Work at NASPA

 

 2025 Graduate Summer Internship

 

About NASPA                                     

NASPA is the leading association for the advancement, health, and sustainability of the student affairs profession. We serve the diverse needs of our community, from vice presidents of student affairs to undergraduate student leaders considering a career in the field. Founded in 1919, NASPA includes more than 15,000 members in all 50 states, 29 countries, and 8 U.S. Territories. Guided by the principles of integrity, innovation, inclusion, and inquiry, we are dedicated to empowering our members to realize their full potential and to cultivating student success in collaboration with our institutional members, who represent every sector of higher education. NASPA centers justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion in our work; read more about our commitment here.

 

This position is a part of the Justice, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion Team, which works to ensure holistic treatment of justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion (JEDI) initiatives across the organization and supports the Association through programs, activities, and leadership development.

 

About the Position 

The NASPA Graduate Internship offers the opportunity to explore association management through a student affairs lens. The internship will collaborate and support NASPA staff across multiple departments, including educational programs, volunteer engagement, membership, and communications.

 

NASPA’s Justice, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion Team is seeking one Graduate Summer Intern to work an average of 30 hours a week during the Summer of 2025 for at least 8 consecutive weeks.  Candidates should expect to start in late May/early June and conclude in late July/early August, specific start and end dates are flexible. The intern must be currently enrolled at a graduate institution to be eligible for this role. This is a remote position.

 

Essential Responsibilities

A sample of the opportunities the NASPA Intern would engage in are:

• Assist with the planning, implementation, and evaluation of national conferences, institutes, and online professional development opportunities for NASPA members
• Develop content and programming for Careers in Student Affairs Month (CSAM)
• Participate in the evaluation, outreach, and reimagining of current programs
• Research and data analysis  

 

Reports To

Assistant Director of Justice, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion

 

Qualifications

• Master’s level graduate student who has completed (or will complete by Summer 2025) at least one year of a program in higher education, student affairs, or a related field. This position is only open to current master’s level students.
• Strong administrative, organizational, and interpersonal communication skills
• Ability to multi-task in a fast-paced work environment flexibility and adaptability are key components to success in this position
• Experience and/or interest in association management
• Experience and/or interest in educational content and/or program development for student affairs professionals
• Interest in learning about NASPA and association management
• Current NASPA membership required at the time of acceptance
• Previous involvement in the association is a plus, but not a requirement

 

Compensation

NASPA Summer Interns will receive:

•       $3000 stipend
•       One year extension of NASPA membership with membership upgrade including:
•       A 15% discount on eligible NASPA Online Learning registrations for the duration of your membership year.
•       Choice of one complimentary copy of select NASPA book titles.
•       Complimentary bundle of 15 on-demand webinars

 

Office Location/Working Conditions/Physical Requirements 

This position may be based anywhere in the contiguous 48 states. 

It is the employee’s responsibility to provide reliable internet capabilities for any work location outside of the Washington, D.C. office.

 

Physical Requirements

This position is primarily office-based with primary work on a computer, including phone, email, and video conferencing.

 

Additional COVID-19 Information

Vaccination is not a requirement for employment. However, all employees are strongly encouraged to follow the CDC guidance on vaccination, including becoming fully-vaccinated and staying up-to-date as eligible. All employees may flex their schedules for time taken to receive and recover from COVID-19 vaccinations.

 

In certain circumstances, NASPA may require testing for all staff regardless of vaccination status. 

 

Masks must be worn per local, state, tribal, and federal guidance, including the CDC, with the most stringent level of guidance followed. Regardless of guidance, all employees must have masks available should masking be requested by other employees, members, or external constituents. In certain settings, NASPA may require or strongly recommend that employees wear masks. 

 

 

Commitment to Non-Discrimination Statement 

NASPA provides equal employment opportunity for all applicants and employees. NASPA does not discriminate on the basis of race; color, national origin; religion; sex; age; gender identity or expression, affectional or sexual orientation, veteran status, disability, marital status; personal appearance; family responsibilities; genetic information; educational status; political affiliation; unemployment status; place of residence or business; source of income; caste; matriculation; credit information; status as a survivor or family member of a survivor of domestic violence, a sexual offense, or stalking; reproductive health decision making; or any other basis protected by law in any of its policies, employment practices, or in any context in the workplace. When necessary, NASPA also makes reasonable accommodations for employees with disabilities. 

 

To Apply

• Letter of Interest (In your letter please clearly express your interest in the position, related experience, and goals for the internship)
• Resume
• At least two references

 

A complete set of materials should be submitted through this Asana form. Materials received by Friday, April 25, 2025 will receive priority consideration, but review will continue until the position is filled. First round of interviews expected to take place early May.

 

 

Publications Coordinator and Executive Assistant to the Vice President for Research and Policy

About NASPA

NASPA is the leading association for the advancement, health, and sustainability of the student affairs profession. We serve the diverse needs of our community, from vice presidents of student affairs to undergraduate student leaders considering a career in the field. Founded in 1919, NASPA includes more than 15,000 members in all 50 states, 29 countries, and 8 U.S. Territories. Guided by the principles of integrity, innovation, inclusion, and inquiry, we are dedicated to empowering our members to realize their full potential and to cultivating student success in collaboration with our institutional members, who represent every sector of higher education. NASPA's work is governed by our Code of Ethics. Read more here.

 

This position is a part of the Research and Policy Team, which generates scholarship and conducts policy analysis to articulate student affairs contributions to student success, learning, and development; interpret information to advance practice and policy conversations; and connect the many research and policy activities of NASPA members to increase reach and impact.

About the Position 

The Publications Coordinator and Executive Assistant to the Vice President for Research and Policy plays a critical dual role in providing administrative support to the Vice President while managing workflows and marketing initiatives for NASPA’s portfolio of publications. This position ensures the Vice President’s day-to-day operations run seamlessly by handling scheduling, correspondence, and key administrative tasks while also facilitating effective production and promotional strategies for publications. The role requires strong organizational and communication skills, the ability to multitask in a fast-paced environment, and the ability to interact professionally with staff at all levels and volunteer leaders. The successful candidate will be innovative, detail-oriented, and capable of balancing administrative responsibilities with publications priorities. They must also possess excellent written and verbal communication skills, demonstrate sound decision-making abilities, and be proactive in building and maintaining processes to enhance efficiency and effectiveness.

 

Essential Responsibilities

 

Executive Support

• Manage and maintain schedule for the Vice President for Research and Policy, monitoring, updating, prioritizing, and confirming appointments, utilizing good judgment and strong decision-making skills

• Coordinate travel arrangements for the Vice President for Research and Policy, as needed

• Complete corporate credit card/reimbursements reports and timesheets for the Vice President for Research and Policy

• Provides the Vice President for Research and Policy with administrative support for key projects using project management software (Asana)

 

Administrative and Fiscal Management

• Support the operations of the Research and Policy team in a remote environment

• Schedule internal Research and Policy team meetings, create agendas, and track minutes and recordings 

• Schedule external meetings with partners and planning committees 

• Create, disseminate, and manage payments of invoices for purchase of materials

• Engage in key projects in the areas of professional development, member engagement, and advocacy as needed

 

Publications Coordination and Support

• Provide project management support for NASPA publications, including but not limited to books, periodicals, reports, and issue briefs; 

• Work with team members and across the organization to identify new opportunities to expand the reach and engagement of NASPA publications;

• Plan and organize internal and external marketing and promotional initiatives for publications (e.g., webinars, short courses, conference events, podcast interviews, media kits, press releases, peer organization outreach, book review solicitations, email campaigns, social media promotions), working across departments to ensure effective coordination of tasks and deadlines; 

• Process internal requests for event book orders and returns, publications discount codes, and complimentary copies;

• Facilitate and organize contracts for reviews and signatures (using Adobe Sign);

• Provide administrative support for the management of journal editorial boards, including but not limited to coordinating and reconciling travel and reimbursements for volunteer leaders; maintaining and updating journal board rosters; and organizing annual calls for applications;

• Manage general departmental correspondence, including responding to publications inquiries, accessible text requests, submission guidelines, etc.;

• Collaborate with colleagues across the organization to maintain a consistent, documented approach to customer service; and

• Perform other activities, duties, and responsibilities as assigned to support the association.

 

Reports to

Vice President for Research and Policy 

 

Qualifications 

• Bachelor’s degree preferred

• 3-5 years experience supporting organization operations and/or executive-level leadership, with experience as an executive assistant preferred

• Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail, with the ability to establish priorities, manage multiple projects, and meet deadlines

• Passion for developing and maintaining systems and processes that increase overall organizational efficiency

• Demonstrated experience with using technology to increase organization and productivity, including familiarity with project management tools (e.g., Asana), content management systems, file-sharing platforms, and a strong ability to learn how to use new platforms

• Excellent written and verbal communications skills, including strong knowledge of editorial standards and style guides, particularly American Psychological Association Style and Associated Press Style

• Experience developing marketing and publicity plans and content, particularly for academic or association publications

• Ability to work collaboratively with authors, editors, designers, and vendors

• Exceptional interpersonal skills with the ability to build relationships inside and outside the organization with members, volunteers, and colleagues

• Ability to take initiative, use sound judgment, and resolve problems diplomatically and discreetly

• Ability to work effectively, independently, and cooperatively with all levels of staff and constituents

• Demonstrated commitment to cultivating an inclusive work environment that values the perspectives and experiences of a diverse workforce and membership

• An understanding of higher education or experience working at a higher education institution

 

Employment Status 

Full-time Non-Exempt: Nonexempt employees are those employees who are covered by the federal Fair Labor Standards Act, and are eligible to be paid overtime work in accordance with the provisions of applicable wage and hour laws.

 

Candidates must be authorized to work in the U.S. NASPA does not initiate, extend or provide immigration or work visa sponsorship for employment.

 

Salary Range

The salary range for this position is $60,00-65,000.

 

NASPA offers nationwide comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance, a 401(k) retirement plan with automatic employer contribution, flexible work schedule, and paid time-off including accrued PTO, family leave, community service leave, and holidays.

 

Office Location/Working Conditions/Physical Requirements 

 

Office Location

This position may be based anywhere in the contiguous 48 states. 

 

It is the employee’s responsibility to provide reliable internet capabilities for any work location outside of the Washington, D.C. office.

 

Travel 

Occasional overnight travel to represent NASPA at events, and in-person meetings is an essential function of this position. Locations vary and can include sites outside of taxi service from major airports. As a result, the position is required to have the ability to travel independently, including air travel, navigating ground transportation, and occasionally driving a rental car. 

 

Physical Requirements

This position is primarily office-based with primary work on a computer, including phone, email, and video conferencing.

Responsibilities occasionally may require an adjusted work schedule, overtime, and evening/weekend hours in order to meet deadlines and support events and programs. 

At times this position may require to routinely pack and unpack program materials for shipment, which will require pulling, pushing, lifting, and moving boxes weighing up to 50 pounds. 

 

Commitment to Non-Discrimination Statement 

NASPA provides equal employment opportunity for all applicants and employees. NASPA does not discriminate on the basis of race; color, national origin; religion; sex; age; gender identity or expression, affectional or sexual orientation, veteran status, disability, marital status; personal appearance; family responsibilities; genetic information; educational status; political affiliation; unemployment status; place of residence or business; source of income; caste; matriculation; credit information; status as a survivor or family member of a survivor of domestic violence, a sexual offense, or stalking; reproductive health decision making; or any other basis protected by law in any of its policies, employment practices, or in any context in the workplace. When necessary, NASPA also makes reasonable accommodations for employees with disabilities. 

 

To Apply

Interested candidates should submit the following for consideration: 

• Letter of Interest/Cover Letter

• Resume

• Three References

• In addition to a resume and cover letter, applicants should submit a recent writing sample relevant to the role's responsibilities. Appropriate samples include articles, reports, promotional copy, or editorial materials.

 

A complete set of materials should be submitted through this Asana form. Materials received by Tuesday, May 13, 2025 will receive priority consideration, but review will continue until the position is filled. 

 

 

Vice President, Operations and Finance
FirstGen Forward

 

Position Title: Vice President, Operations and Finance

 

About FirstGen Forward

FirstGen Forward aspires to be a transformational partner for higher education, first-generation students, and all who care about them; working to maximize the success of the FirstGen student population in education, career, and life. That success benefits the economic mobility of the students and the missions of the colleges. It produces multigenerational impacts for families. Our country benefits from the experience, determination, and economic potential of FirstGen graduates in the workforce and our communities.

 

FirstGen Forward staff are employees of NASPA–Student Affairs Administrators in Higher Education, which oversees certain operational aspects of FirstGen Forward. 

 

About NASPA

NASPA is the leading association for the advancement, health, and sustainability of the student affairs profession. We serve the diverse needs of our community, from vice presidents of student affairs to undergraduate student leaders considering a career in the field. Founded in 1919, NASPA includes more than 15,000 members in all 50 states, 29 countries, and 8 U.S. Territories. Guided by the principles of integrity, innovation, inclusion, and inquiry, we are dedicated to empowering our members to realize their full potential and to cultivating student success in collaboration with our institutional members, who represent every sector of higher education. NASPA centers justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion in our work; read more about our commitment here.

 

Department 

FirstGen Forward began as an initiative of NASPA and the Suder Foundation. As a result of its sustained and successful growth, FirstGen Forward elected to establish an independent nonprofit organization in May of 2024. The operations department at FirstGen Forward is responsible for growing and sustaining operational excellence following this transition, specifically related to financial, talent, and technological infrastructure. The team also manages FirstGen Forward’s fiscal sponsorship with NASPA and partners closely with NASPA in this effort. 

 

Reports To: CEO

 

Supervises:  

• Director, Operations & Talent 

• Director, Financial Operations (Vacant) 

 

About the Position 

The Vice President of Operations and Finance leads the operations team at FirstGen Forward and oversees all financial management for the organization. The role is responsible for establishing a vision for operational excellence and leading the creation of independent operational infrastructure for FirstGen Forward as its own legal entity. This includes financial planning, budgeting, staff development, internal communications, talent acquisition, organizational policies and procedures, and the development of technological infrastructure. It also includes managing the day to day fiscal sponsorship relationship with NASPA to support tactical elements of accounting, technology implementation, and human resource management. 

 

Essential Responsibilities

Operational Infrastructure 

• Set the vision for operational excellence and establish measurable department-level goals

• Provide strategic management and oversight for purchasing, contracting, and asset management, ensuring cost-effectiveness and operational efficiency

• Maintain all organizational contract records

• Ensure all legal and regulatory documents are filed, reported, audited, and in compliance with laws and regulations for the organization

• Meets weekly with the Executive Vice President of NASPA to monitor and maintain NASPA’s fiscal sponsorship agreement

 

Fiscal Management

• Lead the development and implementation of financial strategies to support organizational growth and sustainability

• Establish and maintain organizational charts of accounts and financial infrastructure for the internal accounting system

• Oversee day-to-day budgeting, forecasting, financial planning, and reporting processes

• Establish and maintain an organizational financial model

• Establish and maintain the organizational budget and project financial needs, including supporting the development of grant proposal budgets

• Project and monitor organizational cash flow, approving all expenses and external payments

• Monitor and pay the monthly payroll and management fee expense to NASPA

• Develop fiscal policies and procedures, utilizing NASPA policies as a reference 

• Monitor philanthropic funding to ensure grant compliance and appropriate reporting, allocating grant expenses to ensure spend down 

• Maintain staff compensation records and establish bonuses and compensation adjustments

 

Supervision and Management

• Supervise a diverse and growing team, representing multiple generations, identities, and abilities, fostering a culture of continuous learning and improvement

• Serve on the Stewardship Team, providing strategic direction and managing routine meetings to advance the organization’s mission and vision

• Drive the annual organization-wide goal-setting process, ensuring alignment with the broader organizational strategy. Lead the management of organizational accountability by facilitating discussions with the Stewardship Team to track progress, assess performance, and implement necessary course corrections throughout the year

• Serve as a thought partner and strategic advisor in establishing recruitment, retention, talent development, performance management, and workforce planning to ensure a diverse, engaged, and high-performing team. Ensuring alignment with NASPA HR policies

• Support the development of the organization’s vision for internal technological infrastructure and manage the selection and transition of platforms from NASPA to FirstGen Forward

• Assists with all-team projects and participates actively in staff meetings and projects

• Other activities, duties, and responsibilities as assigned to support the organization

 

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Finance, Accounting, Business Administration, or a related field, MBA is beneficial.

• 5+ years of experience in organizational operations and non-profit management, with demonstrated success managing teams to achieve quantitative results. 

• Experience managing a fiscally-sponsored organization, preferably with experience transitioning one to an independent 501c3 status

• Financial planning experience, with preferably handling both private and public philanthropic awards.

• A track record of achieving quantitative results as a member of a successful leadership  team.

• Entrepreneurial spirit with a sense of urgency for concrete outcomes. 

• A team player motivated by individual and team-wide goals. 

• An unwavering commitment to quality and excellence. 

• Highest integrity.

• Strong oral and written communication skills, with experience delivering progress updates to stakeholders, presenting findings, and writing reports to support organizational goals and funding requirements.

• Experience cultivating an inclusive work environment that values the perspectives and lived experiences of a diverse workforce and membership.

• Exceptional knowledge of various technological platforms, integration, and implementation, including, but not limited to, Customer Relationship Management (CRM), Association Management System (AMS), Content Management System (CMS), and Learning Management System (LMS).

 

Employment Status: 

Full-time Exempt: Exempt employees by definition are exempt from overtime compensation requirements of the federal Fair Labor Standards Act, and are required to work as the job demands on a no time limit basis. 

 

Salary Range

The salary range for this position is $165,000 to $185,000

 

NASPA offers nationwide comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance, a 401(k) retirement plan with automatic employer contribution, flexible work schedule, and paid time-off including accrued PTO, family leave, community service leave, and holidays.

 

Office Location/Working Conditions/Physical Requirements 

This remote position may be based anywhere in the contiguous 48 states. It is the employee’s responsibility to provide reliable internet capabilities.

 

Travel 

Occasional overnight travel to represent FirstGen Forward at events, on college and university campuses, and in-person meetings is an essential function of this position. Locations vary and can include sites outside of taxi service from major airports. As a result, the position is required to have the ability to travel independently, including air travel, navigating ground transportation, and occasionally driving a rental car. 

 

Physical Requirements

• This position is primarily office-based with primary work on a computer, including phone, email, and video conferencing.

• Responsibilities occasionally may require an adjusted work schedule, overtime, and evening/weekend hours in order to meet deadlines and support events and programs. 

• This position will be required to routinely pack and unpack program materials for shipment, which will require pulling, pushing, lifting, and moving boxes weighing up to 50 pounds. 

• This position will be required to coordinate on-site event execution, which may include moving furniture and other items, navigating event spaces, and communicating verbally with venue staff. 

Commitment to Non-Discrimination Statement 

NASPA and therefore FirstGen Forward provides equal employment opportunities for all applicants and employees. NASPA and FirstGen Forward does not discriminate on the basis of race; color, national origin; religion; sex; age; gender identity or expression, affectional or sexual orientation, veteran status, disability, marital status; personal appearance; family responsibilities; genetic information; educational status; political affiliation; unemployment status; place of residence or business; source of income; caste; matriculation; credit information; status as a survivor or family member of a survivor of domestic violence, a sexual offense, or stalking; reproductive health decision making; or any other basis protected by law in any of its policies, employment practices, or in any context in the workplace. When necessary, NASPA and FirstGen Forward also makes reasonable accommodations for employees with disabilities. 

 

To Apply

Interested candidates should submit the following for consideration: 

• Resume

• Letter of Interest/Cover Letter: Please write your cover letter outlining why you are interested in the Vice President of Operations and Finance role at FirstGen Forward, highlighting your relevant experience in operations and financial leadership. We are particularly interested in hearing about any experience you have with start-up or early-stage organizations and how you’ve led teams or organizations through periods of significant change or infrastructure development.

• Three References

 

A complete set of materials should be submitted through this Asana form. Materials received by Monday, May 19th at 11:59AM Eastern will receive priority consideration, but review will continue until the position is filled.