Graduate Assistant for Institutional Initiatives

Description

Graduate Assistant for Institutional Initiatives

POSITION:        Graduate Assistant for Institutional Initiatives

SUPERVISOR:   Assistant Vice President for Intercultural & Community Engagement 

DEPARTMENT:   The Center for Intercultural Excellence

CELEBRATING CULTURAL UNIQUENESS: THE INITIATIVE

Under the leadership of Dr. Schumacher, in 2016, Tiffin University embarked on an effort called Celebrating Cultural Uniqueness (CCU), now called CCU@TU. The initiative began with a focus on strengthening our approach to diversity and inclusion to foster a culture of openness to diversity of thought. This action was not because we were not already promoting diversity but because we could do better, and our student body, of which approximately 44% are either domestically or globally diverse, deserves this. TU administrators, faculty, staff, and students wanted to show a strong attitude toward embracing, welcoming, and celebrating diversity and inclusion and become known internally and externally as an institution that educates, develops, and prepares individuals for the realities of the world in which we live and work.

MISSION OF CELEBRATING CULTURAL UNIQUENESS AT TIFFIN UNIVERSITY

Our commitment fosters inclusive excellence through celebrating cultural uniqueness in an environment that is welcoming, understanding of different perspectives, affirming, and safe for all populations. The collaborative strategic alignment of the Councils for Academic Experience, Expansion of Opportunity, and Talent & Engagement cultivates the opportunity to support and maintain an educational and working environment that promotes a commitment to inclusive excellence.

The initiative has become a commitment and now encompasses internal and external cultural competency education and training, an updated and relevant curriculum for TU students, and student programming around these topics. The next phase is to start a Center to house and build on these endeavors.

CELEBRATING CULTURAL UNIQUENESS: THE CENTER FOR INTERCULTURAL EXCELLENCE

We committed in 2016 and have far exceeded our goals. We graduate culturally competent students and have trained our faculty and staff, hosted phenomenal speakers, and created our own internal and external training programs. Furthermore, we have developed a curriculum that benefits Tiffin University and other organizations. The next step is to create and staff a Center to centralize and manage these facets and continue developing and growing our initiatives and strategic goals.

GENERAL JOB DESCRIPTION

Tiffin University is seeking a Graduate Assistant to play a pivotal role in supporting and advancing the University’s commitment to fostering inclusivity and celebrating cultural uniqueness. This position will focus significantly on the Brother 2 Brother (B2B) initiative, liaising with student leaders to strengthen and enhance the program's impact. As part of The Center for Intercultural Excellence, the Graduate Assistant will work closely with the Assistant Vice President for Intercultural and Community Engagement to support B2B’s mission of mentorship, leadership development, and community building among participants. The role will also involve assisting with related projects and daily operations in a collaborative and detail-oriented office environment. The ideal candidate will demonstrate strong multi-tasking abilities, a passion for advancing equity and inclusion, and a professional approach to all designated responsibilities, particularly in supporting the growth and success of Brother 2 Brother.

NOTE: Position to begin January 2025.

Requirements

MAJOR DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Brother 2 Brother (B2B)

• Serve as a critical point of contact and advisor for the Brother 2 Brother initiative.
• Assist in coordinating and facilitating meetings, events, and workshops for B2B members.
• Support B2B recruitment and outreach efforts to increase membership and engagement.
• Collaborate with other campus departments and student organizations to strengthen B2B initiatives.

Administrative Support 

• Assist with developing promotional materials, social media content, and communications for Brother 2 Brother.
• Maintain records of attendance, participation, and evaluations for all B2B programming.
• Help manage the B2B budget, including tracking expenses and preparing reports.

Collaboration and Outreach

• Act as a bridge between Brother 2 Brother and other student organizations to foster meaningful partnerships.
• Support campus initiatives that are aligned with B2B’s mission by collaborating with departments such as Student Engagement, Residence Life, and Career Services.

Programming and Assessment

• Work with the Assistant VP for Intercultural and Community Engagement to coordinate select B2B programming, such as workshops or speakers.
• Assist in evaluating and assessing B2B programming through data collection and feedback.

QUALIFICATIONS/SKILLS/ABILITIES FOR THE JOB

Education: 

• Candidates must have a Bachelor's degree from an accredited institution. 
• Acceptance of enrollment into Tiffin University’s Graduate Program.

Experience:

• Strong organization, interpersonal, communication, and customer service skills.
• The ability to deal collaboratively and respectfully with students, staff, faculty, and administration.
• Ability to work independently and meet position goals without undue supervision.
• Demonstrated success working as a member of a team.
• Ability to manage time and willingness to learn software packages.
• Understand and be able to create and analyze survey data.
• A positive attitude and a people-centric approach to work. 

EXPECTED KEY COMPETENCIES

Interdependence: Fosters collaboration

Communication: Strong decision-making and communication skills

Accountability: Formulates effective and progressive strategies aligned with the University's mission and values

Respect: Creates an engaging, collaborative work environment by bringing diverse people and ideas together.

Entrepreneurship: Influences and Inspires

EMBRACING OUR GUIDING PRINCIPLES

VISION STATEMENT – The vision for Tiffin University is to become A premier university for challenging students to enhance their global competencies and 21st-century skills for success in a diverse world.

MISSION STATEMENT – The mission of Tiffin University is to Educate students by linking knowledge to professional practice.

CORE VALUES – The values of Interdependence, Communication, Accountability, Respect, and Entrepreneurship comprise the ICARE values of Tiffin University.

We are firmly committed to enhancing equity, inclusion, and diversity. These values are central to our beliefs. Candidates who have worked with diverse faculty, staff, and students and can contribute to our mission of inclusivity are encouraged to identify their experiences and interests. Tiffin University actively seeks to increase the diversity of its workforce. We are dedicated to providing educational, working, and living environments that value the diverse backgrounds of all people.

NONDISCRIMINATION POLICY: Tiffin University is committed to a policy of nondiscrimination and equal opportunity for employees, applicant for employment, students or applicant for admission, access to educational opportunities on the basis of race, religion, personal appearance, color, sex, pregnancy, political affiliation, social-economic class, place of business, residence, religion, creed, ethnicity, national origin (including ancestry), citizenship status, physical or mental disability, age, marital status, family responsibilities, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, veteran or military status (including special disabled veteran, Vietnam-era veteran, or recently separated veteran), predisposing genetic characteristics, domestic violence victim status or any other protected category under applicable local, state or federal law, including protections for those opposing discrimination or participating in any resolution process on campus or within the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission or other human rights agencies. 

Tiffin University is an Equal Opportunity Employer