Family Engagement Graduate Assistant (Part-Time)

Company Description

Framingham State University was founded in 1839 for a singular purpose - to meet a public need and 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, working for Fortune 500 companies right here in Framingham, and so much more. FSU is a proudly public and truly transformative 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.

FSU currently enrolls about 3,000 undergraduate and 1,200 graduate and professional students, offers 60 undergraduate and graduate programs in the arts and humanities, behavioral and social sciences, and professional fields, and enrolls 48% BIPOC students and 54% first-generation college students in our undergraduate programs. We are deeply committed to inclusive excellence and strive to promote a culture of equity and antiracism. This commitment has earned FSU eight Insight Into Academia Higher Education Excellence and Distinction (HEED) Awards and led to our recognition in the Great Colleges to Work For program. We encourage applications from those who share our commitment to promoting a diverse, welcoming, and inclusive community.

FSU is ideally situated between Boston and Worcester on land originally stewarded by the Nipmuc people for thousands of years. 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.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED:

Executive Director, Family Engagement

SUPERVISION EXERCISED:

NA

EXAMPLES OF SPECIFIC DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Support the creation, editing, and distribution of communications to family members, including emails, flyers, and posts within the CampusESP Family Experience Portal.
• Assist in the development and implementation of programs and activities that engage families and strengthen their connection to the university.
• Coordinate the collection, organization, and analysis of family demographic and engagement data.
• Assist with the planning and execution of events such as virtual meetings, Open House programs, Rams Rising events, and Homecoming & Family Weekend.
• Support the development and rollout of a dual enrollment program enabling high school students to earn college credit at Framingham State while still enrolled in high school.
• Manage the creation, promotion, and distribution of Messages of Support, allowing family members to submit messages that will be printed as postcards and sent to students during the fall semester.
• Engage with family members of high school students as they navigate the college search and application process.
• Assist in developing and maintaining a social media presence for the Office of Family Engagement.

WORKING CONDITIONS:

• The GA will work 10 hours per week during the semester, with scheduling determined at the time of hire.
• Some duties may be performed remotely; flexibility will be provided.
• Occasional evening and weekend hours are required to support events. Hours worked outside the typical schedule will be balanced to meet the weekly 10-hour requirement.
• The GA will have access to a dedicated office space for all on-campus work.
• This position may fulfill practicum or internship requirements, provided the student's academic program approves the site; supervision and learning goals can be tailored accordingly.

Requirements

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

Currently enrolled in a graduate program.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

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

Additional Information

This is a part-time, non-benefited contract position, not to exceed 18 hours per week. The scheduled hours are during regular business hours, Monday-Friday, 9:00 am-5:00 pm. Specific hours can be determined at time of hire. The pay rate is $21.00 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. The University considers all qualified candidates without regard to race, color, sex, age, national origin, disability status, Veteran status, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, genetic information, or any other characteristics protected by law.

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).

Regardless of personal demographic characteristics, FSU has a commitment to hiring candidates who share our commitment to equity and inclusion. The equity and inclusion statement is an opportunity for candidates to discuss past efforts, future plans, research, scholarship, professional skills, experience, and/or willingness to engage in activities that would enhance the University's efforts to promote an equitable and inclusive learning and working community. Equity and inclusion statements will be considered as part of a transparent and comprehensive review of candidates' application materials.

For best consideration, please submit application materials by April 30, 2026. 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 humanresources@framingham.edu.