Graduate Assistant for Arts Programming

Graduate Assistant for Arts Programming 

(UWM Union, Union Art Gallery, and Union Cinema) 

Department: Student Involvement Location:  3rd floor UWM Student Union 

Hourly rate:  $17.50 

Hours: 10-14 hours per week

JOB SUMMARY

The Graduate Assistant for Arts Programming is a dynamic individual who serves a key role in the development and implementation of campus events and programs, and specifically provides administrative and operational support for Union Art Gallery and Union Cinema. 

This individual will have the opportunity to lead the planning and implementation of artistic, cultural and social events, develop marketing strategies to reach a diverse student body, and advise student organizations in the event planning process. This individual will assist with liaising for several arts-based student organizations. The selected candidate will have the opportunity to connect with students and colleagues throughout the Division and learn about student development and co-curricular involvement at a large, urban university. 

QUALIFICATIONS

Must be a current UW-Milwaukee Graduate student (MA, MFA, and PhD all welcome to apply) 

This role is ideal for a student interested in any branch of the arts, community programming, education, art engagement, and/or working in the arts/creative industry more broadly.   

Must be a current or incoming student at UWM - must be enrolled either half-time or full-time in a graduate degree-bearing program 

Previous experience with or detailed knowledge of arts management and programming preferred 

Detailed knowledge or previous experience with event management planning preferred 

Working knowledge of budget planning preferred 

Good communication skills – including oral, written, and electronic communication, specifically in public speaking and group facilitation 

Strong Interpersonal Skills 

Ability to make sound judgment, take initiative, and work independently

Have earned and maintain a minimum of a 2.5 cumulative GPA and 2.5 semester GPA during employment 

Must not be on Satisfactory Academic Progress ineligible status 

Must not be on probation that resulted from Academic or Non-Academic Misconduct violation(s)  

ESSENTIAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

Provides administrative and operational support for the Union Art Gallery and Union Cinema, and supports Arts Manager in facilitating communication and cohesion between both units. 

Provides programmatic support for Union Art Gallery and Union Cinema. 

Liaises for arts-based student organizations and assists through event planning, organization renewal, and grant funding process. 

Develops and provides onsite support for campus events, including but not limited to Explore MKE events (academic year), Share the Earth film series (academic year), Museums & More, and assist with programs in the Union Cinema. 

Develops and implements marketing for programs, events, and services. Assists in the development of comprehensive marketing and outreach plans, including print and digital strategies: such as Facebook, Instagram, email, newsletter, and websites.  

Assists with outreach and partnership management via correspondence and in-person support of operating unit events. Conducts outreach to UWM faculty as well as the campus and broader community. 

Works Student Involvement events as needed, as assigned by Arts Manager 

Participates in required Student Involvement and unit-specific trainings and meetings (including annual Grad and Union trainings in August and monthly student lead or professional development trainings) 

Attends monthly Union Communications team trainings in order to implement best practices in marketing. Determined with supervisor. 

Develops event management plans (and/or support students in the development of these plans) that include all physical, technical, logistical, and staffing details. 

Develops partnerships with campus and community partners, student leaders, organization officers, and faculty/staff advisors for collaborative programming opportunities. 

Responsible for developing programs in collaboration with the Arts Manager that align with Student Involvement’s core values and outcomes and provide students with opportunities to explore, lead, learn, create, celebrate, and connect. 

Assists with evaluation and assessment efforts for programs by developing evaluation strategies, collecting data, and analyzing results. 

Leads and/or provides substantial support for additional programs held both on- and off-campus including, but not limited to, involvement initiatives, celebrations, award ceremonies, cultural events, student organization fairs, university recruitment events, Distinguished Lecture Series, athletic events, and other unit activities. 

Required to work some evenings for events and occasional weekends 

Required to provide staffing assistance for other program areas within Student Involvement 

Other duties as assigned.  

APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS  

Candidates should submit a letter of interest (cover letter) and resume in one of these formats:   

Email materials to Manager for Arts Programming, Samantha Timm, timms@uwm.edu  .  

Apply online on UWM Handshake, https://app.joinhandshake.com/login        

Anticipated start date for this role is late spring or early summer 2026.

PANTHER EDGE COMPETENCIES - WHAT YOU WILL LEARN ON THE JOB

Critical Thinking: This position requires high-level thinking, reading situations or obstacles that arise at events, and jumping into action to appropriately problem-solve. 

Communication: This position involves communication via email, Teams, and/or phone call to collaborators and partners on campus and in the community, including other student organizations or other campus departments to coordinate partnerships on events. 

Collaboration: This position requires collaborating respectfully and effectively on events with other Cinema, Gallery, and Student Involvement staff, and may include collaborating with other campus units, such as other departments or student organizations. 

Equity and Inclusion: This position requires the student to consider what types and themes and events are inclusive and reach a diverse audience of students. ·  

Professionalism: This position requires the student to maintain professionalism and respect in interactions with campus and community partners, Union building patrons, and UWM students and faculty. 

Leadership: This position requires strong leadership skills  

Community Engagement: This position requires the student to facilitate engagement with the Cinema, Gallery, and Arts programs and vision by interacting with broad audiences and partners. This student actively interacts with the community to recognize opportunities for development and create meaningful progress. 

Self-reflective Lifelong Learning: This is a cornerstone and guiding principle for this position and in the creative field. This position works with the Arts Manager to identify strengths, tackle areas of opportunity, achieve goals, and pursue the student’s curiosity and creativity.