CIRCLE Graduate Student Program Coordinator
Are you passionate about supporting international students and building inclusive communities? CIRCLE is looking for an organized, curious, and collaborative graduate student to help design and deliver programs that make a real difference. This role is ideal for someone who is interested in understanding and supporting the unique experiences of international graduate students.
Department Description
The Center for International Relations & Cultural Leadership Exchange (CIRCLE) in the Student Life Division is dedicated to supporting and engaging international students. CIRCLE also creates intentional opportunities for both domestic and international students to connect, learn from each other, and develop the skills necessary to succeed in a global society. As part of its mission to serve as a “home away from home”, CIRCLE fosters a student-centered environment that promotes community building and meaningful learning experiences.
Position Overview
Under the supervision of the CIRCLE Assistant Director of Graduate Programs and Operations, the Graduate Student Program Coordinator will play a key role in planning and implementing programs that support and engage UW graduate students, with a particular focus on international students. Programs will vary in scale, scope and audience, and take place throughout the academic year to ensure consistent engagement.
This role is best suited for a student who enjoys taking ownership of programs from idea to execution, with a strong focus on student engagement and continuous improvement.
Hourly Pay Rate: $21.30-$23.00 per hour
Weekly Hours: 10-12 hours per week (fall, winter, spring quarters)
Appointment Length: 2026-2027 Academic Year (preferred start in Summer 2026; potential for extension)
Key Responsibilities
- Plan and implement professional development and community-building programs for graduate students, with an emphasis on international student engagement
- Center the needs and experiences of international graduate students in program design, including academic, cultural, and social transitions to life in the U.S.
- Coordinate event logistics, including space reservations, catering, communication with attendees and speakers, and on-site support
- Lead marketing and outreach efforts for programs (e.g., newsletters, social media, and campus partnerships)
- Maintain clear documentation of program planning, timelines, and participant feedback
- Support program evaluation efforts and use feedback to improve future programming
- Conduct occasional research on promising practices for supporting international students
- Collaborate with campus partners and the CIRCLE Student Advisory Board on relevant initiatives
- Work closely with CIRCLE staff and student employees to support program success
Qualifications
Required
- Enrolled UW graduate student in any field of study
- Eligible to work on campus per UW student employment policies (https://hr.uw.edu/studentemployment/about/hourly-employment-eligibility/).
- Strong verbal and written communication skills
- Demonstrated experience in event planning, project management, or program coordination
- Ability to work both independently and collaboratively
- Strong organizational skills and attention to detail
- Ability to occasionally work evenings and weekends
Preferred
- Experience working with or supporting international students or diverse communities
- Awareness of or willingness to learn about the unique challenges and transitions faced by international students (e.g., cultural adjustment, navigating U.S. systems, community building)
- Experience with marketing and outreach (e.g., Canva, social media, newsletters)
- Familiarity with UW resources and campus partners
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite or Google Workspace
Learning Outcomes
Through this role, the student will have the opportunity to develop skills and experience in:
- Higher education leadership, student services, and international education
- Program design, marketing, implementation, and assessment
- Understanding and supporting international students in cross-cultural contexts
- Building partnerships with campus units and student organizations
- Leadership, communication, and professional development
How to Apply
Interested students should submit a resume and cover letter via the following Google Form (https://forms.gle/oMb9bT2acbtsYxmc6) by 11:59pm PT on Monday, May 18, 2026.
In your cover letter, please address the following questions:
- Why are you interested in this position and CIRCLE?
- How have your past experiences prepared you for this role?
- How have you engaged with diverse communities, particularly international students?
- Describe a time you received critical feedback: how did you respond, and what did you learn?
- What do you see as key challenges or opportunities for international graduate students at UW, and how would you approach supporting them?
As part of the interview process, selected candidates will be invited to prepare a brief program proposal for a CIRCLE initiative supporting international graduate students. This is an opportunity to share your ideas and approach to program design, including the program concept, target audience, event plan, marketing strategy, campus partnerships, and assessment.
Questions?
Contact Ziyan Bai at baiziyan@uw.edu.