Graduate Admissions Assistant (Student)

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This position is available only to enrolled American University students.

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Job Description

The Graduate Admissions Assistant (GAA) serves an integral support role in the Office of Graduate Admissions (OGA) at the School of Public Affairs (SPA). The position may be pursued as a hybrid (1x a week on-campus) or, if preferred, fully remote position with customizable hours during normal, weekly business hours. The position requires an energetic, detail-oriented, resourceful, highly organized, and extremely dependable individual who is committed to assisting candidates interested in SPA's range of graduate degrees in compiling compelling application files for admission and merit aid consideration. The GAA also supports data entry and tracking processes across an array of admissions-related spreadsheets.

Interested candidates must be team-oriented, self-directed, and able to work well in a fast-paced, multi-task environment. Preferred familiarity with or the willingness to learn the campus' Customer Relationship Management (CRM) platform, Salesforce, as well as demonstrated proficiency in Microsoft Excel. Attention to detail and a high degree of sensitivity to handling confidential information is also essential. The applicant must be able to commit approximately 10 hours of work weekly (additional weekly hours may be available with interest and upon request).

Essential Functions

• Participate in training related to application policies, admissions processing, and CRM, Salesforce.
• Attend any relevant meetings.
• Execute the timely and thorough review of application files to be sure all necessary and relevant materials are compiled in advance of admission committee review.
• Enter necessary and relevant information/data in the CRM, Salesforce.
• Assist in the tracking of official transcripts for deposited/enrolled students.
• Update and maintain spreadsheets related to graduate admissions.
• Establish and/or maintain relationships with applicants and/or admitted students utilizing various mediums (i.e., Chat, Email, Telephone).
• Work closely with recruitment staff/student support on special projects related to graduate admissions.
• Knowledgeable of academic programs, application, and admissions processes/policies as well as student life so information related to these areas is shared credibly with applicants, and/or newly admitted students.
• Represent the University/School professionally via presentation and decorum.
• Other duties as relevant and assigned.

Position Type/Expected Hours of Work

• Part-time.
• Graduate Admissions Assistant (GAA) will work via a hybrid schedule or remotely, approximately 10 hours a week, and will have the privilege of establishing a work schedule that prioritizes both academic and other professional demands.
• GAA is required to return to work remotely ahead of the start of the Spring semester (Wednesday, January 6, 2027) to support peak application processing. GAA may then choose to end their assistantship prior to the Spring semester close to compensate for the early return to work.
• If interested, the position may be extended into the summer.
• Additional and/or extended work hours may be presented for consideration during other peak application/admission periods and/or in support of major recruitment events and initiatives.

Salary Range

• $19.50 per hour.

Required Education and Experience

• Full or part-time enrollment in one of SPA's on-campus, master's degree programs.
• Good academic standing.

Additional Information

• Graduate Admissions Assistant is supervised by the Associate Director of Graduate Admissions & Enrollment Analytics and/or the Graduate Admissions Specialist and is an integral part of the Office of Graduate Admissions (OGA). OGA is led by the Assistant Dean of Graduate Enrollment and is well supported by a(n) Assistant Director of Graduate Recruitment, Coordinator of Recruitment and Admissions, as well as a Graduate Student Ambassador Team.

Other Details

• This position is available only to enrolled American University students.
• Please note this job announcement is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.
• American University is an E-Verify employer.
• Visit for additional information about American University employment and benefits.

American University current employees (including those employed in student positions) must apply through their employee Workday account. If you are a current employee at American University, please log into Workday and select the Find Jobs report which will take you to our internal career listings.

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American University is an equal opportunity, affirmative action institution that operates in compliance with applicable laws and regulations. The university does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, sex (including pregnancy), age, sexual orientation, disability, marital status, personal appearance, gender identity and expression, family responsibilities, political affiliation, source of income, veteran status, an individual's genetic information or any other bases under federal or local laws (collectively "Protected Bases") in its programs and activities.