Student Leadership Advisor Graduate Assistant

University of California; New York (NY); On-site; USD 21,593 - 30,754; Part time

Job summary

The University of California is seeking a Student Leadership Advisor [Graduate Assistant] to work part-time in New York. This role involves advising undergraduate organizations and supporting various events like orientations and community activities.

Candidates should have experience in student leadership, strong communication skills, and a commitment to fostering an inclusive environment. The position offers a salary of $19/hr and requires the ability to maintain in-person office hours.

Qualifications

• Experience in student leadership or student involvement.
• Ability to respond calmly in high-pressure situations.
• Demonstrated commitment to fostering an inclusive campus community.

Responsibilities

• Advise assigned undergraduate student organizations.
• Support planning of campus-wide events.
• Maintain weekly office hours to assist student leaders.

Skills

Interpersonal skills

Organizational skills

Advising and mentoring

Communication skills

Education

Relevant experience in student leadership or development roles

Job description

Student Leadership Advisor [Graduate Assistant]

Job Title Student Leadership Advisor [Graduate Assistant]

Job Description

Student Leadership Advisors (SLAs) in the Office of Student Involvement and Leadership (OSIL) may serve as Graduate Assistant (GA) appointments or as part‑time staff positions open to qualified graduate students who have the capacity to maintain consistent in‑person office hours to support OSIL operations and advise undergraduate student leaders. SLAs serve as primary advisors to undergraduate student organizations, playing a key role in advancing student leadership development, supporting event planning and execution, and ensuring alignment with College policies, procedures, and community standards.

Primary Responsibilities

Student Organization Advising

• Advise assigned 15-20 undergraduate student organizations and leaders (co‑chairs; primary contacts; treasurers)
• Support leadership development, goal setting, and organizational effectiveness
• Guide student leaders through the OSIL lifecycle, including planning, execution, and assessment of events and initiatives

Event & Program Support

Support planning and execution of campus‑wide events and initiatives, including:

• Orientation & Welcome Week
• Late Night @ The Barb, Winter Carnival, Casino Night, Spring Formal, Late Night Breakfasts.
• Senior Week, and Commencement (if the employee is non‑graduating)
• Provide occasional evening and weekend event support (within the 15-20 hrs per week as determined with supervisor)

Operations & Administrative Support

• Provide front‑facing OSIL office support during scheduled office hours (min. 15 hr/yr)
• Manage shared inboxes, phone inquiries, and student‑facing communications
• Process and track student event requests and logistics
• Maintain organization of student spaces and materials (mail, supplies, storage)
• Assist with ordering and tracking event supplies

Financial & Budget Support

• Assist with budget tracking and expense reconciliation
• Support appropriate use of College purchasing systems and student activity fee funds
• Maintain accurate financial records in alignment with College policies

Policy & Compliance

• Maintain working knowledge of:
  • Undergraduate Student Handbook
  • Student Organization Manual
  • OSIL policies and procedures
  • Working with campus SLC campus partners
• Ensure student organizations operate in compliance with College policies

Team Engagement & Accountability

• Attend and actively participate in:
  • Weekly team meetings
  • 1:1 supervision meetings
  • Semester trainings and evaluations
• Prepare agendas and updates in advance of meetings
• Submit accurate bi‑weekly timesheets on time

Office Coverage

• Maintain consistent weekly office hours based on academic schedule
• Serve as an accessible resource for student leaders and OSIL operations

Additional Responsibilities

Functional Leadership Areas: In addition to organization advising responsibilities, Student Leadership Advisors (SLAs) will select 2–3 functional focus areas during Summer SLA Training and serve as project leads throughout the academic year.

• Advise all Student Publications
• Advise Sarah Lawrence Activities Council (SLAC)/Student Programming Operations & Vendor Coordination
• Advise Student Space Managers (WSLC Radio Station)
• Communications & Marketing (social media, newsletters, campaigns)
• Support Student Governance (Undergraduate Student Senate, Student Activities Subcommittee, and Class Presidents)
• Student Staff Coordination (CCAs & GEAs co‑supervision)

Required Qualifications

• Experience in student leadership, student involvement, student affairs, residence life, higher education, advising, mentoring, or related leadership development roles.
• Strong interpersonal, organizational, advising, and communication skills.
• Ability to build relationships with diverse student leaders and support student organization development across the academic year.
• Ability to respond calmly, professionally, and effectively in high‑pressure or crisis situations.
• Demonstrated commitment to fostering an inclusive, equitable, and student‑centered campus community.
• Availability for occasional evening and weekend programming, events, and student organization support.

Preferred Qualifications

• Previous experience advising student organizations, student government, programming boards, leadership councils, or campus engagement initiatives.
• Interest in pursuing or continuing a career in higher education, student affairs, leadership development, or student engagement.
• Experience with student engagement platforms such as Anthology Engage/GryphonLink or similar campus involvement systems.
• Experience working with event planning, budget management, risk management, and student leadership development.

Salary $19/hr

Position Type Part Time

EEO Statement Sarah Lawrence seeks to recruit and retain a diverse administration, staff, and faculty. Every job opening is seen as an opportunity to increase diversity, and every effort will be made to expand the applicant pool in accordance with these goals. (Please see our Nondiscrimination Policy.) For information on Sarah Lawrence College, our curriculum, teaching methods, and philosophy of education, please see our website at: https://www.sarahlawrence.edu/.