ASCEND Leader
University of Minnesota, Saint Paul, MN, United States
About the Job
ASCEND (Ambassadors Supporting Connection, Empowerment, Navigation & Development) Leadership Program.
The UMN Graduate School Diversity Office (GSDO) is seeking current UMNTC and UMD graduate students for the position of ASCEND Leaders. This is a leadership opportunity for students who are passionate about recruitment, mentorship and community‑building. ASCEND Leaders will play a critical role in welcoming new and prospective graduate students to University communities, providing mentorship, representing UMN's graduate programs, and fostering inclusive graduate communities across the Twin Cities and Duluth campuses.
Through both virtual and in‑person assignments, ASCEND Leaders will support GSDO recruitment activities and prospective student outreach, as well as First‑Year Institute initiatives and cohorts.
Overall, ASCEND Leaders will support the GSDO's mission to recruit, retain, and advocate for all graduate students across UMTC and UMD graduate programs, while centering the experiences and intersectional identities of students who have been historically excluded in graduate education. This is a three‑semester appointment (Summer, Fall, Spring). ASCEND Leaders will report to the Associate Director of Transition & Retention.
Job Duties:
Each ASCEND Leader will assist with semester‑specific recruitment and retention projects in support of the GSDO.
ASCEND Leaders should expect to:
Attend onboarding and training provided by GSDO associate directors
Engage with prospective and current students via on‑campus and virtual sessions throughout the year, including providing campus tours, serving as panelists for on‑campus and virtual events, and leading and supporting prospective student information sessions and meetings
Assist with in‑person and virtual recruitment and retention events
Attend and provide support at GSDO signature events (GSDO Welcome, Annual Winter Gathering, Achieve & Uplift)
Create social media content for a minimum of 2 COSP events per academic year
Serve as peer group mentors for First Year Institute, including leading peer outings, 1:1 meetings with assigned FYI participants, supporting 2‑day retreat in August, Welcome Reception in September, and Final Gathering in February.
Actively participate and provide feedback in monthly meetings with associate directors
Participate in and provide feedback on program assessment
Location: Twin Cities Campus or Duluth. Duluth graduate students are eligible and encouraged to apply to enhance focus on Duluth campus resources and programs. Onboarding and training will take place in a hybrid environment. Place‑based modalities will be incorporated.
Terms: ASCEND Leaders will each be paid a total of $2,500 (non‑tax‑exempt) for approximately 100 hours of work spanning three semesters (Summer, Fall, Spring).
Deadline to apply:
May 10, 2026
Qualifications
Required Qualifications
Currently enrolled in a master's or PhD research‑based graduate program at UMTC or UMD.
Demonstrated commitment, through research/service, to uplifting the experiences of diverse and underrepresented communities
Excellent interpersonal skills and cultural competencies to interact with a wide range of individuals from various backgrounds
Desire and ability to develop supportive mentoring relationships
Availability and commitment to attend training sessions, monthly meetings and events
Willingness to work flexible hours supporting evening programs/events as needed
Exhibit engagement, dependability, and enthusiasm
Proficient in social media (Instagram, Facebook, etc.)
Preferred Qualifications
Evidence of academic engagement and progress
Active COSP participant entering at least 2nd year of graduate program (by Fall 2026), and/or previous experience as a Summer Institute or First Year Institute.
Demonstrated experience of mentoring
Experience facilitating group discussions
Terms: ASCEND Leaders will each be paid a total of $2,500 (non‑tax‑exempt) for approximately 100 hours of work spanning three semesters (Summer, Fall, Spring). Duluth graduate students are eligible and encouraged to apply to enhance focus on Duluth campus resources and programs. Onboarding and training will take place in a hybrid environment. Place‑based modalities will be incorporated.
About the Department
The Graduate School Diversity Office (GSDO) offers programs, resources, and community‑building opportunities that center domestic graduate students from historically underrepresented communities, and is open to all domestic graduate students. Our signature programming and events provide networking, professional development, writing groups, and mentoring to help students thrive academically and personally. We cultivate spaces grounded in community, creativity, and social justice, where graduate students can grow together in pursuit of a transformative and inclusive graduate education experience.
Graduate School Mission
– To facilitate and advocate for excellence in graduate education and postdoctoral training.
Graduate School Values
– Diversity, Integrity, Collaboration, Leadership, Service, Engagement, Joy of Life
Graduate School Diversity Office Mission
– The Graduate School Diversity Office supports and enhances graduate education by serving in an advisory capacity, leading initiatives, and collaborating across the University of Minnesota system. Our work encompasses recruitment, funding, retention, advocacy, and education of students from underrepresented communities. The signature programs of the GSDO center domestic graduate students who identify as Indigenous and/or People of Color, inclusive of their intersectional identities, as they have been historically excluded in graduate education.
Graduate School Diversity Office Values
– Community‑Based, Socially Just, Holistic, Creative, Audacious
Pay and Benefits
Pay Range:
$25.00 per hour, depending on education/qualifications/experience.
Retirement plan options are available for Civil Service, Faculty, Labor‑Represented, Professional & Administrative, and Temp Casual classifications. Learn more about retirement plans.
How To Apply
Applications must be submitted online. To be considered for this position, please click the Apply button and follow the instructions. You will be given the opportunity to complete an online application for the position and attach a cover letter and resume.
Additional documents may be attached after application by accessing your "My Job Applications" page and uploading documents in the "My Cover Letters and Attachments" section.
Deadline to apply:
May 10, 2026
To request an accommodation during the application process, please e‑mail employ@umn.edu or call (612) 624‑8647.
Diversity
The University recognizes and values the importance of diversity and inclusion in enriching the employment experience of its employees and in supporting the academic mission. The University is committed to attracting and retaining employees with varying identities and backgrounds.
The University of Minnesota provides equal access to and opportunity in its programs, facilities, and employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, gender, age, marital status, disability, public assistance status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression. To learn more about diversity at the U: https://diversity.umn.edu
Employment Requirements
Any offer of employment is contingent upon the successful completion of a background check. Our presumption is that prospective employees are eligible to work here. Criminal convictions do not automatically disqualify finalists from employment.
About the U of M
The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC)
The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC), is among the largest public research universities in the country, offering undergraduate, graduate, and professional students a multitude of opportunities for study and research. Located at the heart of one of the nation's most vibrant, diverse metropolitan communities, students on the campuses in Minneapolis and St. Paul benefit from extensive partnerships with world‑renowned health centers, international corporations, government agencies, and arts, nonprofit, and public service organizations.
At the University of Minnesota, we are proud to be recognized by the Star Tribune as a Top Workplace for 2021, as well as by Forbes as Best Employers for Women and one of America's Best Employers (2015, 2018, 2019, 2023), Best Employer for Diversity (2019, 2020), Best Employer for New Grads (2018, 2019), and Best Employer by State (2019, 2022).
#J-18808-Ljbffr
ASCEND (Ambassadors Supporting Connection, Empowerment, Navigation & Development) Leadership Program.
The UMN Graduate School Diversity Office (GSDO) is seeking current UMNTC and UMD graduate students for the position of ASCEND Leaders. This is a leadership opportunity for students who are passionate about recruitment, mentorship and community‑building. ASCEND Leaders will play a critical role in welcoming new and prospective graduate students to University communities, providing mentorship, representing UMN's graduate programs, and fostering inclusive graduate communities across the Twin Cities and Duluth campuses.
Through both virtual and in‑person assignments, ASCEND Leaders will support GSDO recruitment activities and prospective student outreach, as well as First‑Year Institute initiatives and cohorts.
Overall, ASCEND Leaders will support the GSDO's mission to recruit, retain, and advocate for all graduate students across UMTC and UMD graduate programs, while centering the experiences and intersectional identities of students who have been historically excluded in graduate education. This is a three‑semester appointment (Summer, Fall, Spring). ASCEND Leaders will report to the Associate Director of Transition & Retention.
Job Duties:
Each ASCEND Leader will assist with semester‑specific recruitment and retention projects in support of the GSDO.
ASCEND Leaders should expect to:
Attend onboarding and training provided by GSDO associate directors
Engage with prospective and current students via on‑campus and virtual sessions throughout the year, including providing campus tours, serving as panelists for on‑campus and virtual events, and leading and supporting prospective student information sessions and meetings
Assist with in‑person and virtual recruitment and retention events
Attend and provide support at GSDO signature events (GSDO Welcome, Annual Winter Gathering, Achieve & Uplift)
Create social media content for a minimum of 2 COSP events per academic year
Serve as peer group mentors for First Year Institute, including leading peer outings, 1:1 meetings with assigned FYI participants, supporting 2‑day retreat in August, Welcome Reception in September, and Final Gathering in February.
Actively participate and provide feedback in monthly meetings with associate directors
Participate in and provide feedback on program assessment
Location: Twin Cities Campus or Duluth. Duluth graduate students are eligible and encouraged to apply to enhance focus on Duluth campus resources and programs. Onboarding and training will take place in a hybrid environment. Place‑based modalities will be incorporated.
Terms: ASCEND Leaders will each be paid a total of $2,500 (non‑tax‑exempt) for approximately 100 hours of work spanning three semesters (Summer, Fall, Spring).
Deadline to apply:
May 10, 2026
Qualifications
Required Qualifications
Currently enrolled in a master's or PhD research‑based graduate program at UMTC or UMD.
Demonstrated commitment, through research/service, to uplifting the experiences of diverse and underrepresented communities
Excellent interpersonal skills and cultural competencies to interact with a wide range of individuals from various backgrounds
Desire and ability to develop supportive mentoring relationships
Availability and commitment to attend training sessions, monthly meetings and events
Willingness to work flexible hours supporting evening programs/events as needed
Exhibit engagement, dependability, and enthusiasm
Proficient in social media (Instagram, Facebook, etc.)
Preferred Qualifications
Evidence of academic engagement and progress
Active COSP participant entering at least 2nd year of graduate program (by Fall 2026), and/or previous experience as a Summer Institute or First Year Institute.
Demonstrated experience of mentoring
Experience facilitating group discussions
Terms: ASCEND Leaders will each be paid a total of $2,500 (non‑tax‑exempt) for approximately 100 hours of work spanning three semesters (Summer, Fall, Spring). Duluth graduate students are eligible and encouraged to apply to enhance focus on Duluth campus resources and programs. Onboarding and training will take place in a hybrid environment. Place‑based modalities will be incorporated.
About the Department
The Graduate School Diversity Office (GSDO) offers programs, resources, and community‑building opportunities that center domestic graduate students from historically underrepresented communities, and is open to all domestic graduate students. Our signature programming and events provide networking, professional development, writing groups, and mentoring to help students thrive academically and personally. We cultivate spaces grounded in community, creativity, and social justice, where graduate students can grow together in pursuit of a transformative and inclusive graduate education experience.
Graduate School Mission
– To facilitate and advocate for excellence in graduate education and postdoctoral training.
Graduate School Values
– Diversity, Integrity, Collaboration, Leadership, Service, Engagement, Joy of Life
Graduate School Diversity Office Mission
– The Graduate School Diversity Office supports and enhances graduate education by serving in an advisory capacity, leading initiatives, and collaborating across the University of Minnesota system. Our work encompasses recruitment, funding, retention, advocacy, and education of students from underrepresented communities. The signature programs of the GSDO center domestic graduate students who identify as Indigenous and/or People of Color, inclusive of their intersectional identities, as they have been historically excluded in graduate education.
Graduate School Diversity Office Values
– Community‑Based, Socially Just, Holistic, Creative, Audacious
Pay and Benefits
Pay Range:
$25.00 per hour, depending on education/qualifications/experience.
Retirement plan options are available for Civil Service, Faculty, Labor‑Represented, Professional & Administrative, and Temp Casual classifications. Learn more about retirement plans.
How To Apply
Applications must be submitted online. To be considered for this position, please click the Apply button and follow the instructions. You will be given the opportunity to complete an online application for the position and attach a cover letter and resume.
Additional documents may be attached after application by accessing your "My Job Applications" page and uploading documents in the "My Cover Letters and Attachments" section.
Deadline to apply:
May 10, 2026
To request an accommodation during the application process, please e‑mail employ@umn.edu or call (612) 624‑8647.
Diversity
The University recognizes and values the importance of diversity and inclusion in enriching the employment experience of its employees and in supporting the academic mission. The University is committed to attracting and retaining employees with varying identities and backgrounds.
The University of Minnesota provides equal access to and opportunity in its programs, facilities, and employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, gender, age, marital status, disability, public assistance status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression. To learn more about diversity at the U: https://diversity.umn.edu
Employment Requirements
Any offer of employment is contingent upon the successful completion of a background check. Our presumption is that prospective employees are eligible to work here. Criminal convictions do not automatically disqualify finalists from employment.
About the U of M
The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC)
The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC), is among the largest public research universities in the country, offering undergraduate, graduate, and professional students a multitude of opportunities for study and research. Located at the heart of one of the nation's most vibrant, diverse metropolitan communities, students on the campuses in Minneapolis and St. Paul benefit from extensive partnerships with world‑renowned health centers, international corporations, government agencies, and arts, nonprofit, and public service organizations.
At the University of Minnesota, we are proud to be recognized by the Star Tribune as a Top Workplace for 2021, as well as by Forbes as Best Employers for Women and one of America's Best Employers (2015, 2018, 2019, 2023), Best Employer for Diversity (2019, 2020), Best Employer for New Grads (2018, 2019), and Best Employer by State (2019, 2022).
#J-18808-Ljbffr