Ombudsstudent (Student Liaison) for the Graduate School of Communication

Are you exceptionally interested in the inner workings of an educational institution? Is it your ambition to become a key player in enhancing the student experience and fostering a supportive academic environment? Do you thrive in a challenging role within a dynamic setting? Then we have the perfect challenge for you!

Bridge the gap between students and the Graduate School of Communication.
The Graduate School of Communication (GSC) is looking for an enthusiastic, pro-active and involved new ombudsstudent (student liaison) who can intermediate between the students and Graduate School. If you are eager to contribute to a vibrant academic community, we encourage you to apply for the Ombudsstudent position at the GSC. Join us in this exciting opportunity to make a meaningful impact and support your fellow students at the GSC.

What are you going to do
The ombudsstudents is someone who stands in the middle of UvA student life and is able to build good connections with fellow students.

You will/tasks:

• Issue requested and unsolicited advice regarding student interests to the Graduate School management
• Gather student wishes and complaints and talk to study associations and the Faculty Student Council.
• Assemble and lead the group of student representatives, this includes monthly meetings organised by you.
• Maintain active contact with study associations, Faculty Student Council, and attend GSC, Programme Committee, and Board of Studies meetings.
• Support the Graduate School with ad-hoc projects (e.g., focus groups, accreditation preparation, alumni surveys, graduation ceremonies, career events,).

What do you have to offer
A successful ombudsstudent finds the nuance in complex situations and engage actively with the student body. You handles complaints with empathy and neutrality, ensuring all parties feel heard and understood. Your communication is clear and concise, both in writing and verbally. You solve problems proactively, while handling sensitive information with confidentiality and integrity. You know when to follow through and to inform the right persons. You seek continuous improvement through feedback and staying informed.

Your experience and profile:

• Ideally, you will begin the (Research) Master’s or pre-Master’s in Communication Science in September 2025, or you still have at least one year remaining in one of these programmes.
• You are actively involved in the (Research) Master’s or pre-Master’s in Communication Science.
• You are committed to representing student interests and supporting the programme.
• You are engaged in student life at the UvA.
• You are proactive and able to work independently.
• You have strong organizational and time management skills, and you can handle busy periods when needed.
• You have a good understanding of Dutch so that you can participate in meetings that are held bilingually (English/Dutch).

What else do we offer you
At the GSC we will offer you:

• a position in which initiative and input are highly valued
• an enthusiastic and warm team that is open to new colleagues
• an employee pass that lets you get free coffee and print documents.
• a challenging role with varied tasks that fit well alongside your studies.
• an inspiring academic and international working environment in the heart of Amsterdam.

You will work here
You are part of the GSC team, responsible for ensuring the quality of the Master's programme. You collaborate with the GSC director, policy officer, study advisors, the Bachelor’s ombudsstudent, and the Communication & Events team of Communication Science. The policy officer is your direct point of contact.

If you recognize yourself in this profile and are interested in the role, we look forward to receiving your motivation letter and CV. You can apply via the red button until 27 June 2025. Interviews will take place begin July. In case of equal qualifications, internal candidates will be given preference over external candidates.

For questions about the vacancy, you can contact: Ms Nhu Ngan Trang MSc (n.n.trang@uva.nl)