Graduate Assistant - International Strategies Programs & Outreach Asst

Center for Public Partnerships & Research; Topeka (KS); On-site; USD 23,000 - 33,000; Part time

Job summary

KU Libraries is seeking a graduate student intern to support IGEL and IC program activities, communications, and operations. The role focuses on international outreach, events, and partnership development within the International Strategies Division.

The position provides hands-on experience in international librarianship, program coordination, and academic library outreach, with duties across events, digital content, and research support.

Qualifications

• KU graduate student in good academic standing.
• Professional experience demonstrating organizational skills, accuracy, and attention to detail.
• Excellent written communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Plan and coordinate virtual and in-person lectures, workshops, and events.
• Draft web and email content to promote IGEL and IC programs; update websites and newsletters.
• Track metrics, maintain records, assist with reports and presentations; support program research and partnerships.

Skills

Organizational skills

Attention to detail

Written communication

Education

Graduate student status at KU

Job description

Position Overview

The International Strategies Division of KU Libraries brings together the Institute for Globally Engaged Librarianship (IGEL) and International Collections (IC). The Division advances KU Libraries' international programs, partnerships, collections, and engagement with libraries, scholars, and communities around the world.

IGEL works to establish KU Libraries as a leader in international academic library collaboration, building sustainable partnerships with libraries worldwide that advance knowledge exchange, professional development, innovation, and collaborative research. IC supports the development, stewardship, discovery, and use of KU Libraries' collections from around the world.

The International Strategies Division seeks a highly organized, proactive, and detail-oriented graduate student to support its programs, outreach, communications, and day-to-day operations. The position will focus on IGEL programs and initiatives — including international librarian exchanges, small grants programs, public events, and partnership development — that connect KU Libraries with international library and information communities. The position may also contribute to broader projects across International Strategies, including International Collections.

Working closely with the Director of International Strategies and IGEL, the student will help plan and carry out programs, maintain web and communications content, gather background research for programs, track activities and outcomes, and support special projects. The position offers hands‑on experience in international librarianship, program development, communications, event coordination, and collaborative work in an academic library setting.

Job Description

50% - Event Coordination & Program Execution

• Help plan and organize virtual and in‑person lectures, workshops, and other events or collaborative initiatives.
• Help organize and facilitate visits by international scholars, including travel, lodging, and other logistics during their time at KU Libraries.
• Prepare brief post‑event summaries.

25% - Website & Newsletter Management

• Draft web and email content to promote IGEL and IC programs and initiatives.
• Maintain and update the IGEL and IC websites and distribute regular newsletters and other communications.

25% - Research, Tracking & Administrative Support

• Participate in regular IGEL meetings and document key decisions and action items.
• Track key metrics related to events and outreach.
• Maintain organized records of programs, contacts, and activities.
• Assist with reports, presentations, and internal documentation.
• Gather background research to support programs, partnerships, funding opportunities, and meetings.
• Support special projects of the International Strategies division.

Required Qualifications

• KU graduate student in good academic standing.
• Professional experience which required excellent organizational skills, accuracy, and attention to detail, as evidenced by application materials.
• Excellent written communication skills, as evidenced by application materials.

Preferred Qualifications

• Demonstrated ability to work independently and manage multiple tasks, as evidenced by application materials.
• Experience editing and updating content on websites, as evidenced by application materials.
• Experience conducting research or gathering background information for projects or programs, as evidenced by application materials.
• Experience in international collaboration, libraries, or higher education, as evidenced by application materials.
• Experience with event coordination or program support, as evidenced by application materials.
• Professional experience which required self‑direction and proactivity in managing projects and tasks, as evidenced by application materials.

Position Requirements

During the semester term of the appointment, the student hourly must be enrolled in no fewer than 6 credit hours. For summer periods the student hourly must: (1) have been enrolled in no less than 6 hours in the past spring semester or (2) be pre‑enrolled in the upcoming fall semester in no less than 6 hours or (3) be enrolled in summer session or (4) be admitted to study in the upcoming fall semester. Student Hourlies may be undergraduate or graduate students. (Exceptions granted for GRA/GTA/GA appointments DO NOT apply to Student Hourly appointments).

Employment Conditions

• Student employees are not eligible for remote work arrangements unless an exception is approved by the unit leadership and HR.
• This is an hourly/non‑exempt position. A student employee cannot hold an hourly/non‑exempt position and a salaried/exempt graduate or undergraduate position (GRA/GTA/GA/RUA/RGA) concurrently.

Additional Candidate Instructions

• Cover letter addressing how you meet the required and preferred qualifications and how this position will further your career goals; please also confirm your availability during the proposed appointment period.
• Current resume.

Contact Information to Applicants

Brian Rosenblum

[e-mail]

785-864-8883

Advertised Salary Range

$20.50 per hour

Anticipated Start Date

Monday November 2, 2026