PEARLS Graduate Assistant (Finance)

University of South Florida (USF) PEARLS Program
Graduate Assistant Job Description
Position Title: Graduate Assistant - USF PEARLS Program
Reports To: USF PEARLS Associate Director
Hours: 20 hours per week
Compensation: Graduate Assistant Stipend & Tuition Benefits (as applicable)
Position Summary:
The USF PEARLS Graduate Assistant (GA) plays a vital role in supporting the success of foster care alumni at USF. This position focuses on student engagement, programming, social media outreach, data collection, and documentation while also providing coaching support through strength and needs meetings. The GA works closely with campus and community partners to enhance student experiences and program outcomes.

Key Responsibilities:

1. Programming & Social Media Presence (3.5 hours/week)

• Develop creative and engaging content for USF PEARLS social media platforms using Canva.
• Schedule and monitor social media posts to enhance student engagement.
• Brainstorm and plan monthly social media themes (e.g., student success stories, wellness tips).

2. Signature Events Support (5 hours/week)

• Assist in planning and executing signature events, including the Commencement Celebration.
• Coordinate logistics such as venue reservations, catering, and guest invitations.

3. USF PEARLS Mailbox Management (2.5 hours/week)

• Check and respond to incoming emails daily.
• Forward inquiries to appropriate team members and maintain a follow-up list.

4. Documentation in Maxient (4 hours/week)

• Maintain accurate and confidential student case records.
• Document student interactions, support provided, and any follow-ups needed.
• Ensure timely updates to Maxient case notes.

5. Data Collection for Grant Reporting (1.5 hours/week)

• Track student engagement metrics and program participation.
• Assist in survey distribution and data entry to support grant reporting requirements.

6. Coaching Support for Students (2.5 hours/week)

• Conduct strength and needs meetings with students to assess their academic and personal challenges.
• Provide guidance, support, and referrals to on-campus resources.
• Follow up with students to track progress and offer additional assistance as needed.

7. Community Partnerships & Engagement (1 hour/week)

• Foster relationships with campus and community partners to support PEARLS students.
• Identify opportunities for collaboration to enhance student services and engagement.
• Participate in outreach efforts to increase program awareness

8. Additional Support & Meetings (2 hours/week)

• Attend team meetings, training sessions, and check-ins.
• Assist with additional projects as assigned by the PEARLS Program Coordinator.

Other duties as assigned.Qualifications & Skills:

• Must be enrolled in a graduate program at USF.
• Passion for student advocacy, particularly supporting foster care alumni.
• Strong organizational and time-management skills.
• Experience with social media management and content creation (Canva preferred).
• Familiarity with Maxient or ability to learn case management software.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively within a team.
• Must register and complete Level 1 Coaching Certification within the first year of the two-year Graduate Assistant program.

Interested candidates should submit a resume, cover letter, and two professional references.

This position may be subject to a Level 1 or Level 2 background check.

Applicants for USF employment are entitled to request reasonable accommodations in the application process. A request should be made at least 5 working days prior to the time the accommodation(s) is needed. Please contact the USF ADA lead (hr-ADA-request@usf.edu) to coordinate any accommodation requests.Working at USF
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With approximately 16,000 employees, the University of South Florida is one of the largest employers in the Tampa Bay area. We are dedicated to cultivating a talented, engaged and driven workforce that strives to be bold. Employees excel in USF's rich academic environment, which fosters their development and advancement. In 2025, Forbes recognized USF as one of Florida's best large employers, ranked No. 1 among the state's 12 public universities. Our first-class benefits package includes medical, dental and life insurance plans, retirement plan options, employee and dependent tuition programs, generous leave, and hundreds of employee perks and discounts.
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About USF
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The University of South Florida is a top-ranked research university serving approximately 50,000 students from across the globe at campuses in Tampa, St. Petersburg, Sarasota-Manatee and USF Health. USF is recognized by U.S. News & World Report as a top 50 public university and the best value in Florida. U.S. News also ranks the USF Health Morsani College of Medicine as the No. 1 medical school in Florida and in the highest tier nationwide. USF is a member of the Association of American Universities (AAU), a group that includes only the top 3% of universities in the U.S. With an all-time high of $738 million in research funding in 2024 and as a top 20 public university for producing U.S. patents, USF uses innovation to transform lives and shape a better future. The university generates an annual economic impact of more than $6 billion. USF's Division I athletics teams compete in the American Athletic Conference. Learn more at www.usf.edu .
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Compliance and Federal Notices
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This position may be subject to a Level 1 or Level 2 criminal background check.
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Applicants have rights under Federal Employment Laws :
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Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA)
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Applicants for USF employment are entitled to request reasonable accommodation(s) in the application process. A request is to be made at least five (5) working days prior to the time the accommodation(s) is needed. Visit the Central Human Resources ADA Accommodations webpage for more information on requesting an accommodation during the application/interview process.