International Division Dean’s Office Project Assistant for Scholar and Student Support Initiatives
50% time/20 hours per week
Number of Positions: 1
Target start date: August 19
Duration of appointment: 2024-25 Academic Year (from August 19, 2024 through May 18, 2025)
Position Description:
The International Division Dean’s Office at UW-Madison seeks a Project Assistant (PA) to support the actions committed in the agreement reached by campus leadership and the Students for Justice in Palestine at UW-Madison in May 2024. The Project Assistant will play a crucial role in enacting the institution’s commitment to enhancing engagement with and support for scholars and students impacted by war, violence, occupation, and displacement, with a specific focus on areas such as Gaza and Ukraine. This role involves conducting comprehensive reviews, canvassing existing projects and student opportunities, and assessing and expanding student engagement initiatives. The Project Assistant will be responsible for compiling their findings and recommendations into a report for the Chancellor and the campus community by the end of the Fall 2024 semester and will assist in implementing some of these activities in Spring 2025. Additionally, this position will support the campus application for the Welcome Corps on Campus program to facilitate the integration and support of students impacted by these circumstances.
Qualifications:
- Enrolled in a UW-Madison graduate program.
Preferred Qualifications:
- Strong research, analytical, and reporting skills.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
- Experience in project management and coordination.
- Familiarity with issues related to war, violence, occupation, and displacement.
- Ability to work independently and collaboratively with diverse stakeholders.
- Commitment to social justice and supporting vulnerable populations.
Knowledge, Skills & Abilities:
- Excellent attention to detail
- Excellent organizational, interpersonal and written skills
- Adept at synthesizing information succinctly and professionally
- Experience with international projects, programs and/or research
- Ability to creatively solve problems
- Excellent communication skills Key Responsibilities:
- Review and Analysis:
- Engage with relevant stakeholders, including faculty, staff, and student organizations, to conduct a thorough review of current projects, student opportunities, experiential learning, study abroad programs, and internships that engage with regions and individuals impacted by war, violence, and displacement.
- Assess the accessibility and effectiveness of these opportunities for current students. o Identify gaps and potential areas for expansion or improvement. o Explore partnerships and collaborations with external organizations and institutions as possible future recommendations.
- Reporting:
- Compile findings, analyses, and recommendations into a comprehensive report for the Chancellor and the campus community by the conclusion of the Fall 2024 semester.
- Highlight successful initiatives, identify areas for growth, and propose actionable steps for enhancing engagement and support.
- Implementation of Recommendations:
- Assist in the implementation of selected recommendations from the Fall 2024 report during the Spring 2025 semester.
- Coordinate with relevant departments and stakeholders to execute approved initiatives.
- Monitor and evaluate the progress of implemented recommendations and make adjustments as necessary.
- Support for Welcome Corps on Campus Program:
- Assist in the preparation and submission of the campus application for the Welcome Corps on Campus program.
- Collaborate with relevant departments and offices to build the pathway for bringing students impacted by war, violence, and displacement to campus.
- Ensure appropriate support structures are in place for these students, including academic, psychosocial, and logistical assistance.
Application Process: Interested candidates should submit a resume and cover letter to Nikki Davis (nikki.davis@wisc.edu). The cover letter should address the candidate’s qualifications and their vision for enhancing engagement and support for scholars and students impacted by war and displacement.
Deadline for Applications: August 2, 2024
Contact Information:
International Division Chief of Staff, Nikki Davis
Nikki.Davis@wisc.edu
608-265-6734