Graduate Assistant - External Affairs

Grand Canyon University is a private, nondenominational Christian university located in Phoenix, Arizona.

The External Affairs Graduate Assistant supports the Office of External Affairs by conducting policy research, monitoring legislative developments, preparing concise briefings and leadership materials, coordinating stakeholder meetings and events, and maintaining confidential records and communications.

• Conduct research and analysis on federal, state, and local policy issues impacting the university and higher education.
• Monitor legislative, regulatory, and public policy developments and prepare concise summaries for leadership.
• Assist in scheduling, coordinating, and preparing materials for meetings with elected officials, government agencies, community leaders, and external stakeholders.
• Draft correspondence, briefing documents, talking points, meeting agendas, and follow‑up communications.
• Maintain calendars, contact databases, and records related to government relations activities and stakeholder engagement.
• Support the planning and execution of external affairs events, community engagement initiatives, and legislative visits.
• Track legislation, committee hearings, and policy proposals relevant to institutional priorities.
• Assist with preparation of reports, presentations, and background materials for senior leadership.
• Conduct benchmarking and research on public policy trends, best practices, and peer institution initiatives.
• Maintain professionalism and confidentiality when handling sensitive information and communications.
• Perform other administrative and project‑based duties in support of the Office of External Affairs and Government Relations and any additional tasks assigned.

• Admitted to a graduate‑degree seeking program at GCU (Certificate‑only programs do not qualify).
• Minimum GPA of 3.0 upon admission and throughout employment (newly admitted students use admission GPA).
• Enrolled as a “regular” degree‑seeking student for at least 6 graduate‑level units leading to the degree (undergraduate or audited courses do not qualify).
• Ability to fulfill the University’s Student Code of Conduct; role involves upholding this code.
• Will accept that graduate assistants are part‑time employees with restricted work hours (maximum 29 hours per week) and may be subject to revocation if duties are not met satisfactorily.
• Will comply with HR employment workflow and pre‑employment background checks.

• Graduate Assistants are eligible for tuition waiver for the period employed; tuition waiver may be taxable income.
• Graduate Assistants are not eligible for GCU employment benefits other than those stipulated by law.
• Eligibility to continue the graduate assistantship ends once all degree requirements of the planned program are satisfied; incomplete grades must be resolved.
• Employment is contingent upon satisfactory pre‑employment screening, including background check.

Grand Canyon University values diversity among its students, faculty, and staff and encourages applications from all qualified individuals, including minorities, females, individuals with disabilities, and veterans.