Graduate Research Assistant - Office of Diversity, Equity & Inclusion

University of Nevada, Reno

The Office of Diversity, Equity & Inclusion is seeking a graduate-level student (master's or doctoral) from any college or discipline across the university, including research, professional, applied, and teaching-focused programs. Formal specialization in diversity, equity, inclusion and accessibility is not a prerequisite; however, candidates should demonstrate a sustained commitment to and active engagement with diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility needs across campus and community contexts.

As a Graduate Research Assistant, the selected candidate will gain hands-on research experience by collecting, analyzing, and reporting on data that informs the office's diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility initiatives.

The selected candidate will support a range of research-related initiatives that advance inclusive excellence across the university. Core responsibilities center on collecting, coding, and analyzing data related to diversity, equity, inclusion and accessibility initiatives, conducting literature reviews and library research on related best practices, and preparing reports and materials that improve access to and visibility of diversity, equity, inclusion and accessibility resources and services.

The role also includes contributing to the development and delivery of workshops and educational programming on topics such as accessibility, implicit bias, and culturally responsive research, teaching and community engagement, in addition to preparing content to engage the campus and broader community. This position works closely with the Office of Diversity, Equity & Inclusion team, under the guidance of the Executive Director and relevant staff.

This appointment is for 20 hours/week for 10 months, from August through May.

Primary Responsibilities:

• Conduct literature reviews and research to inform the development of workshops and educational programs for students, staff, and faculty on diversity, equity, inclusion and accessibility-related topics, and assist in their delivery.
• Prepare written, visual, audio, and digital materials, informed by research and data, to help the office effectively reach and engage the campus and broader community.
• Prepare materials for office communications, including social media outreach.
• Collect, code, and analyze data related to diversity, equity, inclusion and accessibility initiatives and outcomes, and prepare reports communicating findings.
• Contribute to internal and external data tracking, coding, analysis, and report writing.
• Conduct research and prepare materials to support efforts to improve access to and visibility of diversity, equity, inclusion and accessibility resources and services.
• Conduct ongoing literature reviews of current research and best practices related to diversity, equity, inclusion and accessibility in the context of research, teaching and community engagement.
• Support strategic planning initiatives and provide administrative or research assistance as needed.
• Maintain awareness of and active engagement with emerging campus and community issues related to diversity, equity, inclusion and accessibility.

Required Qualifications:

• Current enrollment in a graduate program (Master's or Doctoral level) in any college or field of study.
• Demonstrated personal investment in diversity, equity, inclusion and accessibility, reflected through campus involvement, community engagement, or lived experience, not limited to formal academic training.
• Strong ability to synthesize and summarize data and translate it into accessible, meaningful content for varied audiences.
• Demonstrated experience working with diverse populations including faculty, staff, students, and community members.
• Understanding of the diverse identities and lived experiences represented within and across the campus and the larger northern Nevada community.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills.
• Strong organizational, analytical, and project management skills.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite and comfort with technology used in virtual training environments.
• Experience with social media or public engagement platforms preferred.
• Current or prior involvement with the Graduate Student Association or other graduate-level campus organizations strongly preferred.

This appointment is for 20 hours/week for 10 months, from August through May.