Graduate Assistant - External Affairs

Grand Canyon University! One of Arizona’s leading institutions of higher learning.

Located in the Valley of the Sun in the heart of Phoenix, Arizona. GCU is an institutionally accredited, private, nondenominational Christian University.

The External Affairs Graduate Assistant supports the Office of External Affairs by researching and tracking higher education policy issues, monitoring legislative and regulatory developments, preparing concise briefings and leadership materials, coordinating stakeholder meetings and events, and maintaining confidential records and communications.

What you will do: 

• Conduct research and analysis on federal, state, and local policy issues impacting the university and higher education.

• Monitor legislative, regulatory, and public policy developments and prepare concise summaries for leadership.

• Assist in scheduling, coordinating, and preparing materials for meetings with elected officials, government agencies, community leaders, and external stakeholders.

• Draft correspondence, briefing documents, talking points, meeting agendas, and follow-up communications.

• Maintain calendars, contact databases, and records related to government relations activities and stakeholder engagement.

• Support the planning and execution of external affairs events, community engagement initiatives, and legislative visits.

• Track legislation, committee hearings, and policy proposals relevant to institutional priorities.

• Assist with preparation of reports, presentations, and background materials for senior leadership.

• Conduct benchmarking and research on public policy trends, best practices, and peer institution initiatives.

• Maintain professionalism and confidentiality when handling sensitive information and communications.

• Perform other administrative and project-based duties in support of the Office of External Affairs and Government Relations.

• Other duties as assigned.

What you will need:

• Be admitted to a graduate degree seeking program at GCU.  (Certificate only programs do not satisfy this requirement.)

• Have a minimum GPA of 3.0.  (If a student is newly admitted to the University, the admission GPA is considered for this requirement.)  A student must also maintain a minimum GPA of 3.0 during their employment.

• Be enrolled in as a “regular” (not provisional) degree-seeking student for at least 6 graduate level units leading to the degree.  (Undergraduate or audited courses do not satisfy this requirement.)  Hiring departments may require a higher enrollment.

• Assistantships may be revoked at any time duties are not fulfilled satisfactorily.

• Because of the role as student and employee, graduate assistants assume responsibility for upholding the University’s Student Code of Conduct.

• Graduate Assistants are eligible for waiver of tuition for the period employed.  Waiver of tuition may be taxable income.

• Graduate Assistants must follow the HR employment workflow processes and pre-employment background checks.

• Graduate Assistants have restricted work hours (maximum of 29 hours per week).

• After all degree requirements for the planned program of study are met, a student is no longer eligible to receive a graduate assistantship.

• “Incomplete” grades must be removed during the period following the teaching period in which the “I” was recorded in order to continue the assistantship.

• Graduate Assistants are part-time employees and not eligible for GCU’s employment benefits, except those stipulated by law.

• Provide a positive example to students by supporting the University’s Doctrinal Statement, Ethical Position Statement and Mission of Grand Canyon University.

Why Work at GCU:

• Opportunity to work closely with research consultants and gain exposure to academic review processes.

• Access to Graduate Assistant/Employee Tuition Programs.

• On-campus facilities include free gyms for employees.

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