Mentor and support Peer Advisors while helping facilitate training sessions, team development activities, and ongoing peer learning.

• Communication: Develop and deliver weekly team communications, facilitate discussions and activities, and communicate professionally with students and staff.

• Project Coordination: Assist with planning, organizing, and implementing Peer Advisor training, monthly staff meetings, and team initiatives.

• Professionalism: Model professional workplace behaviors, demonstrate accountability, and support consistent service standards across the Peer Advisor team.

• Teamwork: Foster a collaborative team culture by organizing team-building opportunities and encouraging knowledge sharing among Peer Advisors.

• Critical Thinking: Help troubleshoot questions from Peer Advisors, identify solutions to operational challenges, and know when to escalate issues to professional staff.

• Career and Self-Development: Strengthen coaching, facilitation, and leadership skills while gaining experience in peer mentorship and program management.

• Technology: Utilize Moodle, Handshake, Google Workspace, and other professional technologies to support communication, training, and office operations.

Duties and Responsibilities: 

In addition to all responsibilities of a Piper Center Student Peer Advisor, the Lead Peer Advisor will:

• Assist professional staff with planning, organizing, and preparing materials for Fall Peer Advisor training.

• Co-facilitate training sessions, workshops, and team activities during onboarding and throughout the academic year.

• Serve as a peer mentor and first point of contact for Peer Advisors seeking guidance, clarification, or support with daily responsibilities.

• Create and distribute weekly communications that keep the Peer Advisor team informed of important updates, reminders, and upcoming events.

• Help coordinate logistics and materials for monthly Peer Advisor meetings.

• Plan and facilitate team-building activities that strengthen collaboration, communication, and team engagement.

• Model excellent coaching, customer service, and professional communication for newer Peer Advisors.

• Assist with documenting training materials, maintaining shared resources, and identifying opportunities to improve Peer Advisor processes.

• Communicate observations and emerging team needs to the supervising professional staff.

• Continue to perform all standard Peer Advisor responsibilities, including student coaching, front desk coverage, event support, and project assistant responsibilities.

Qualifications: (Education/Experience/Skills) 

• Current Piper Center Student Peer Advisor with at least one year of experience in the role or equivalent experience.

• Demonstrated excellence in providing career coaching and customer service to students.

• Strong organizational skills and the ability to coordinate multiple projects simultaneously.

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

• Demonstrated leadership through initiative, reliability, and the ability to positively influence peers.

• Ability to maintain confidentiality and exercise sound judgment.

• Ability to work collaboratively with professional staff while also working independently.

• Ability to provide constructive guidance and support to fellow Peer Advisors.

• Ability to work a minimum of 6 hours per week, including participation in training and occasional evening or weekend events

This job description is for general information purposes.  It is not intended to list all duties and responsibilities of the position.  This job description is subject to change at any time by St. Olaf College, with or without prior notice.