Apply today: Graduate Division Funding Peer Advisor position for 2020-21

The UCSB Graduate Division is currently accepting applications for its Funding Peer Advisor position to begin employment in Summer 2020. The position runs through the 2020-21 academic year and is renewable for subsequent years.

The Funding Peer educates and advises UCSB's graduate students about internal and external funding opportunities as well as the basics of personal finance while in grad school. The successful applicant will lead workshops, work individually with students, collaborate with other Graduate Division staff and peers, and connect with academic departments as needed for tailored presentations related to funding matters. This position provides the opportunity to gain valuable experience working in academic administration while helping fellow graduate students to develop their financial skills.

Due to current restrictions surrounding the COVID-19 pandemic, the Funding Peer Advisor will work remotely until the campus reopens. When the campus reopens, the position will be based in the Graduate Student Resource Center (Student Resource Building, Room 1215). This position reports to the Assistant Director of Professional Development.

PAYMENT: $18 per hour

FELLOWSHIP: Partial fee support (equivalent to TA fee support)

HOURS: 10 hours weekly (25% appointment) during the academic year

APPLICATION DEADLINE: Monday, August 10, 2020

DESIRED START DATE: Monday, August 24, 2020

Primary responsibilities include:

• Lead workshops for the Graduate Student Resource Center related to funding and financial literacy, including topics such as fellowships and research funding opportunities; the basics of personal finance; loans and repayment; and resources, credits, and tax deductions for graduate students
• Collaborate with other peers and campus offices to offer specialized workshops such as funding for international students, navigating the Pivot database, etc.
• Provide one-on-one advising through appointments and email requests for information or assistance, offering confidential advice and making referrals as needed
• Stay up-to-date on general funding timelines and application cycles to appropriately guide graduate students and postdoctoral scholars toward relevant funding opportunities
• Contribute funding related articles (e.g. funding forecasts) and fellowship announcements to the UCSB GradPost
• Maintain funding resource pages on the GradPost to provide accurate information, uploads, and links
• Maintain Fellowship Library of sample personal statements and research statements from applications that were successfully awarded funding
• Assist with campus-wide Graduate Division events and programming, including New Graduate Student Orientation, Grad Success Series, and Grad Slam

Minimum qualifications:

• Has completed one year of graduate study in residence at UCSB, is in good academic standing, is within university time-to-degree standards, and meets all other standard student employment eligibility requirements
• Is energetic and knowledgeable about the UCSB campus, demonstrates organizational abilities, and possesses good communication and interpersonal skills
• Can represent graduate student interests and concerns and is attentive to the goals of excellence and diversity in UCSB's graduate education
• Has experience with or demonstrated ability to learn new software and technology (e.g. database systems, content management systems, image editing software, etc.)
• Possesses strong writing, presentation, and interpersonal skills
• Has previous experience in advising, teaching, and workshop or conference planning is desirable, although training will be provided

Additional Benefits: With the appropriate eligibility and approval, the position may be combined with a GSR or TA position, as long as the combined hours do not exceed 75% appointment (or 50% appointment for international graduate students). The Graduate Division will pay partial fees and graduate student health insurance (Gaucho Health Insurance) equivalent to those provided for a 25% TAship if other student academic appointments or awards do not provide these fees.

Application Process: Interested applicants should fill out THIS FORM, which requires uploading a formal resume and cover letter highlighting relevant interests and experiences. The application deadline is Monday, August 10, 2020. Interviews will be held during the week of August 17, 2020. Please direct any questions to Hannah Lawrence, the Graduate Division's Assistant Director of Professional Development.