Program Associate, OGA

About the Role

The Office of Graduate and Postdoctoral Affairs (OGPA) at George Washington University advances graduate and postdoctoral programs, enhancing the experience for graduate students and postdoctoral fellows. OGPA provides support through communication and cooperation among GW schools, offering guidance for academic success, professional growth, and wellness. OGPA includes the Office of Postdoctoral Affairs (OPA), the Office of Graduate Affairs (OGA), and the Office of Graduate Student Assistantships and Fellowships (OGSAF).

Key Responsibilities

• Organize and coordinate academic and social events (orientations, workshops, conferences), including managing logistics like venue bookings, catering, and travel arrangements.
• Serve as a point of contact for graduate students, providing guidance on university resources, policies, deadlines, and academic processes.
• Prepare and distribute informational materials (brochures, handbooks, program guidelines).
• Collaborate with faculty, graduate deans, department chairs, and administrative staff to ensure alignment with institutional goals and policies.
• Participate in committees, working groups, and strategic planning initiatives.
• Assist the Assistant Director with key projects, including coordination of OGA programming (Presidential Fellowship, GW graduate mentorship programming for faculty, graduate student research awards, new program development).
• Maintain and update the OGA website and manage social media accounts.
• Collaborate with other OGPA staff as needed.
• Organize content for monthly OGA newsletters.
• Conduct research to inform new policy proposals.
• Prepare drafts of new policies and update existing ones.
• Assist with policy-related correspondence.
• Conduct surveys of GW schools and other universities.
• Manage schedules for the Vice Provost, Graduate and Postdoctoral Affairs (VPGPA).
• Take notes for Council of Graduate Dean and other VPGPA meetings.
• Manage purchases and expense reports.
• Coordinate travel for senior department staff.
• Coordinate the central Electronic Thesis and Dissertation Submission process, including updating web resources, assigning submissions, and fielding inquiries.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

Requirements & Tech Stack

• G Suite
• MS Office
• PeopleAdmin
• Banner

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in an appropriate area of specialization (or an equivalent combination of education, training, and experience).
• Higher Ed Admin experience (preferred).
• Experience managing professional social media accounts (preferred).
• Experience with Project Management tools (preferred).
• Detail-oriented with significant problem-solving skills and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to manage work effectively during high peak periods.
• Ability to interact with all levels of administration, faculty, postdoctoral fellows, and graduate students.
• Strong communication skills.
• Ability to work both independently and collaboratively.