Assistant Director, RAAE Graduate Initiatives

This role focuses on supporting graduate students seeking support, community, and research opportunities while completing their LMU graduate programs. By coordinating career networking opportunities, professional development initiatives, and research seminars and funding, the Assistant Director, RAAE Graduate Initiatives strengthens graduate-level support networks and bridges the gap between academic achievement and career readiness. This position will also be tasked to offer graduate-level research learning communities, life skills courses, graduate school readiness certifications, and coordinate graduate student research opportunities. This position reports to the Associate Director, Office of Research and Creative Arts.

Position Specific and Responsibilities

• Collaborate with the Associate Director for the Office of Research and Creative Arts (ORCA) and the Associate Director, First-Gen Initiatives in developing and overseeing programs and strategies aimed at recruiting and supporting (A) all graduate students seeking research opportunities and (B) first-generation graduate students seeking additional academic community and guidance, including planning, and implementing semester workshops, social and cultural activities.

• Partner with the Associate Directors in providing leadership and instruction for the Graduate Research Learning Community and First-to-Go learning communities and programs. Assist the Associate Directors in creating and implementing program workshops.

• Collaborate with university partners for wraparound programs, workshops, and support as applicable.

• Plan and monitor ORCA and First Gen Initiatives graduate budget and expenditures to meet programmatic goals.

• Assist in assessment for and research on RAAE Graduate Research and First-to-Go Programs.

• Assist in overseeing graduate student participation in regional and national research conferences. Assist students in preparing and presenting at the LMU Student Research Symposium, as well as external conferences and events.

• Assist in the planning and execution of the LMU Student Research Symposium.

• Assist the Associate Director, ORCA in matching graduate students with faculty mentors and with creating a support system for mentorship and guidance. Support the Associate Director, ORCA in overseeing graduate student research awards.

• Responsible for advertising all RAAE graduate programs to graduate students and faculty. Create and implement effective strategies to increase and support program enrollment.

• Oversee the development and monitoring of alumni engagement activities for all RAAE graduate student programs, including chairing the First Gen Initiatives alumni advisory board.

• Provide graduate student mentorship and support for participating students. 

• Develop newsletters, media, publicity, and web content for ORCA and First Gen Initiatives graduate programs and opportunities.

• Represent RAAE at campus events and serve on campus committees, as may be appropriate.

• Performs other duties as assigned.

University Expectations

Loyola Marymount University Expectations: Exhibit behavior that supports the mission, vision, and values of LMU. Communicate and employ interpersonal actions that model high standards of professional, responsible, accountable, and ethical conduct.  Promote an environment that supports diversity and inclusion.  Demonstrate a commitment to outstanding customer service.

Experience/Qualifications:

• Typically, a Master's degree or equivalent experience. Incumbent will be expected to continue upgrading knowledge, skills, and abilities needed to stay abreast of fundraising principles, education regulations and policy changes.

• Minimum of two years of job related experience. Experience working with first generation graduate students, students research, and/or comparable programs preferred.

• Experience working with interdisciplinary and multidisciplinary faculty groups. 

• Demonstrated experience working with diverse student groups.

• Experience in situations requiring keen judgment and discretion. Experience with project and budget coordination is essential.

• Experience with program planning, implementation, evaluation, and sustainability preferred.

• Experience in grant proposal writing is desirable.

• Highly developed organizational and leadership skills; exceptional personal initiative and attention to detail.

• Exemplary communication skills (both written and oral), evidenced in teaching, presenting academic material at conferences, and writing academic reports (including the synthesis of data).

• Ideal candidate must understand how to offer mentorship on the graduate school application process and the graduate student experience.

• Ability to work in a dynamic team-oriented environment and possess strong interpersonal skills, strong communication, and organizational skills.  

• Ability to multi-task, plan, organize and execute academic events, such as an academic symposium.

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed. They are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and skills required of personnel so classified.

#HERC# #HEJ#

Staff Regular

Salary range

$71, $88,900.00 Salary commensurate with education and experience.

Please note that this position may not be eligible for visa sponsorship now or in the future.

Loyola Marymount University, a Carnegie classified R2 institution in the mainstream of American Catholic higher education, seeks outstanding applicants who value its mission and share its commitment to inclusive excellence, the education of the whole person, and the building of a just society. LMU is an equal opportunity employer committed to providing an environment free from discrimination and harassment as defined by federal, state and local law. We invite all persons in the full diversity of their being, life experience, and beliefs to apply. (Visit for more information.)

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