Design Strategies Wide Student Assistant

The New School; United States; On-site; USD 25,000 - 28,000; Part time

Job summary

The New School is seeking a Design Strategies Operations Office Student Assistant to provide administrative and operational support on campus. You’ll organize digital files, manage inboxes, assist with events, and create materials while collaborating with staff, faculty, and students.

Ideal candidates are detail-oriented, proactive, and competent with Google Workspace and basic design tools. The role offers hourly pay and on-campus hours with flexible scheduling across the semester.

Qualifications

• Currently a student at The New School.
• Strong organizational and time-management skills.
• Ability to communicate effectively across the organization.
• Proficiency in Google Workspace (Docs, Sheets, Slides, Drive).
• Familiarity with design software such as Adobe Creative Suite or Figma preferred.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Interest in urbanism, design justice, community-based work, or sustainability.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively.
• Attention to detail and ability to manage multiple tasks.

Responsibilities

• Assist with scheduling, file organization, and document preparation.
• Monitor and respond to inquiries in the shared inbox; escalate as needed.
• Coordinate logistics for internal meetings and events, including room reservations and materials.
• Update spreadsheets, contact lists, and internal records for accuracy.
• Maintain shared drives and folders with clear structure and navigation.
• Track office supplies and assist with restocking.
• Support special projects and communications tasks within the Operations Office.
• Collaborate with staff and faculty to provide responsive support.
• Design graphics and posters for events; update related websites.

Skills

Organizational skills

Time management

Effective communication

Independent and collaborative

Attention to detail

Multitasking

Strategic thinking

Interest in urbanism

Tools

Google Workspace

Adobe Creative Suite

Figma

Job description

The Design Strategies Operations Office Student Assistant will provide administrative and operational support to keep the Design Strategies Operations Office running smoothly day-to-day. Reporting to the undergraduate Program Administrator, the Student Assistant will help organize digital files, manage shared inboxes, support event logistics, prepare communications and materials, and maintain internal systems. A successful candidate will be detail-oriented, proactive, and comfortable working independently while communicating effectively with staff, faculty, and fellow students. The role requires strong organizational skills, familiarity with digital tools (e.g., Google Workspace, Excel, project management platforms), and a willingness to take initiative in solving small but essential operational challenges. This position plays an important role in enhancing the efficiency and responsiveness of the Design Strategies Operations Office, contributing to a supportive infrastructure that benefits students, faculty, and staff across Design Strategies.

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Assist with general administrative tasks such as scheduling, file organization, and document preparation.
• Monitor and respond to inquiries in the Design Strategies Operations Office shared inbox, escalating issues as needed.
• Help coordinate logistics for internal meetings and school-wide events, including room reservations, materials preparation, and day-of assistance.
• Update spreadsheets, contact lists, and internal records to ensure accuracy and accessibility.
• Maintain and organize shared drives and folders, ensuring clear structure and easy navigation for the team.
• Track office supplies and help order and restock as needed.
• Support special projects and initiatives within the Operations Office, including research, scheduling, and communications tasks.
• Work collaboratively with staff and faculty, providing responsive, courteous support and clear communication on assigned tasks.
• Design graphics and posters for events.
• Update related websites and organize pages with current events.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• Currently enrolled as a student at The New School.
• Strong organizational and time-management skills and the capacity to think strategically and to effectively move ideas forward into implementation.
• Ability to communicate effectively on multiple levels across the organization.
• Proficiency in Google Workspace (Docs, Sheets, Slides, Drive).
• Familiarity with design software (Adobe Creative Suite, Figma, etc.) preferred.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Interest in urbanism, design justice, community-based work, or sustainability.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively.
• Attention to detail and ability to manage multiple tasks.

WORK MODE

On-Campus Position - Employees in this position are expected to work on campus during regularly scheduled work hours because the work cannot be performed remotely without being infeasible or not in the best interest of the organization.

Work hours are not fixed and may vary from week to week based on program needs. Student Assistants will support events taking place throughout the semester and should have some flexibility in their availability to accommodate scheduled program events.

Hourly Rate: $18 per hour

We are an equal opportunity employer and do not discriminate in hiring or employment on the basis of race, color, creed, religion or belief, national or ethnic origin, citizenship status, marital or domestic partnership status, sexual orientation, sex, gender identity or expression, age, disability, military or veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law.

The New School recognizes and values the benefits of a diverse workforce.

Responsibilities: This role delivers comprehensive administrative support by managing inbox inquiries, organizing digital drives, updating records, and overseeing inventory and scheduling. It facilitates seamless event and meeting operations through logistical coordination, material preparation, graphic design, and website updates. The position also collaborates with staff and faculty to support special operational initiatives and day-of-event execution.

ABOUT THE NEW SCHOOL

Since our founding in 1919, The New School has redrawn and redefined the boundaries of intellectual and creative thought as a preeminent academic center. At our university, students have the academic freedom to shape their unique, individual paths for a complex and rapidly changing world. As a New School employee, you will be a part of the university’s mission to prepare and inspire students to bring about positive change in the world. We are an equal opportunity employer and do not discriminate in hiring or employment on the basis of race, color, creed, religion or belief, national or ethnic origin, citizenship status, marital or domestic partnership status, sexual orientation, sex, gender identity or expression, age, disability, military or veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law. The New School recognizes and values the benefits of a diverse workforce.