GA Research Assistant

The Pennsylvania State University Office of Educational Equity is seeking a collaborative, inquisitive, and mission-oriented graduate student to serve as a Graduate Assistant for Educational Equity Initiatives for a one-year term. Reporting directly to the Interim Vice Provost for Educational Equity, this position provides an exceptional opportunity to support Penn State's goal of fostering a more inclusive and equitable university environment through thoughtful research and strategic initiatives.

This role will be a key contributor to data-informed planning, cross-unit collaborations, and equity-centered research that also supports institutional grant-seeking and impact storytelling efforts.

Primary Responsibilities

The Graduate Assistant will collaborate with the Vice Provost and campus leaders to:

• Conduct background research and literature reviews to inform university-wide equity initiatives and strategic planning

• Assist in developing and implementing mixed-methods research studies related to access, success, and institutional climate across diverse student populations

• Translate data findings into strategic recommendations, reports, and visualizations for internal and external stakeholders, including prospective funders and institutional partners

• Monitor national and state-level policy developments related to educational equity and produce timely issue briefs or summaries

• Support grant writing and funding proposal development by contributing research-based justifications, literature summaries, and relevant institutional data

• Contribute to the creation of public-facing materials (e.g., white papers, infographics, impact briefs) to advance educational equity and inform philanthropic engagement

• Collaborate strategically with offices such as Institutional Research, Government Relations, Development, and academic colleges on research and impact alignment

• Perform other duties as assigned, aligned with the evolving needs of the Office of Educational Equity

Skill-Building and Learning Opportunities

This role offers a unique opportunity to develop:

• Advanced research, data analysis, and policy translation skills

• Hands-on experience in grant development and strategic communications

• Practical exposure to cross-sector collaboration and equity-centered institutional planning

• Familiarity with national frameworks such as the NADOHE Standards for Professional Practice and Shared Equity Leadership

• Writing and presentation skills tailored for academic, institutional, and philanthropic audiences

Qualifications

• Strong oral and written communication skills, with the ability to tailor messaging for diverse audiences

• Capacity for independent learning, project ownership, and flexibility in a fast-paced environment

• Collaborative mindset and interest in supporting data-informed institutional change

• Interest or experience in one or more of the following is a plus:

• Educational equity, access, or social justice

• Quantitative and/or qualitative research methods

• Grant writing or proposal development

• Data visualization tools (e.g., Tableau, Power BI, Canva)

• Public policy analysis or advocacy

Eligibility and Compensation

This position is intended for doctoral students in the dissertation phase due to time commitment.

• Time Commitment: 30 hours/week

• Term: Fall 2025 - Spring 2026

• Compensation: Full dissertation fee and a Grade 18 three-quarter time GA stipend

Application Instructions

To be considered, please upload the following:

• A cover letter describing your interest and relevant experience

• A resume or CV

• The name and contact information (email and phone number) of one reference

Review of applications will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled.