Graduate Division seeks Professional Development Peer for 2016-17

The UCSB Graduate Division is currently accepting applications for its Professional Development Graduate Peer Advisor position, to begin employment in Summer 2016 and run through Spring quarter 2017.

The Professional Development Peer helps UCSB's graduate students develop the skills to become effective professionals in a variety of careers. This position will give the successful applicant valuable experience working in academic administration and the opportunity to help plan and shape the Graduate Division's professional development programming for 2016-17. This position may be extended beyond Spring 2017. The position is based in the Graduate Student Resource Center (Student Resource Building, Room 1215) and reports to the Director of Graduate Student Professional Development.

PAYMENT: $16.00 per hour, plus fee payment equivalent to TA-ship for 25% time work

HOURS: 14-20 hours weekly (35%-50% appointment) during the academic year

APPLICATION DEADLINE: Priority consideration given to applications received by Monday, August 8, 2016.

Primary Responsibilities Include:

• Develop and present workshops on topics such as creating and maintaining a CV, crafting your digital reputation, and preparing for the academic job market;
• Support the logistical planning and implementation of other professionalism events such as faculty panels, guest speakers, and career talks;
• Assist with publicizing events sponsored by the Graduate Division and other campus units through The GradPost graduate student blog, social media platforms (such as Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram), and email marketing platforms (such as EMMA);
• Write and edit news, feature, and recap articles for The GradPost;
• Assist in the planning and implementation of large campus events sponsored by the Graduate Division, such as New Graduate Student Orientation, Grad Slam, Fellowship Receptions, and the Beyond Academia career exploration conference;
• Provide resources, communication, and support for incoming graduate students through email, the Graduate Division New Students page, and the New Student Facebook Groups;
• Work effectively and collaboratively with other peer advisors in the Graduate Student Resource Center and other Graduate Division and Student Affairs staff.

The Professional Development Peer also holds drop-in office hours, responds to student requests (by email, phone, or in person) for information or assistance, provides confidential advice, and makes referrals as needed.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Has completed one year of graduate study in residence at UCSB, is in good academic standing, is within university time-to-degree standards, and meets all other standard student employment eligibility requirements;
• Is energetic and knowledgeable about the UCSB campus, positive and self-motivated, and able to work well independently or collaboratively;
• Can represent graduate student interests and concerns and is attentive to the goals of excellence in UCSB's graduate education;
• Has experience with or demonstrated ability to learn new software and technology (e.g. social media platforms, content management systems, image editing software, etc.);
• Is able to work confidently with diverse student populations and is committed to practicing and promoting inclusivity;
• Has effective verbal, written and interpersonal communication and presentation skills.

Previous experience in advising, teaching, and workshop/conference planning is desirable, although training will be provided. Previous experience in graphic design, HTML, and web development is also desirable but not required.

Additional Benefits: With the appropriate eligibility and approval, the position may be combined with a GSR or TA position, as long as the combined hours do not exceed 75% appointment. Graduate Division will pay partial fees and graduate student health insurance (Gaucho Health Insurance) equivalent to those provided for TAs if other student academic appointments or awards do not provide these fees.

Application Process: Interested applicants should submit a cover letter indicating interests and highlighting related experiences, along with a formal resume, to Robert Hamm in the Graduate Division, 3117 Cheadle Hall, mail code 2070 or by e-mail to robert.hamm@graddiv.ucsb.edu.