Graduate Assistant for Campus Activities (Part-time)

Graduate Assistant

McKendree University, located in Lebanon, IL and home of the Bearcats, invites qualified applicants to join our team. McKendree University offers a competitive compensation and benefits package and the opportunity to influence the future leaders of tomorrow.

The mission of McKendree University is to provide a high-quality educational experience to outstanding students. We guide our students in the pursuit of academic excellence, which will prepare them for leadership roles in our society. To achieve this end we encourage broader vision, enriched purpose, engagement with community, commitment to responsible citizenship, openness to new ideas and dedication to lifelong learning. In keeping with our history and traditions, we provide our students with a rigorous, broadly based liberal arts curriculum joined with specialization in a specific discipline.

Position Summary and Key Responsibilities

Under the supervision of the Manager of Campus Activities, the Graduate Assistant (GA) supports the goals of the Office of Campus Activities and Division of Student Affairs by coordinating and implementing programs that enhance students' social, intellectual, and recreational engagement. The GA assists with the planning and execution of campus events, supports daily operations, and provides leadership to undergraduate student staff working in Campus Activities functional areas.

Key Responsibilities

• Assist with strategic planning and implementation of Campus Activities programs, including large-scale, late-night, and weekend events.
• Lead GA-initiated programs and assist with the creation of new engagement opportunities with supervisor approval.
• Provide on-site event supervision including setup, teardown, logistics, and issue resolution.
• Support daily operations of The Lair, Fitness Center, and Campus Activities event spaces.
• Provide day-to-day guidance to undergraduate student workers (Event Leaders, Lair Desk Attendants, Fitness Center Custodial Assistants); collaborate with the Manager on performance expectations and documentation.
• Assist with assessment and data tracking, including attendance reporting, event evaluations, and usage analytics.
• Maintain accurate administrative records and support scheduling, communication, and inventory tracking.
• Submit purchasing requests for supervisor approval, no independent purchasing authority.
• Maintain professional office hours weekly, including required evening and weekend coverage; limited remote work may be approved by the supervisor.
• Uphold university policies and contribute to a welcoming, inclusive campus environment.

Qualifications

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree from an accredited institution and acceptance into a McKendree University graduate program.

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Knowledge and experience in event planning, student engagement, recreation programming, or leadership development.
• Strong interpersonal, customer service, and communication skills; ability to work collaboratively with students, faculty, and staff.
• Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple tasks and meet deadlines.
• Ability to supervise and mentor undergraduate student workers in consultation with the Manager of Campus Activities.
• Ability to work autonomously and as part of a team in fast-paced environments.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office; (familiarity with social media, digital marketing, Adobe Creative Suite, or basic web editing preferred)

Preferred Qualification:

• CPR/First Aid certification

Work Conditions

• Ability to work up to 20 hours per week; nights and weekends required based on programming and department needs.
• Occasionally lift up to 50 lbs. ( 23 kg) and perform physical tasks related to event setup.
• Routinely stand during events and programs.

Required Application Materials

Cover Letter Resume/CV

Equal Opportunity Employer

McKendree University is committed to a policy of equal opportunity and prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, and other statuses protected by law. This extends to all aspects of the employment relationship, including recruiting, hiring, training, on-the-job treatment, promotion, layoff, and termination.