"Graduate Assistant: Office of International Student Success (2026-2027)"

Description

Hobart and William Smith Colleges is accepting applications for admission into the Master of Arts, Higher Educational Leadership program. Our two-year Master's in Higher Education Leadership (MHEL) program will prepare you to challenge the current state of higher education and lead the change needed to support the next generation of college students. Courses encourage you to analyze and critique the history and policy of higher education, identify ways to build community for all students, and investigate and develop leadership and innovation techniques. Admission is now open for the 2026-2027 academic year for both Graduate Assistantships and admission! The program boasts a wide array of Graduate Assistantships which include tuition remission in the HWS MHEL program and an annual $20,000 stipend. GAs are also eligible for regional professional development opportunities and can apply for financial assistance for a national conference during their final year in the MHEL program. Priority consideration for this position will be given to applications received by March 1, 2026.

Come join a program and campus named #12 Best School for Internships, #10 Best Alumni Network, and #10 Best Career Services by The Princeton Review.

The OISS Graduate Assistant supports the Office of International Student Success in providing resources, programming, and guidance to F-1 and J-1 international students. This role offers hands-on experience working in a professional office environment, learning about F-1 and J-1 federal regulations, and contributing to meaningful student support initiatives.

The GA is expected to work 20 hours per week with flexibility to accommodate peak periods and lighter weeks. Night and weekend availability is required, as is participation in at least one (1) Admissions Open House each semester.

Essential Responsibilities:

• Learn & Apply Knowledge: Develop an understanding of F-1 and J-1 federal regulations and best practices for supporting international students. Remain engaged with the shifting political landscape international students are navigating.
• Initiative & Flexibility: Assist in the planning and leading of programming and events, bring new ideas to the table, and be flexible to the varied needs of students. Be a part of creating impactful experiences for our international students.
• Student Support: Assist in connecting international students with on-campus and off-campus resources, helping them navigate academic, social, and cultural transitions.
• Event Planning & Support: Contribute to the planning, preparation, and implementation of annual events such as International Student Orientation, Taste of the World, welcome-back events, and other community-building programs.
• Recordkeeping: Support accurate and confidential maintenance of student records and office documentation both physically and digitally.
• Communications: Assist with office-to-student communications, including drafting messages, preparing announcements, and ensuring information is clear and accessible.
• Social Media Management: Manage the OISS Instagram account by creating engaging content, responding to messages; alongside highlighting resources, events, and student experiences. Therefore, proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) and Canva; familiarity with other digital design tools and content creation is a plus.
• Workshops & Meetings: Help organize and facilitate workshops (Optional Practical Training and Curricular Practical Training, etc.) and meetings designed for international student learning and engagement.
• Handbook Updates: Contribute to the annual update of the International Student Handbook to ensure content is current, accurate, and helpful.

About HWS

A liberal arts and sciences institution, Hobart and William Smith is known for consistent success in preparing students for meaningful lives and fulfilling careers through an outcomes-based focus on their futures. Our nationally ranked faculty are accessible teachers and scholars known for the impact of their research and distinguished by the depth of their mentorship. World challenges are studied in the classroom where critical thinking, problem-solving, and communication skills are honed. In the field, knowledge turns into discovery. In office hours, plans are carefully crafted to tie interests and talents to an academic path that motivates beyond graduation.

Our location in the heart of the Finger Lakes allows faculty, staff and students to live and work collaboratively on the banks of a resource-rich lake. Student-athletes play for 30 varsity teams boasting 24 national titles, including the 2023 and 2024 NCAA DIII Men's Ice Hockey Championships. With three graduate programs, students can build on their undergraduate degree with a Master of Arts in Higher Education Leadership, Master of Arts in Teaching, or a Master of Science in Management. Together, the experiences and mentorship at HWS prepare students to lead lives of consequence.

Other Information:

This is a part-time, temporary, non-benefits eligible position. This position description is not all-inclusive as other tasks or responsibilities may be assigned.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree required
• Minimum of one year of leadership experience, preferably in a related area
• Strong in-person communication skills and ability to connect easily with all groups of people
• Demonstrated ability to work with a diverse population and enjoy engaging with people
• Student-centered with a collaborative, team-oriented approach
• Detail-oriented and organized
• Brings positive energy and a sense of humor to the role
• Ability to develop knowledge of, respect for, and skills to engage with individuals from different cultures or backgrounds

Terms of Employment:

• Must maintain a cumulative GPA of a 3.00
• Employment begins August 1, 2026, and ends May 31, 2027

All Graduate Assistantships must be accepted into the Master of Arts in Higher Education Leadership at Hobart and William Smith Colleges as full-time students, as Graduate Assistantships have a maximum term of two consecutive years. Maintaining good academic standing, contributing in the classroom setting, managing their time effectively and balancing their schoolwork along with their GA duties is a priority for all parties.