Program Assistant Position

This page is for informational purpose only and does not reflect actual position opening. All open positions will be posted on Western Michigan University's Handshake website. 

  • Major Duties and Responsibilities
    • Assist the program director with grant implementation, staff supervision and training, budgeting, publicity and public relations, writing, research, presentations, and new project developments.
    • Maintain online student database to ensure information is accurate and current; review student activity logs and mentor log-in reports on a weekly basis to ensure that mentors are updating them on a regular basis and make appropriate recommendations to the program director.
    • Maintain internal payroll records by reviewing payroll information, collecting and reviewing student employee time reports for accuracy and completeness, recording hours worked and coordinating pay rates, as well as submitting time reports to department’s timekeeper before the deadline.
    • Monitor fund balances to accurately track allocations, expenses, etc. and coordinate budget corrections as necessary to ensure adequate funds for program coverage according to spending priorities and sponsor requirements.
    • Prepare various financial reports, including, but not limited, to weekly budget reports, budget projections, grant expenditure reports.
    • Develop and coordinate various academic workshops for participants by recruiting presenters, making room reservations, and publicizing events to participants.
    • Ensure office coverage to meet the needs of staff and participants.
    • Assist with general office functions including, but not limited to, answering telephones, filing, photocopying, and data entry.
    • May assist with other duties as assigned.
  • Minimum Requirements
    • Must have attained sophomore status and be enrolled at Western Michigan University.
    • Have a cumulative grade point average of 2.5 or better.
    • Have experience with project budget management.
    • Have completed at least one semester at WMU or be able to provide a WMU Transfer Credit Evaluation report.
    • Able to work 15 to 20 hours a week and at least four days a week.
    • Able to work with diverse populations.
    • Demonstrated interest in and commitment to helping students succeed academically, socially, emotionally, and professionally.
    • Familiarity with current versions of Microsoft Office applications, Adobe software, and similar applications.
    • Possess and portray excellent communication, leadership, organization, and multitasking skills.
    • Must be detail-oriented, dependable, and able to multitask.
  • Desired Qualifications
    • Experience working with grant-funded programs.
    • Supervisory experience.
    • Awarded work-study.
  • Benefits
    • Free computer and printer use in the program office.
    • Flexible work hours.
    • Leadership and supervisory experience.
    • Challenging and satisfying work experience.
      • Constant motivation for self-improvement.
    • Learning transferable skills for future jobs and improving your employability.
      • Résumé enhancement.
      • Positive references.
      • Networking opportunity.
      • Personal and professional development.
        • Development and enhancement of leadership skills, organization skills, time management skills, critical thinking skills, communication skills, writing skills, public speaking skills, self-confidence, self responsibility and social accountability, as well as other important life skills.
      • Meeting and working with individuals from different backgrounds, knowledge, skills, styles, personalities, talents, perspectives, values and beliefs.
  • How do I apply?

    Complete this employment application form. You will be asked to attach the following documents:

    • A résumé. It is strongly recommended that you visit Career and Student Employment Services for a free résumé critique or review the Career Development Guide for sample résumés prior to submitting your application.
    • A copy of your transcript(s). Depending on your enrollment status, you may need to submit different types of transcripts.
      • For undergraduate students who have not attended any other institutions of higher education besides WMU: Include your unofficial WMU transcript.
      • For graduate students who had completed their undergraduate degree at WMU: Include both your unofficial undergraduate and graduate transcript from WMU.
      • For transfer and graduate students: Include both your unofficial WMU transcript and an official transcript from your previous institutions (if not WMU).
      • Note: You can print your unofficial WMU transcript from the "My Unofficial Transcript" link on GoWMU. Please do not submit your official transcript from WMU. You do not need to request your official transcript from the Registrar's Office.
    • Proof of work-study award (if applicable).