Graduate Assistant Opportunity
2017-18 Academic Year

Office of International Programs, Portland Campus
Research & Data Analysis

The Office of International Programs (OIP) enhances global perspectives, mutual respect, and responsibility through collaborative programs and services for the development of international students, scholars, the University of Southern Maine and the surrounding community. The graduate assistant who accepts this position will have the unique opportunity to examine the importance of internationalization as a component of USM’s designation as a metropolitan university.

For this position we are seeking a highly organized data and research guru with outstanding writing skills. The person in this position will work mainly with the Director to review international recruitment and retention strategies and work toward the goal of producing components of a broader institutional internationalization strategy. The person in this position would have the opportunity to learn more about study abroad, short term travel and international recruitment.

Duties:

  • Assist the Director with an on-going research focused on the internationalization of USM, analyzing the data and developing sections of a report appropriate for public dissemination.
  • Research trends and data related to international student markets to provide a current and thoughtful overview of best recruitment strategies.
  • Work with the Director of OIP, in addition to other relevant parties such as ESOL, Multi-Cultural Student Affairs, and Student Success to develop a report on the unmet needs of USM’s non-immigrant and immigrant populations.
  • Review best practices for retention programs which have achieved success with immigrant and non-immigrant populations. Consider options and make recommendations for programs which may achieve success at USM and follow through with a proposed action plan.
  • Assist the OIP Director with international recruitment efforts as needed.
  • Work with the office as needed on issues related to short term travel programs looking mainly at policy and procedural issues such as surveying students to determine interest in various locations, types of programs, etc.
  • Work on developing new methods (using new technologies) to keep international students updated on relevant issues.
  • Staff front desk and answer main office phone directing calls as needed.
  • Other projects and duties as needed.

Required Qualifications:

Data analysis skills and experience translating that information into manageable formats

Strong research skills

Be reliable, responsible and able to adapt to new initiatives and priorities

Excellent oral and written communication skills

Be able to represent the office in a professional manner at all times and have the ability to work with a variety of populations (students, staff, faculty, community members)

Be able to commit to a flexible schedule that may include occasional evening and/or week-end hours.

Must be matriculated in a graduate program at USM and carrying at least six credits each semester

Preferred Qualifications:

Possess knowledge or have an interest in world geography, languages, religions, cultures and political systems

Previous cross -cultural experience

Schedule: 10 hours per week

Compensation: $4500 a year ($500 a month) and 9 credits of tuition a year. (4.5 credits per semester)

Application Procedure: E-mail letter of interest, resume, names/contact information for two references and a statement outlining how the position aligns with your educational/professional goals to Kimberly Sinclair, Director of International Programs, ksinc@ maine.edu