Graduate Assistant at FPU Only - Career Center 2026-2027

Requires an undergraduate degree from an accredited institution and acceptance into a graduate studies program at Franklin Pierce University (acceptance must be confirmed before the candidate is considered).

Position Summary:
The Graduate Assistant (GA) for the Career Center plays a key role in supporting experiential learning initiatives at Franklin Pierce University. This position focuses on the administration and management of the internship approval process within Handshake, coordinating with students, faculty, and employers to ensure smooth, timely, and internship approvals. The GA also supports employer stewardship by assisting new and returning organizations who wish to post internships with the university, ensuring they receive excellent customer service and guidance throughout the process.

Job Responsibilities and Essential Functions of the Position:
Key Responsibilities
Internship Approval & Handshake Management

• Review and process internship experience requests submitted by students in Handshake for accuracy, completeness, and policy alignment.
• Communicate with students regarding missing information, approval timelines, and next steps.
• Coordinate with faculty internship supervisors and academic departments to facilitate and track required approvals.
• Ensure Handshake records are accurate, up-to-date, and properly categorized for reporting.
• Run weekly reports using the system’s data tools and excel.
• Participate in team meetings and relevant staff meetings.
• Manage the distribution and collection of student and employer evaluations, sent out via the management system.
• Support the documentation and workflow guides to ensure consistency in internship processing.

• Meet with future intern students (1:1 or in small groups) to inform them of the approval process.
• Develop content for internship-related presentations for a variety of audiences.
• Schedule and complete classroom and student organization presentations, covering our program basics and the registration process.

• Develop content to highlight current and recent interns for department and university marketing.
• Promote internship opportunities through social media and email campaigns through Handshake.
• Participate in promotional events across campus.

• Serve as a first point of contact for employers interested in posting internships through Handshake.
• Review employer profiles and internship postings for suitability and adherence to university guidelines.
• Provide guidance to employers on best practices for posting roles, engaging with students, and representing their organization professionally.
• Assist with employer communication efforts, including email outreach, event invitations, and follow-up.
• Support relationship-building efforts with local, regional employers to expand internship opportunities.

• Assist with Career Center events such as career fairs, workshops, and employer visits.
• Provide high-quality customer service to students, faculty, and external partners visiting or contacting the Career Center.
• Contribute to marketing efforts, including social media content, email communications, and promotional materials.
• Support additional projects as assigned to advance the mission of the Career Center.

• Enrollment in a Franklin Pierce University graduate program (required).
• Strong attention to detail and ability to manage workflow processes accurately.
• Excellent interpersonal, communication, and customer service skills.
• Ability to work independently with sound judgment.
• Familiarity with Handshake or similar CRM/experiential learning systems (preferred; training provided).
• Interest in higher education, student affairs, HR, or employer relations is a plus.

Environmental Factors and Physical Requirements: (Example)
Incumbent must be physically able to lift various materials up to 20 pounds on an occasional basis. While performing required job tasks, physically able to remain seated, frequently to continuously. While performing required job tasks, physically able to remain standing up to 15% of the time. Possesses dexterity abilities required to perform typing, operate a computer and other office equipment.  

Expectations of All Employees:
All employees support the University’s mission and vision values by incorporating behaviors outlined in the Code of Conduct in the daily work.  Each team member is able to describe the ways the work of his/her department/area contributes to making the University a great place to learn and work.  Each member plays an essential role in fostering an environment of respect, diversity, and inclusion, raising the quality of service, and generating ideas that help us improve.

NOTE: To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential job function satisfactorily with or without reasonable accommodation. Resume, Cover Letter and References are required.