Institutional Research Work-Study Graduate Assistantship Available: 2024-2025 Academic Year

March 11, 2024 Funding Opportunities

The Office of Institutional Research and Assessment (OIRA) is searching for an Institutional
Research Graduate Assistant for the 2024-2025 academic year.

The Office of Institutional Research and Assessment (OIRA) collects, maintains, and analyzes
information that informs decision and policy-making at the University of Maine, as well as
conducts research on questions of fundamental importance to the institution. OIRA also complies
with the reporting requirements of external agencies and, further, respond to special requests for
information from the campus community and the public.

Responsibilities: The graduate assistant is an important member of our small team and will have
the opportunity to work on a variety of projects, depending on their skills. Tasks may include:

  • preparing and proofreading graphs, tables, and reports from a variety of data sources
  • preparing infographics and other data visualizations
  • using internet sources, such as IPEDS, to obtain information on higher education
    institutions
  • creating documentation and training materials for various projects
  • maintaining updated reports on the website; optimizing the website to enhance the user
    experience (e.g., better navigation, improved accessibility)
  • conducting data analyses involving descriptive statistics

Relevant knowledge and skills:
Quantitative skills and accuracy are important. Computer experience with Microsoft Excel,
WordPress, Google Suite, and other Microsoft Office applications are preferred. Other helpful skills
include having a strong attention to detail, comfort with technical writing, a strong work ethic,
and a willingness to learn. The person in this role will also need to handle sensitive data and
therefore must comply with UMS data protection protocols.

Skills in SPSS, R, or Power BI may lead to additional opportunities for project work.

Stipend and Benefits: The academic year stipend will be at least $17,000/$1,888 per month
(the decision about 2024-2025 stipends is pending), plus 9 credits per semester tuition. GAs who enroll in the GA student health insurance receive 50% of the cost.

This is a 9­-month academic year position with the possibility of summer employment, requiring
a commitment of 20 hours per week during regular office hours. Students are not expected to
work when classes are not in session during the regular academic year.

Application:
Applicants must be eligible for Federal Work Study to be considered for this assistantship.
Applicants must be admitted to a UMaine graduate degree program (Master’s or PhD) and enrolled
full­-time. Due to funding constraints, you must be eligible for Federal Work Study (if you are
not sure about your eligibility, please contact the Office of Student Employment at 581­-1349).

In an email to kimberley.mentus@maine.edu with “Institutional Research GA” as the subject
line, please send a current resume or CV, a cover letter detailing your knowledge and skills
relevant to this assistantship, and contact information for three references.

Priority review of applications will begin on March 25, 2024; applications will be accepted until the position is filled.