Graduate Assistant

Job Description:

Job Description Summary & Additional Information

Organizations Summary:

The mission of the Research Development Office is to grow the volume and visibility of UMD’s research enterprise. We provide customized services to help faculty and faculty-led groups across the university turn ideas into action. Whether you are launching a new initiative, communicating a vision to university leaders, or identifying opportunities for unique research contributions, we are supportive partners during pivotal moments.

Job Summary:

We are seeking a motivated and proactive graduate student with the ability to work independently and in a fast-paced environment. This is a 12-month, 10 hours per week graduate assistantship, providing valuable administrative support while offering exposure to the research funding process. You’ll have the opportunity to assist in critical tasks that support faculty in securing national and international funding opportunities.

As a Graduate Assistant, you will play a key role to ensure the smooth functioning of the Research Development office by assisting in a variety of processes:

• Manage Limited Submission Opportunities: Assist with the application process for limited submission funding, ensuring compliance with university and sponsor guidelines.

• Collaborate with Research Development Team: Work alongside colleagues to identify, track, and communicate relevant funding opportunities (e.g., NSF, NIH, DOE, USDA) to support faculty grant applications.

• Database & Deadline Management: Help maintain an up-to-date database of active funding competitions, proactively tracking deadlines and ensuring the team stays informed of upcoming opportunities.

• Monitor Funding Portals: Assist in monitoring major federal, state, and corporate funding calls, ensuring the team has up-to-date information on relevant opportunities.

• Event Coordination: Help plan and execute outreach events, such as information sessions and workshops, to raise awareness of funding opportunities for faculty and staff.

• Communication & Outreach: Draft materials like flyers, email announcements, and reminders to promote funding opportunities and events.

• Email Management: Assist in managing multiple inboxes, prioritizing communications, and ensuring timely responses or appropriate forwarding.

• Documentation: Support in organizing and tracking important correspondence and documents to ensure they are easily accessible for the team.

Preferences:

• Enrollment as a graduate student at UMD (Master’s or Ph.D. level).

• Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel (macros, pivot tables, charts) and experience with Excel VBA.

• Strong communication skills (written and verbal) with the ability to effectively present information to diverse audiences.

• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, PowerPoint, Outlook, Access) and familiarity with Google Drive, BOX, and website maintenance.

• Excellent organizational and time-management skills with the ability to prioritize and manage multiple tasks efficiently.

• Strong problem-solving, decision-making, and presentation abilities.

• Ability to work both independently and collaboratively, adjusting to changing priorities as needed.

• Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to draft professional communications.

Physical Demands:

Sedentary work performed in a normal office environment; exerts up to 10 pounds of force occasionally and/or negligible amount of force frequently or constantly to lift, carry, push, pull or otherwise move objects, including the human body. Ability to attend meetings both on and off campus. Spending long hours in front of a computer screen.

Required Application Materials:

Resume

Cover Letter

Best Consideration Date:

06/30/2025

Posting Closing Date:

07/18/2025

Minimum Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications:

Must be a registered graduate student in good standing enrolled in a degree program at the University of Maryland and must be making satisfactory progress toward the degree.

Department

VPR-Research Development

Worker Sub-Type

Graduate Assistant

Salary Range

$17,713 to $18,405

Benefits Summary

For more information on Graduate Assistant benefits, select this link.

Background Checks

Offers of employment are contingent on completion of a background check. Information reported by the background check will not automatically disqualify anyone from employment. Before any adverse decision, the finalist will have an opportunity to provide information to the University regarding disclosable background check information. The University reserves the right to rescind the offer of employment or otherwise decline or terminate employment if the information reported by the background check is deemed incompatible with the position, regardless of when the background check is completed.

Employment Eligibility

The successful candidate must complete employment eligibility verification (on Form I-9) by presenting documents that establish identity and work authorization within the timeframe required by federal immigration law, and where applicable, to demonstrate renewed employment authorization. Failure to complete employment eligibility verification or reverification within the timeframe set forth by law may result in suspension or termination of employment.

EEO Statement

The University of Maryland, College Park is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive equal consideration for employment. Please read the University’s Equal Employment Opportunity Statement of Policy.

Title IX Non-Discrimination Notice

Resources

• Learn how military skills translate to civilian opportunities with O*Net Online

Search Firm Managed Recruitment

There are some positions that are not advertised on this career site as the search is being managed by a Search Firm.

Please visit the link below to see these available opportunities:

Search Firm Managed Vacancies