Graduate Assistant Job Descriptions

Reports to

 Director of the Center for Adaptive and Innovative Ministry

Hours

10 hours per week

Duties

• Attending weekly huddle with AIM Director
• Assisting with logistical arrangements for special events related to the Center for Adaptive and Innovative Ministry.
• Assisting with arrangements and reimbursement for course travel related to the Center for Adaptive and Innovative Ministry.
• Promoting the Center for Adaptive and Innovative Ministry in various ways, including social media and nurturing relationships with local churches and leaders.
• Engaging in research related to church planting, collaborating with partners in the field, and taking notes on conversations and readings.
• Liaising with students, assisting with schedule management in support of remote learners.
• Assisting in organizing and filing records.
• Holding and executing a revolving task list.
• Praying for those participating in the Center for Adaptive and Innovative Ministry program and for others discerning a call to the mission of church planting.

Reports to

Senior Director of Enrollment Services, Associate Director of Financial Aid, and Admissions Counselors

Start Date

First week of classes

Hours

10 hours per week (hybrid work may be available based on request)

Monday-Friday 8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m.; occasional weekend and event work may be needed.

Duties

• Preparing mailings
• Contacting prospective students
• Providing tours
• Hosting visitors in classes and during meals
• Occasionally attending graduate school fairs
• Research projects to generate market data
• Other duties as assigned

Qualifications

• Punctuality
• Attention to detail
• Ability to interact well with others
• Ability to represent the school in a professional manner
• Polished written communication
• Computer skills (Microsoft Suite) preferred
• Maintain confidentiality

Opportunities for Formation

This position is ideal for individuals interested in a career in theological education as well as those seeking to grow in the area of professional formation. This position requires honest and transparent communication as well as hospitable engagement. It also requires contextual engagement as prospective students come from a variety of denominational, socio-economic, racial, and cultural backgrounds. Candidates should be comfortable with conversations about discernment, spirituality, and calling. Attendance at chapel and familiarity with communal practices of worship is also helpful.

Report to

Database and Donor Services Specialist

Hours

10 hours per week, Monday-Friday 8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m.

Duties/Responsibilities

• Understanding the mission and work of the Advancement Office - to build relationships with friends, alumnae/I, and churches with the goal of increasing financial and other support for the Seminary
• Record individual thank you videos for donors and supporters of the seminary community through the ThankView platform
• Conducting phone calls to donors and donor prospects throughout the year, recording points of contact and conversation highlights within the donor database (Fundraising Performance Manager)
• Proofing and preparing promotional and legal documents for donors throughout the year
• Maintaining PTS database by updating donor points of contact
• Assisting with special event setup and break-down
• Representing Pittsburgh Theological Seminary at special events as necessary
• Writing thank-you notes to donors, and recording actions within the database
• Digitizing and organizing historical Advancement Office files
• Entering digitized files into database
• Other duties as necessary

Qualifications

• Detail oriented
• Reliable
• Organized
• Interpersonal skills
• Must maintain confidentiality
• Excellent written and spoken English

Work Modality

• Hybrid duties: ThankView videos, phone calls, emails, database maintenance duties (can be completed at any location)
• In-person only duties: All events, writing, and preparing or handling confidential documents (must be done in-person).

 Opportunities for Formation

The Advancement Services Assistant I serves the Development Office of PTS. It is an outward-facing position that seeks to show gratitude and appreciation to community supporters through timely and accurate communication and reporting. We seek to be transparent and show faithful stewardship of resources, which have been entrusted to us through contributions given to the Seminary community. The Development Office seeks to provide, in a way, pastoral care to our donors. In the sense that we ensure we are appropriately representing our resources and connecting donors to programs that they are passionate about supporting. A large part of our charge is showing gratitude to our donors.

Business Office Assistant

Reports to

Assistant Controller

Hours

10 hours a week Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.

Duties

Qualifications

Reports to

• Director of the Worship Program

Start Date

• First week of classes or after student activities fair

Hours

• 10 hours per week (in person only)

Duties/Responsibilities

• For regular chapel services on Tuesday and Thursday, 11:30 a.m.-12:00 p.m., each week that classes are in session, Saturday services during Hybrid Gatherings, as well as occasional special services at other times:
  • To assume responsibility for all A/V needs in the chapel, including setting up microphones, mixers, and monitors;
  • To attend and record all Chapel services (via Zoom);
  • Serve on the Chapel team – a group of students with a strong interest in worship and liturgy, dedicated to supporting the worship program. This team meets once a week, time is determined by team members’ availability.

Qualifications

• Ideal candidates will have some experience with A/V equipment, but additional training will be provided through the IT department.
• Live on campus or near campus

Opportunities for Formation

The Chapel A/V Coordinator position most clearly relates to practices of communal worship, through which students are habituated to worship God with agility and grace in light of the diversity of the body of Christ. In addition to experiencing all chapel services, this student will also engage practices of intellectual formation, discernment, and professional conduct. Through teamwork, collaborative worship planning, and theological reflection, this student will grow in the ability to articulate their own liturgical expressions and theological perspectives while also engaging worship practices and traditions different from their own.

Reports to

Dining Hall Chef/Supervisor

Hours

Various hours throughout the week. When available, breakfast is served from 7:30-8:30 a.m. and lunch is served 11:30 a.m.-1:00 p.m. Occasional weekend and evening hours are available.

Duties

• Helping clean the kitchen area and serve food
• Running the register
• Additional duties on request

One complimentary meal is included during each shift.

Reports to

• Facilities Director

Start Date

• First week of classes

Hours

• 10 hours per week

Duties

• Grounds maintenance
• Preparing apartment and dorm rooms for incoming tenants.
• Light Maintenance: Painting, etc.
• Other duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Attention to detail.
• Ability to work outdoors in the heat and cold.

Opportunities for Formation

As a graduate assistant for the Facilities Department, you will have many opportunities for formation. One of the key components of Facilities is to create a hospitable and welcoming environment not just for the PTS community, but for the broader community God has planted us. In addition to hospitality, you will have opportunities of formation through acts of service and love.

Reports to

Faculty Member

Start Date

First week of classes

Hours

10 hours per week (hybrid work may be available based on request)

Duties

Assist faculty in research efforts by identifying resources and conducting reviews of literature and subject material specific to research topics.

Student may be required to:

• Compile a list of possible references from index or abstract sources
• Look up and check references
• Extract information from sources
• Scan or transcribe materials
• Organize and classify data
• Proofread and edit reports & research copy
• Prepare bibliographies
• Perform related duties as directed

Qualifications

• Excellent written communication skills
• Organized and attentive to detail
• Strong academic record
• Ability to operate a computer and other research equipment
• Familiarity with library databases
• Ability to conduct research and synthesize information.

Formative Dimensions

Faculty Research Assistants gain hands-on experience in identifying and synthesizing scholarly resources at a high level, working alongside faculty as they break new theological and biblical ground. Research Assistants learn to ask fruitful questions and mobilize available resources in relation to ancient mysteries or current issues—investigative skills that are useful in a wide variety of academic and ministry contexts.

Reports to

Director of IT

Hours

10 hours per week                 

Duties

• Provide support to various data projects including data research and data entry
• Responsible for checking computer lab, kiosks, and other equipment

Qualifications

• Good computer skills
• Organizational skills

Reports to

• Associate Dean of Students and Formation

Start Date

• First Day of Fall Orientation

Hours

• 10 hours per week

Duties

• Provide administrative and transportation services as students arrive from overseas
• Serve as coordinator for international student events with faculty
• Provide occasional transportation (as needed)
• Serve as a point of contact & Pittsburgh resource

Qualifications

• The gift of hospitality and desire to welcome incoming students
• Live on or near the PTS campus
• Have reliable transportation
• A desire to learn about and experience different nationalities

Opportunities for Formation

The International Student Liaison—in consultation with the Associate Dean of Students and Formation and with the support of the faculty Community Life Committee—will provide neighborhood support and assistance to international students studying at PTS. 

Reports to

User Services Librarian

Start date

First week of classes

Hours

10 hours per week (in-person only)

One evening shift (5:00-10:00 pm) required and/or a Saturday shift (10:00-2:00 pm)

Duties

• Welcoming and serving library patrons
  • Checking materials in and out of the library
  • Registering new borrowers
  • Receiving fines and fees
  • Providing basic information about collections, resources, and services
  • Overseeing/troubleshooting photocopiers
  • Answering and routing telephone calls
• Shelving, shelf-reading, and scanning books for inventory
• Other library duties as assigned

Qualifications

• Dependability and punctuality
• Ability to provide excellent and hospitable customer service
• Strong English language oral/written communication skills
• Basic computer/keyboarding skills
• Attention to detail and ability to follow instructions
• Maintain confidentiality
• Participate in library training sessions
• Able to physically lift books, push/pull loaded book trucks

Opportunities for Formation

This position is well-suited for individuals interested in pursuing a career in ministry or theological studies as well as those seeking to grow in personal and professional formation. Individuals in this position will engage in practices of fellowship and contextual engagement as they welcome and serve the information needs of library patrons from both within and beyond the Seminary community. Individuals in this position also participate in practices of professional conduct, as they engage in respectful and civil communication with patrons, facilitate adherence to library policies, develop and exercise skills in organizing materials, and collaborate with others on the library staff team.

Reports to

Director of Mail and Print/Copy Services

Hours

10 hours per week

• Sorting and delivering mail
• Making copies
• Lifting and moving boxes
• Other duties as assigned

Reports to

• Director of Metro-Urban Institute, Associate Director of Metro-Urban Institute

Start Date

• After the student activities fair

Hours

• 10 hours per week (hybrid work may be available based on request)
• Monday-Friday 9:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m.; occasional weekend and event work may be needed.

Duties

• Help track numbers of participants at each event (including noting faculty, staff, students, etc. when possible) to help us quantify engagement
• Research historical and contemporary data in connection with urban communities in Pittsburgh
• Develop and maintain an inventory of items and provide notification to the Administrative Assistant when items are running low
• Programmatic event assistance - in-person and virtual including: marketing/promotion, student invitations, set-up/clean-up, registration, evaluation
• Build an accurate database of MUI/GCUM alumni persons for the new GCUM Alumni Network
• Create MUI Advisory Council members one-page bio-sheets with updated information
• Other duties as assigned by the Director or Associate Director

Qualifications

• Timeliness and attention to detail
• Ability to interact well with others including communicating clearly and proactively on projects
• Ability to represent the seminary and MUI in a professional manner
• Computer skills (Microsoft Suite) preferred

Opportunities for Formation

Since 1991, the Metro-Urban Institute has served faith communities by balancing scholarship and grassroots practices to inform, resource, and link religious partners in the work of healthy community formation and flourishing in metro-urban contexts. Our contextual learning and ministry experiences focus on Jesus and justice; faith and freedom; health and hope; and arts and activism. This position is ideal for individuals interested in ministry in urban communities as well as those seeking to grow in the area of professional formation. Candidates will have the opportunity to strengthen their practices of fellowship and hospitality, contextual engagement and analysis, and professional conduct in various ministry contexts. Familiarity with Black Church leadership dynamics is helpful.

Reports to

• VP for Strategic Initiatives and Continuing Education

Start Date

• First week of class or after Student Activities Fair

Hours

• 10 hours per week (hybrid modality available)

Duties

• Evaluate and Research potential partners for Pittsburgh Theological Seminary and the PTS Neighborhood Collaborative
• Support the work of VPSICE through producing written materials and slide presentations
• Support for Neighborhood Collaborative Program Offices:
  • Provide project based support for offices of the Neighborhood Collaborative as assigned by supervisor
  • Other duties as assigned

Opportunities for Formation

As part of the fast changing landscape of religion in the United States, the Neighborhood Collaborative seeks a Graduate Assistant that is curious about how to resource religious communities present and yet to be gathered. The Graduate Assistant will engage with all of the essential elements of formation at PTS, but there are three that are particularly relevant to the work at hand. First, the Neighborhood Collaborative Graduate Assistant will engage in practices of intellectual formation through intellectual inquiry and theological reflection. Second, practices of contextual engagement will be especially important as our Graduate Assistant will consider context as a learning partner in researching and evaluating potential partners for PTS. And finally, practices of professional conduct will be vital as our Graduate Assistant will have the opportunity to engage with our neighbors local and global.

Reports to

• Welcome Center/Front Desk Coordinator

Start Date

• First week of class

Hours

• 10-15 hours per week; Monday-Friday 8:30 a.m.-4:00 p.m.
• These 2 positions will serve on campus.

Duties

• Answering, referring and returning phone calls at the central reception desk
• Providing information and directions to visitors
• Assisting with Guest Housing and outside event scheduling and communications
• Assisting with Development and Alumni deptartment mailings (stuffing, labeling, sorting, etc.)
• Assisting with the preparation of materials for Development, Alumni, and Advancement meetings and programs
• Assisting with research for Development and Alumni databases

Qualifications

• Good communication skills, including courtesy, active listening and willingness to ask questions
• Ability to interact with others over the phone and in person
• Attention to detail
• Conscientious and on time
• Ability to tolerate repetitive motion activities

Formational Opportunities

• Include, but are not limited to practices of professional conduct that can habituate students into respectful and hospitable engagement, civil honest and transparent communication, effective conflict management, and developing and maintaining appropriate social boundaries.

Reports to

• Associate Dean of Students and Formation

Start Date

• Beginning of academic year (June 1)

Hours

• 10 hours per week (hybrid work may be available based on request)

Duties

• Provide on-going communication with residents
• Oversee community events
• Serve as liaison and point of contact between administration and residential students
• Host community, residential meetings as needed

Qualifications

• The gift of hospitality
• Desire to interface with a diversity of students
• Live on PTS campus
• Desire and care for community spaces
• A second or third year student

Opportunities for Formation

The PTS Resident Assistant(s)—in consultation with the Student Housing Department and with the support of the Office of Student Formation—will provide leadership and support to student residing in Calian and Fulton on-campus buildings. 

Reports to

• Associate Dean of Students and Formation and Spiritual Care Team

Start Date

• First week of classes

Hours

• 10 hours per week (hybrid work may be available based on request)

Duties

• Provide support for the Spiritual Care Team events and gatherings
• Warehousing resources with the student community
• Engaging remote students in monthly care calls
• Serve as an ambassador for healthy, community engagement

Qualifications

• The gift of compassion
• Desire to cultivate spaces of community care and hospitality
• Be a person of integrity and spiritual maturity
• Desire to grow in pastoral care and self-care practices
• A second or third year student

Opportunities for Formation

The PTS Student Chaplain—under the supervision of the Associate Dean of Students and with the support of the Spiritual Care Team—shares in the ministry of community care and hospitality with administration and staff.

Reports to  

• Associate Director of World Mission Initiative

Start Date

• First week of class

Hours:  

• 10 hours per week (some time during Monday-Friday, 9:00 a.m.-4:30 p.m.; Occasional weekends) including attending a joint WMI Staff meeting. This position can be filled in hybrid mode (meaning both in-person and virtually).   

Duties  

• WMI PROGRAM: Work closely with WMI staff in planning, preparing and facilitating activities for the following programs:
  • Graduate Certificate in Missional Leadership including the Gathering and Sending Retreats and the monthly roundtable discussions
  • Intercultural Experiential Learning trips
  • Biennial WMI Conference and others
• WMI PUBLICITY AND PROMOTION: Help with brainstorming WMI bi-monthly newsletter ideas; help with keeping the WMI website and Facebook up to date. Create and distribute publicity flyers and brochures for on- and off-campus events; e-mail announcements to PTS faculty, students, and administration whenever needed. 
• WMI DEVELOPMENT: Process and keep track of all donations either received through a monthly report from the Advancement Office or received directly in our WMI mailbox; drop checks off to the Advancement office and send thank you cards to our donors. 
• WMI SPECIAL PROJECTS: Help with developing tools and resources for congregational mission leaders like the Intercultural Bible Study, Worship guidelines and others. 

OTHER DUTIES – Besides the above tasks, the following are other duties:

• Assist in keeping the department’s database up to date (entering information into a database for people or churches)
• Delivery and pickup of mail (to and from the mailroom). 
• Stock and arrange brochure displays around campus with new brochures as needed. 
• Keep the WMI bulletin board updated. 
• Other various office work as needed.

Opportunities for Formation

The World Mission Initiative aims to equip current and future mission leaders such as pastors, mission committee members, mission directors, and youth pastors, as well as students at PTS, to effectively participate in God's mission. As a graduate assistant for WMI, a student will have the opportunity to work closely with both PTS students and mission leaders outside of PTS. Through the various responsibilities and leadership opportunities an individual will be able to interact, learn, and grow alongside emerging and experienced mission leaders. This experience will not only help the student gain a better understanding of the ministry context and growing needs of mission leaders but also better equip them to lead God’s people to participate in God's ongoing mission in our diverse world.