Graduate Assistant – Advancement Operations and Engagement in Kansas City, Missouri at Avila University

POSITION SUMMARY
The Graduate Assistant for Advancement Operations and Engagement supports the Advancement Office through operational, event, and communication-related projects that advance the University’s fundraising and alumni engagement efforts. This position assists with donor stewardship, data management, event coordination, marketing initiatives, and general advancement operations while providing valuable professional experience within higher education advancement.

The Graduate Assistant will work closely with the Manager of Advancement Operations and other Advancement staff to support strategic initiatives, maintain accurate records, and help execute donor- and alumni-facing events and communications.

Responsibilities:
• Assist with maintaining and updating constituent and donor records within the University CRM system (Raiser’s Edge NXT).
• Support gift processing, data entry, reporting, and record maintenance efforts as assigned.
• Assist in preparing mailing lists, event materials, donor acknowledgements, and stewardship communications.
• Help coordinate Advancement and Alumni events, including registration management, setup, logistics, hospitality, and follow-up communications.
• Assist with marketing and communication initiatives, including social media content, email communications, promotional materials, and event outreach.
• Support fundraising campaigns and engagement efforts through administrative and project-based assistance.
• Conduct basic research related to donors, alumni, corporate partnerships, or event opportunities as needed.
• Create and maintain spreadsheets, reports, and other operational documents to support Advancement initiatives.
• Collaborate with Advancement staff on special projects and departmental priorities.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

Qualifications:
• Must be admitted and enrolled in a graduate program at Avila University. International students are not eligible for graduate assistantships.
• The successful candidate for this position will possess a bachelor's degree and
must maintain a minimum 3.0 GPA, a commitment to student development, higher education, creativity, vision, passion, and compassion are imperative.
• Strong organizational skills with attention to detail and accuracy.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Experience with Microsoft Office Suite required.
• Experience with Canva, social media platforms, CRM systems, or email marketing platforms preferred.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines in a professional environment.
• Demonstrated professionalism and ability to maintain confidentiality.
• Interest in nonprofit management, higher education, communications, marketing, fundraising, or event management preferred.
• Ability to contribute to a climate that supports a diverse student body, serves first-generation college students and multilingual learners, and contributes to equity and social justice through their work.
• The GA is expected to work the appropriate number of hours based on the allotted hours stated in the Graduate Assistant policy. The term of this position is based on the availability of the successful candidate but shall not exceed two full academic years.

Successful candidates should showcase their work and experience in contributing to a climate that supports a diverse student body, serves first-generation college students, multilingual learners, and contributions to equity and social justice through their work.

The Community:
Kansas City, a two-state metropolitan area with a population of nearly two million, offers a wide variety of cultural, educational and social life opportunities. Avila University, a Catholic university founded and inspired by the Sisters of St. Joseph of Carondelet, provides undergraduate and graduate education in the liberal arts and professional studies, preparing lifelong learners who make meaningful contributions to the global community.

Additional Employment Information:
Avila University is committed to equal employment opportunity and does not discriminate on the basis of, sex, race, religion, age, color, sexual orientation, disability, national or ethnic origin, marital status, veteran's status, genetic information or any other characteristic protected by law.

You must be at least 18 years of age to be employed by Avila University.

All new employees will be required to complete an "Employment Eligibility Verification (Form I-9)” and produce requested documentation after employment.

In compliance with the Higher Education Amendments of 1998, the university's annual security and crime statistics report is available at https://www.avila.edu/campus-resources/campus-safety. A copy of this report is available upon request from the Campus Safety Office in the Whitfield building any weekday between 8am and 5pm.

Avila University requires the successful completion of a background check as a condition of employment.