The Department of American Studies at the University of Minnesota is seeking a Global Humanities Institute (GHI) Student Assistant to provide critical support for the planning, coordination, and execution of the Global Humanities Institute (GHI): Indigenous Mobilities, Tourism, and Racial Capitalism project, hosted by the Institute for Advanced Study (IAS). This multi-year initiative, funded by the Consortium of Humanities Centers and Institutes and the Mellon Foundation, involves global collaboration among scholars and partners from Minnesota, California, Arizona, Australia, and Mexico, culminating in an in-person institute in Mérida, Mexico in January 2026. The GHI is being organized and managed by the Institute for Advanced Study under the leadership of American Studies Professor Bianet Castellanos, with Carolina Maranon-Cobos, Programming Manager at the IAS, as project manager and direct supervisor for this position. 

This part-time role offers a unique opportunity for a student to develop skills in international project management, event planning, and research coordination. The successful candidate will assist the project’s lead organizer with administrative, logistical, and communication tasks, while gaining valuable professional experience in managing a large-scale academic project, and collaborating with leading scholars, activists, and community partners internationally.

Position Details

• Percent: 25% appointment (10 hours per week)
• Start Date: Immediately this summer and through the end of Fall Semester 2025

Working Conditions

The role will be performed in-person at Northrop during those events with flexibility to be remote the rest of the time. 

IAS offices and meeting spaces are accessible and the building has both accessible gendered and private gender-inclusive restrooms throughout.

Duties Include

Administrative Support

• Maintain and update project timelines, tracking progress and deadlines.
• Schedule and coordinate meetings for the GHI planning team, including sending calendar invitations and managing RSVPs.
• Draft, edit, and disseminate agendas, meeting notes, and follow-up action items.
• Organize and file project-related documents, including media releases, travel information for participants, and applications.

Communication and Outreach

• Serve as a point of contact for participants, collaborators, and community partners.
• Monitor email inquiries related to the GHI project and respond or escalate as appropriate.

Project Coordination

• Support the development of programming and logistics for the main institute meeting in Mérida, Mexico.
• Collaborate with staff to ensure smooth communication with international partners and vendors.
• Support staff and partners in Mexico, on the development, scheduling and booking of workshops, panels, and site visits
• Support the preparation of summary reports on project milestones and activities for partners, participants, and presenters..
• Assist in documenting the project’s progress, including creating materials for post-project evaluation.

Other Duties as Assigned

• Provide support for special projects and initiatives related to the GHI, as needed.
• Engage with staff and partners in team meetings and discussions.

• Strong communication skills, both verbal and written in English and Spanish.
• Excellent organizational and time-management skills, and attention to detail.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively as part of a team.
• Interest in global collaboration, Indigenous studies, or racial and social justice.
• Proficiency in Google Workspace, Microsoft Office, and Zoom hosting.
• Strong interest in racial and social justice, event planning, or community engagement.
• To be eligible for this position you must be an undergraduate student at the University of Minnesota enrolled in the minimum number of credits required to be eligible for student employment.
• Work Study eligible  

Preferred Qualifications

• Familiarity with project management tools and software (Asana, or similar).
• Experience with or interest in event planning, research, or administrative support.
• Ability to lift and carry up to 20 lbs.

The Institute for Advanced Study is a systemwide unit of the Office of the Executive Vice President and Provost at the University of Minnesota. We invest in people and incubate projects, build interdisciplinary networks across the University and beyond, advance critical conversations, and are committed to building a just University together. 

Pay Range: $18.00 per hour; depending on education/qualifications/experience

Please visit the Office of Student Health Benefits website for more information regarding benefit eligibility.

Student workers are eligible to participate in the Student Health Benefit Plan, if they maintain 6 or more eligible course credits within a given semester. The same applies for Undergraduate Students, Graduate Assistants, Residents, Fellows and Interns.

Student positions are a form of financial support while pursuing an education at the University of Minnesota.

Applications must be submitted onlinevia the UMN Careers Portal. Search Job ID 367885.

Please send a cover letter and resume to [email protected] with the subject line “GHI Student Assistant position - [Your Name].” 

Review of applications will begin May 1st, 2025.

To request an accommodation during the application process, please e-mail [email protected] or call (612) 624-8647.

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:  http://diversity.umn.edu

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.