The Graduate Assistant (Administrative Support) will assist in various administrative functions within two UMaine departments: The UMaine Center on Aging (CoA) and The Institute of Medicine (IOM). The primary responsibilities include managing social media accounts, updating the departmental websites, developing departmental communications, and coordinating program activities including providing support for the UMaine Center on Aging Online Certificate Program in Grandfamilies Leadership and the IoM Research Symposium. This position is ideal for a graduate student seeking hands-on experience in administrative tasks, communications, and program management. The position will report to the UMaine Center on Aging Associate Director for Research with co-supervision provided by the IoM Assistant Director for Development and Administration.
Key Responsibilities
SOCIAL MEDIA MANAGEMENT
Create, schedule, and post content across various social media platforms (Facebook, LinkedIn, etc.)
Monitor and respond to social media interactions to enhance engagement
Assist in developing social media strategies to increase the department’s online presence
WEBSITE MANAGEMENT
Update and maintain departmental websites, ensuring content is current and relevant
Assist with creating and editing web pages, including text, images, and multimedia content
Work with UMaine IT to implement website improvements and troubleshoot any issues.
PROGRAM COORDINATION
Assist in planning and coordinating departmental programs, events, and meetings
Support logistics, including scheduling, venue setup, registration, and participant communication
Maintain program records and track participation metrics
COMMUNICATION
Draft, edit, and distribute departmental communications, including newsletters, announcements, and emails
Assist in the development of promotional materials and presentations
Serve as a liaison to internal/external stakeholders
GENERAL ADMINISTRATIVE SUPPORT
Provide administrative support as needed, including data entry, filing, and organizing documents
Assist with special projects and other duties as assigned by the co-supervisors
Qualifications
Enrolled in a graduate program at the University of Maine
Strong written and verbal communication skills
Experience with social media platforms and content management systems (CMS)
Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) and Google Suite
Ability to work independently and manage multiple tasks
Attention to detail and strong organizational skills
Familiarity with graphic design software (e.g., Adobe Creative Suite) and WordPress is a plus
Interest in aging and health-related issues also a plus
Work Schedule
20 hours per week (10 for IoM and 10 for CoA), flexible to accommodate academic commitments
On-site time to be split between IoM and CoA on the Orono campus
Some remote work possible as arranged with supervisors
Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) and Google Suite
Ability to work independently and manage multiple tasks
Attention to detail and strong organizational skills
Familiarity with graphic design software (e.g., Adobe Creative Suite) and WordPress is a plus
Interest in aging and health-related issues also a plus
Compensation
Stipend is based on standard UMaine rates of $2,222.25/month for PhD students and $1,888.92/month for master’s students
Includes up to 9 credits of tuition coverage for fall and spring semesters and 6 credits for summer 2025
Half of the UMaine GA health insurance coverage at $1,579
application process
Review of applications will begin immediately with an anticipated early/mid-September start date. To apply please send a resume and cover letter to cecile.ferguson@maine.edu.
