Graduate Assistant – Desk Operations

Graduate Assistant – Desk Operations

Department: Housing and Residence Life

Reports To: Coordinator of Residence Life

Appointment Type: Graduate Assistantship (20 hours per week)

Compensation: $18.26/hour, $11, 690 for academic year, plus 16 graduate credit hours for the Academic Year

Term: Academic year; summer employment may be available

Position Summary

The Graduate Assistant for Desk Operations provides leadership, coordination, and oversight for residential front desk operations serving approximately 3,200 on-campus residents across five locations. This position is responsible for supervising student staff, ensuring consistent operational standards, and supporting training, scheduling, and assessment initiatives. The Graduate Assistant plays a critical role in promoting high-quality customer service, safety, and operational effectiveness within Housing and Residence Life.

Primary Responsibilities

• Assist with supervision of daily operations of three residential front desks.
• Ensure consistent implementation of departmental policies, procedures, and service standards.
• Assist with monitoring of desk coverage and address operational concerns in real time.
• Oversee desk procedures and safety procedures.
• Directly supervise Woods and Quad Desk Advisors and indirect supervision to desk staff
• Assist with the recruitment and hiring of Desk Advisors and Desk Staff.
• Assist with coordination of onboarding, training, and ongoing professional development programs.
• Ensure staff proficiency in customer service, security protocols, financial procedures, and emergency response. 
• Conduct regular check-ins, feedback, and performance evaluations of Desk Advisors.
• Assist with development and management of staff schedules to ensure adequate coverage.
• Assist with conducting and overseeing key audits and access control reviews.
• Maintain accurate records for keys, access cards, and equipment.
• Ensure compliance with security, accountability, and documentation standards.
• Track trends and identify areas for continuous improvement.
• Maintain accurate documentation and operational records.
• Serve as a mandatory reporter under the Clery Act and NMU’s Prohibited Sexual Misconduct policies.
• Serve as a primary liaison between Desk Advisors and professional staff.
• Participate in departmental meetings and planning initiatives.
• Communicate operational updates and expectations clearly and consistently.

Required Qualifications

• Admission to and good standing in a graduate program.
• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution.
• Demonstrated leadership, supervisory, or administrative experience.
• Strong organizational and time-management skills.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to manage confidential and sensitive information responsibly.
• Availability to work some evenings, weekends, and on-call shifts as required.
• Ability to regularly stoop, kneel, bend, crouch, and lift or move items weighing up to 25 pounds.

Preferred Qualifications

• Previous experience in housing, residence life, student employment, or front desk operations.
• Experience supervising student employees.
• Knowledge of access control and inventory management systems.
• Training or experience in customer service management.
• Interest in student affairs, higher education administration, or related fields.

Work Environment and Expectations

• Twenty (20) hours per week during the academic year.
• Variable schedule, including evening, weekend, and peak-period availability; scheduling will accommodate academic commitments.
• Frequent interaction with students, staff, and campus partners.
• Commitment to professionalism, accountability, and ethical conduct.
• Summer employment contingent upon departmental needs and performance.

Learning Outcomes

• Through this assistantship, the Graduate Assistant will gain experience in:
• Student staff supervision and evaluation
• Operational management in residential environments
• Training and development programming
• Administrative reporting and assessment
• Customer service systems in higher education
• Crisis response and facilities coordination

To apply: email a resume and cover letter to Joel Kaskinen at jokaskin@nmu.edu by Friday, April 17 at 5PM.