Family Engagement Graduate Assistant (PT Contractor)

About Framingham State University:

Framingham State University was founded in 1839 for a singular purpose - meeting a public need to promote the public good.  At our founding as the nation's first public normal school, that need was for comprehensively educated public school teachers who would, in turn, promote an educated citizenry.  FSU continues to offer exceptional teacher education programs and, while we are proud of our roots as a teachers' college, we have grown far beyond them.  Public need continues to evolve and FSU right along with it.  Our students and alumni are making waves in the fashion industry, designing nutrition plans for professional athletes, writing for major media and news organizations, and working for Fortune 500 companies right here in Framingham. FSU is unapologetically a public institution offering accessible, affordable educational opportunities that integrate an academically challenging liberal arts education with workforce preparation programs, in a highly personalized teaching environment. Our programs have expanded but our purpose and commitment to public education for the public good remain steadfast. 

At FSU, we are deeply committed to inclusive excellence and strive to promote a culture of antiracism, encouraging a challenging yet collaborative learning environment, and providing culturally relevant education. FSU is designated as an emerging Hispanic-Serving Institution by the Hispanic Association of Colleges and Universities and also belongs to the Howard Hughes Medical Institute (HHMI) Inclusive Excellence community, providing national leadership in science education and exploring strategies that will lead to more inclusive science education. We are honored that our commitment earned FSU six Higher Education Excellence in Diversity (HEED) Awards from INSIGHT Into Diversity. We encourage applications from those who share our commitment to promoting a diverse, welcoming, and inclusive community.

FSU currently enrolls about 3,000 undergraduate and 1,000 graduate and professional students, offers 39 undergraduate majors, and enrolls 41% BIPOC students in our undergraduate programs.  Ideally situated between Boston and Worcester, FSU and the surrounding area are steeped in history, achievement, and innovation and provide access to urban hotspots, verdant landscapes, natural and cultural amenities, and diverse communities.

Our founding motto, LIVE TO THE TRUTH, was said at the end of each class by beloved first principal, Cyrus Peirce, who sought to discover and teach "truth in theory and principle...truth in spirit and motive...truth in manner and form...truth intellectual and truth moral." Early leaders found this motto "speaks of sincerity of spirit...of intensity of effort, of resolution to succeed, of joy in achievement." LIVE TO THE TRUTH aptly reflects our past and our pledge for the future as it continues to guide our institution in practice and endeavor. If you share in this quest for truth and a commitment to living it fully, make the next chapter of your career the best chapter at Framingham State University.

Learn more about our career opportunities at www.framingham.edu/careers .

Job Description:

GENERAL STATEMENT OF DUTIES:

The Office of Family Engagement seeks to serve the family members of students who attend Framingham State. We believe that those who provide support to students are instrumental in helping them establish independence and learn to self-advocate. We are also committed to working with the families of high school students during the college search and decision process. We strive to provide information, resources, and guidance through regular communications, events, and webinars. 

The Family Engagement Graduate Assistant will work closely with the Executive Director of Family Engagement to support the office philosophy and mission through communication and interactions with family members of Framingham State prospective and current students.  Specifically, the Graduate Assistant will: 

• Assist with the creation and distribution of communications to family members in the form of emails, flyers, and posts within the CampusESP Family Experience Portal 
• Coordinate the data collection and analysis of information collected about family members of Framingham State students 
• Assist with the planning and implementation of events including virtual meetings, Homecoming and Family Weekend events and Family and Friends Celebration. 
• Develop, promote, and distribute Messages of Support during the fall semester. This will allow family members to offer messages for their students then transferred to postcards printed and sent to them during the fall semester. 
• Assist Executive Director in engaging with family members of high school students as they navigate the college search and application process. 
• Engage with family members at Open Houses and Rams Rising Admissions events 
• Assist with the development of a summer communication plan for family members of incoming first-year and transfer students. 
• Assist in the development of a social media presence. 

SUPERVISION RECEIVED:

Executive Director, Family Engagement

SUPERVISION EXERCISED:

N/A

WORKING CONDITIONS:

The Family Engagement Graduate Assistant is expected to work 10 hours per week during the semester, with times to be negotiated at time of hire. Flexibility will be offered for some of the 10 hours to be served remotely. Some night and weekend work will be necessary to assist with events. Times that are worked out of normally established hours will be offset to keep with the 10 hours per week requirement. The Graduate Assistant will have access to their own office space. 

Requirements:

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

A bachelor's degree and will be enrolled in a graduate-level program during the 2024-2025 academic year.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

Candidates who are bilingual in English and Spanish are strongly encouraged to apply.

Additional Information:

This is a part-time non-benefited, contract position, not to exceed 10 hours per week. The scheduled hours are flexible based on graduate assistant's class schedule. The pay rate is $20.00 per hour.

Framingham State University conducts criminal history and sexual offender record checks on recommended finalists prior to final employment for all positions.

Framingham State University is an equal opportunity employer.

Members of underrepresented or minoritized groups, women, veterans, persons with disabilities, and all persons committed to equity, diversity, and inclusive excellence are strongly encouraged to apply.

Application Instructions:

Candidates must apply online by submitting:

• Cover Letter,
• Resume/CV,
• Equity and Inclusion Statement*,
• Names and contact information for three (3) professional references (references are not contacted automatically upon submission of application).

*The Equity and Inclusion Statement is an opportunity for candidates to discuss professional skills, experience and/or willingness to engage in activities that would enhance the university's efforts to promote a diverse, equitable, and inclusive community. Equity and inclusion statements will be considered as part of a transparent and comprehensive review of candidate application materials.

For best consideration, please submit application materials by June 21, 2024. The review of applications may continue beyond that date and until the position is filled, at the discretion of the search committee.

Framingham State University only accepts application materials through our online application system. We are unable to accept application materials through mail, email, fax, or hand delivery. If you experience technical issues with the online application process, please submit a helpdesk ticket.

Framingham State University understands that persons with specific disabilities may need assistance with the job application process and/or with the interview process. For confidential assistance, please contact the Human Resources Office at 508-626-4530 or [email protected] .