SMSU Foundation – Graduate Assistant

Job Summary

The Graduate Assistant will support the University Foundation in various administrative, research, and project management tasks. This role is ideal for a graduate student seeking excellent hands-on experience in higher education administration, marketing, fundraising, and management.

Key Responsibilities

• Assist with planning and executing fundraising events and campaigns.
• Research potential donors, grants, and funding opportunities.
• Prepare and edit reports, presentations, and other documents.
• Maintain donor databases and ensure accurate record-keeping.
• Support the development and implementation of marketing and communication strategies.
• Coordinate meetings, including scheduling, preparing agendas, and taking minutes.
• Design marketing flyers and mailers, create emails, and post to social media.
• Provide general administrative support to the Foundation team as needed.
• Work at SMSU Foundation special events.

Preferred Qualifications

• Must be currently enrolled in a graduate program at Southwest Minnesota State University.
• Strong organizational, communication, and time management skills.
• Experience with Microsoft Office Suite, design software, and databases.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Prior experience in fundraising, event planning, marketing, database management, or nonprofit work.
• Must be available to work some evenings and weekends for events and the Engagement Center.

Compensation/Benefits

• $10,000 per academic year ($4,000 fall, $4,000 spring, $2,000 summer).
• 18 credit hours per 12 months for two years.
• Flexible work hours to accommodate academic schedules.
• Opportunity to network with university staff, alumni, and donors.
• Professional development and training opportunities.

Position Type: Part-time (average 15–20 hours/week)

Reports To: Director of Development, Rustin Buysse

Contact/Apply

Direct inquiries about the position to the Director of Development at Rustin.Buysse@SMSU.edu or (507) 537-6876. Candidates should submit a resume, cover letter, and contact information for two references.

University & Community

Southwest Minnesota State University is one of seven universities in the Minnesota State Colleges and Universities system. SMSU prioritizes excellence in teaching and preparing students to be lifelong learners through quality undergraduate teaching and advising, and close student-faculty relationships. Its mission, dating back to 1967, is to provide access to university-level programs in liberal arts and professional studies. The University has a special commitment to the educational needs of the people in its service region, reflected in its curricula, cultural programs, diverse staff and student body, and cooperative relationships with the public and private sectors and regional institutions. The 216-acre campus encompasses 24 modern, interconnected, and accessible buildings. Marshall (pop. 14,000) is the hub of a rich agricultural area and offers a variety of cultural, recreational, and educational opportunities.