TCU Karyn Purvis Institute of Child Development Graduate Assistant
Graduate Assistant
Karyn Purvis Institute of Child Development (KPICD)
Texas Christian University (TCU)
12-Month Appointment | 20 Hours/Week | Fall 2026 Start
Position Overview
The Karyn Purvis Institute of Child Development seeks a Graduate Assistant to support the Graduate Program Director in the administration and coordination of KPICD’s three graduate programs: the M.S. in Developmental Trauma, the Graduate Certificate in Developmental Trauma & TBRI®, and the Combined BS/MS 4-1 Program in Developmental Trauma. The Graduate Assistant will contribute to student support, program operations, admissions processes, communication workflows, and academic coordination within a trauma-informed, relationally grounded educational environment.
Compensation & Work Schedule
· 12-month appointment beginning Fall 2026
· 20 hours per week, scheduled around class times
· Work hours available Monday–Friday, 7:30 a.m.–5:30 p.m., with occasional evening/weekend needs
· Compensation includes:
o Tuition credits
o Stipend (typically $25,000–$27,500 annually)
Key Responsibilities
Program Administration & Academic Support
· Assist the Graduate Program Director with day-to-day operations for all three graduate programs
· Support admissions processes, including application tracking and communication with applicants
· Maintain program documentation, handbooks, advising materials, and curriculum resources
· Support scheduling, course planning, and coordination with faculty and adjunct instructors
· Assist with data collection and reporting for accreditation, assessment, and program evaluation
Student Support & Communication
· Serve as a welcoming, professional point of contact for prospective and current graduate students
· Support trauma-informed, developmentally attuned communication with students
· Assist with onboarding, orientation, and advising workflows
· Maintain communication channels, including email templates, announcements, newsletters, and resource guides
Event & Project Coordination
· Provide logistical support for orientations, workshops, information sessions, and professional development activities
· Assist with planning and implementation of TBRI®-aligned learning experiences
· Support collaboration with campus partners such as Graduate Studies, TCU Global, and the Koehler Center
Technology & Resource Development
· Update and maintain program websites, course shells on TCU Online, and digital resources
· Assist with educational technologies and learning platforms (training provided)
· Create student-facing materials, checklists, and guides that reflect KPICD’s relational and trauma-informed approach
Other Duties
· Support special projects initiated by the Graduate Program Director or KPICD leadership
· Contribute to a positive, inclusive, and mission-aligned team culture
Minimum Qualifications
· Enrollment in a graduate degree program at TCU
· Strong written and oral communication skills
· Proficiency in Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Canva; willingness to learn additional software
· Excellent organizational skills and ability to manage multiple projects
· Commitment to trauma-informed, inclusive, and relationally grounded educational practices
· Ability to work independently, take initiative, and maintain confidentiality
General Expectations
· Professional, warm, and welcoming engagement with students, faculty, and campus partners
· Attention to detail and strong follow-through
· Ability to problem-solve and work both independently and collaboratively
· Ethical conduct and maintenance of satisfactory academic progress
Learning Outcomes
By the end of the assistantship, the Graduate Assistant will:
· Understand the structure, mission, and operations of KPICD’s graduate programs
· Gain experience in higher education administration, student support, and academic program management
· Strengthen skills in communication, project management, and process improvement
· Develop competencies in trauma-informed practice within academic settings
· Build a professional portfolio applicable to careers in education, program administration, or child- and family-serving system