Graduate Administrative Assistant - Texas Inventionworks, Cockrell School of Engineering

General Notes 

The Cockrell School of Engineering atThe University of Texas at Austin has been a global leader in technology innovation and engineering education for over a century.It is a top-10 engineering school and the No. 1 program in Texas that includes11 undergraduate and 13 graduate programs, over 20 research centers and a faculty community that boasts one of the highest number of National Academy of Engineering members among U.S. universities, Texas Engineering has launched some of the nation’s most accomplished leaders and pioneered world-changing solutions in virtually every industry, from space exploration to energy,manufacturingandhealth care. Situated in the heart of Austin — named “America’s Coolest City” by Expedia and “The Best Place to Live in the U.S.” by U.S. News and World Report — the Cockrell School embodies the city’s innovative spirit. Major companies with Austin campuses, such as Dell, National Instruments, Apple, IBM, Samsung, Google and many others, recruit Cockrell School students, launching thousands of successful careers.

TexasInventionworks, based in the Cockrell School of Engineering,is a vibrant hands-on education program, fabricationresourceand innovation hub.The TexasInventionworksstaff is dedicated to fosteringopenexploration,hands-onexperience, cross-disciplinarycollaboration andenabling students totake a shot at solvingrealproblems.In addition to online training, support for curriculum development and guidance for product development, the programoperatesmore than 25,000sf of lab spacedivided into 22 labsthat include 3D printing, laser cutting,wood and metal working, electronics,testingand other capabilities.

There are 6 professional staff members and ahighly-empowered65-member student staff whoestablisha vibrant, collaborativeculture and peer-to-peer learningfor theroughly 3,500students who visit the facilities each year.The vision isto be adesign, fabrication and innovation ecosystem at UT Austin that empowers students from all backgrounds to easily learn, collaborate,buildand invent together.

Position Purpose 

The Graduate AssistantforCommunications & Online Learning plays a key role in supporting the instructional content and visual communications produced by TexasInventionworks(TIW), a hands-on university makerspace. This work includesmaintainingand updating online learning modules in Canvas, developing graphics and job aids, and coordinating interactive learning activities for both online and in-person delivery. As a member of the TIW team, this position shares responsibility for producing clear, effective learning and communication materials that support TIW's mission and user community.

This position offers graduate students meaningful, real-world experience in instructional content development and visual communications at TIW, with close mentorship from professional staff, flexible scheduling to support academic commitments, and opportunities for expanded responsibilities and professional development over time.

Responsibilities 

• Maintain and update Canvas modules, quizzes, and other online learning content to reflect current processes, equipment, and safety information

• Develop and refine interactive learning activities and resources for both online and in-person delivery

• Create graphics, job aids, posters, and other visual communications using Adobe Creative Suite,Canva,or similar tools.

• Coordinate with professional staff and subject matter experts to ensure learning and communications content isaccurate, current, and aligned with TIW operations

• Coordinate with studentstaffteams to host workshopsand build nights. 

• Other functions as assigned

SharedResponsibilities

• Support consistent application of TIW branding and visual identity across all communications, learning materials, and public-facingcontent

• Draft and support digital communications efforts promoting TIW programs and events

• Support outreach efforts and connect students and campus partners with TIW resources

• Track tasks and projects and contribute to building workflows using work process management software

• Supportcalendarmanagementand event coordination

Required Qualifications 

• Currently enrolled as a graduate student at the University of Texas at Austin

• Clear and positive communication skills

• Ability to work both independently andcollaboratively

• Responsible, dependable, and punctual

• Strong attention to detail

• Proficiencywith Instructure Canvas for building and managing online learning content

• Proficiencywith Adobe Creative Suite or Canva for creating graphics and visual materials

• Curiosityandresourcefulness,witha willingness to learn new tools and workflows.

Preferred Qualifications 

• A valid Texas driver's license and acceptable driving record

• Background in learning science, instructional design, or educational technology

• Experience with Monday.com or similar project and workflow management platforms

• Experience working with students in an educational or university environment

• Interest in or experience with academic makerspaces, including familiarity with hand tools, 3D printers, sewing equipment, laser cutters, or similar fabrication tools

Salary

$22.00per hour based on experience.

Working Conditions 

• Work is performedin a variety of fabrication labs, such as a wood shop, machineshopor3D printing lab. There will also be work in a standard office environment.

• Repetitive use of a keyboard at a workstation

• May work around electrical and mechanical hazards

• May work around chemicals

• Security Sensitive; criminal background checkwill beconducted

• Uniforms and/or personal protection equipmentwill befurnishedas needed

Career Competencies 

• Apply principles of learning design and visual communication to create clear, effective instructional content and materials

• Exercise sound reasoning to analyze issues, make decisions, andsolveproblems

• Demonstrate personal accountability, effective work habits,and the ability to manage time, workload, and collaborative relationships

• Interact respectfully with people of all backgrounds and perspectives

• Build collaborative relationships and communicate effectively across a diverse university community, translating technical content into accessible learning experiences

Work Shift 

• This is a part-timeposition (10hrs/wkminimum to 20hrs/wkmaximum).Specific scheduling will bedeterminedwith your supervisor and can be arranged flexibly within standard business hours (Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m.) to support your academic commitments.

• Occasional evening or weekend hours may berequiredforspecial events.

Required Materials 

• Resume

• Letter of interest

Important for applicants who are NOT current university employees or contingent workers: You will be prompted tosubmityour resume in the first step of the online job application process. Then, anyadditionalRequired Materials will be uploaded in the My Experience section; you can multi-select theadditionalfiles or click the Upload button for each file. Beforesubmittingyour online job application, ensure that ALL Required Materials have been uploaded. Once your job application has beensubmitted, you cannot make changes.