Graduate Assistant, Leo Food Pantry (2025/2026)

Graduate Assistant, Leo Food Pantry (2025/2026)

Embark on an exciting journey with the University of La Verne, where your career aspirations come to life in a vibrant and welcoming environment. Established in 1891, our diverse and inclusive community is more than just a universityit's a home for passionate individuals like you. At the University of La Verne, we embody four core values that set us apartEthical Reasoning, Diversity and Inclusivity, Lifelong Learning, and Civic and Community Engagement. If you're fueled by these principles and are eager to make a meaningful impact, your journey begins here.

With a rich history spanning 132 years, the University of La Verne boasts a global Leo Family of 89,000+ accomplished alumni. As the #1 private university in California for social mobility according to U.S. News and World Report 2024, and recently recognized as the 33rd Best U.S. College by the Wall Street Journal 2024, we take pride in our commitment to excellence in education. Join us in shaping the future, where your passion meets purpose. Come be part of something extraordinary and apply today!

The University supports a diverse and inclusive environment where students recognize and benefit from the life experiences and viewpoints of other students, faculty, and staff. Diversity is an active and intentional practice that supports difference and multiplicity to expand knowledge, educate capable citizens, develop the whole person, and serve our local and global communities. Promoting and sustaining diversity is a commitment to educational quality and the creation of positive, respectful learning communities.

The Leo Food Pantry Graduate Assistant provides hands-on operational and student support to ensure the effective, dignified, and welcoming delivery of basic needs services to University of La Verne students. This position plays a critical role in day-to-day pantry operations, food distribution, inventory management, and coordination of student facing services, while helping to maintain a trauma-informed and inclusive environment for students experiencing food insecurity.

Graduate Assistants work closely with professional staff, student employees, and volunteers to support pantry logistics, manage data through PantrySoft, and assist with outreach and reporting activities. This role is ideal for a graduate student interested in student affairs, higher education administration, social services, or nonprofit operations and offers meaningful experience supporting student success and well-being.

Operational Management: Manage day-to-day pantry operations, including stocking shelves, organizing inventory, and maintaining cleanliness and accessibility of the pantry space. Implement and follow food safety, storage, and safe handling procedures. Support the organization and execution of regular and special food distribution events.

Customer Service & Access: Greet pantry patrons and provide a welcoming, respectful, and confidential experience. Assist students with food selection while maintaining dignity and choice. Provide basic information and referrals to other campus student support or basic needs services, as appropriate.

Donation & Stock Management: Coordinate food drives and assist with donation intake from campus and community partners. Pick up, transport, and store food donations as needed. Track inventory levels and maintain accurate records using PantrySoft and other tracking tools.

Staff & Volunteer Support: Assist with training, scheduling, and support undergraduate student employees and volunteers. Model professionalism, inclusivity, and strong customer service practices. Support volunteer engagement during pantry hours and food distribution activities.

Outreach & Reporting: Track pantry usage data and assist with compiling reports on pantry operations and impact. Support outreach efforts, including creating basic marketing materials or social media content. Assist with administrative tasks related to pantry operations and reporting as needed.

Minimum Qualifications: Current enrollment as a graduate student at the University of La Verne. Availability to work a consistent schedule aligned with pantry hours and operational needs. Ability to lift, move, and store food items weighing 2550 pounds. Basic proficiency with computers and willingness to learn pantry data systems. Strong interpersonal and communication skills.

Preferred Qualifications: Experience working in student services, food pantries, community organizations, or basic needs programs. Comfort using technology to track inventory, usage data, and reports (e.g., databases, spreadsheets, or similar systems). Ability to work effectively with diverse populations and maintain confidentiality. Strong organizational skills and ability to manage multiple tasks in a fast-paced environment. Interest in student affairs, higher education, public health, social work, or nonprofit leadership.

Employees are eligible for the following benefits: One hour of Paid Sick Leave for every 30 hours worked, with a maximum accrual of 24 hours of Paid Sick Leave per year and capped at 48 hours. University of La Verne Defined Contribution Retirement Plan can contribute employee voluntary contributions, excluding wages derived from federal work study funds. In accordance with the Affordable Care Act (ACA), employees who work an average of 30 or more hours per week, will be eligible for medical coverage through the University of La Verne. Covered under the University of La Verne Workers Compensation Insurance.

Location: La Verne Main Campus