Griffin Ambassadors
Each year, hundreds of prospective students and their families visit Gwynedd Mercy University's campus. We strive to provide an excellent experience for everyone who visits, whether it's for an Open House, daily tour, information session, or just a walk through our tree-lined paths.
As a Griffin Ambassador, you will play an essential role in making sure visitors feel welcome. You also will serve as an important resource for information about everything GMercyU has to offer.
Your Role
As a Griffin Ambassador, you are often the first impression prospective students and their families have of GMercyU. That means you are responsible for representing GMercyU as a well-informed and enthusiastic source of information and perspective for prospective students.
Benefits
Griffin Ambassadors are the face of the University and as part of this role, you will have the opportunity to participate in training, develop leadership skills, enhance your interpersonal communication, and improve your public speaking. It’s a great way to build your resume, network, and earn some money – all without having to leave campus. And, the days, times, and number of hours you work during the academic year can be flexible.
Duties
Griffin Ambassadors are responsible for hosting campus visitors for daily tours and special events. Griffin Ambassadors will also assist in other Admissions and Marketing efforts such phone and online communications and social media campaigns.
Accountability
Griffin Ambassadors are representatives of Gwynedd Mercy University. You are often visitors’ first impression of GMercyU and often their only impression, which is a huge responsibility. That means you need to dress appropriately, be on time, and bring you’re "A game" for every shift. How you speak, look, and interact with not just the visitor but others on campus impacts their perception of the University and what it’s like to be a Griffin. Remember, visitors may not remember what you said but they will remember how you made them feel.
Griffin Ambassadors are accountable to the Admissions staff, fellow Griffin Ambassadors and to GMercyU as a whole. Primary supervision is provided by the Coordinator of Enrollment Support Services.
Commitment and Duties
Griffin Ambassadors contract is for one full academic year. Griffin Ambassadors are required to be available at least five hours a week with a maximum of 15 hours a week. Those hours may include:
- Conducting one or more weekly campus tours
- Staffing major Admissions events, special events, and group visits as needed
- Answering and making phone calls at Admissions House
- Participating in various Marketing efforts, including posting on social media
- Completing administrative tasks, as assigned
Special Events
Griffin Ambassadors are required to attend major Admissions Enrollment Events. If you absolutely must miss an event, you must let your supervisor know at least two weeks before the event.
- Fall Evening Open House – Tuesday, September 17, 2019
- Fall Saturday Open House #1 – Saturday, October 19, 2019
- Fall Saturday Open House #2 – Saturday, November 9, 2019
- Accepted Student Day – Saturday, March 21, 2020
- Spring Evening Open House – Tuesday, April 7, 2020
- Spring Saturday Open House - Saturday, April 18, 2020
- Griffin K.E.Y.S. - TBD
Qualifications
To perform this job successfully, you must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. Griffin Ambassadors must have good public speaking skills and are expected to be knowledgeable of GMercyU's history, attributes, opportunities and services. Griffin Ambassadors are expected to be punctual, reliable, and conscientious.
The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. You must be in good academic and judicial standing.
Education/Experience. Current Gwynedd Mercy University student with at least one semester completed
Technical Skills. Familiarity with word processing, spreadsheet and database management
Language Skills. Ability to speak effectively before groups of prospective students and their families while using appropriate wording and proper grammar.
Interpersonal Skills. Ability to interact effectively and professionally with others
Reasoning Ability. Ability to solve practical problems and deal with a variety of concrete variables in situations where only limited standardization exists
Physical Demands. The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to walk (1-2 hours at a time) and sit. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus.
Work Environment. The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate. Walking tours are held regardless of weather conditions, unless deemed unsafe to be outdoors.
Training
Griffin Ambassadors will be given a Guidebook when first hired to study and complete. Upon completion, Griffin Ambassadors will be invited to an all-day training session before the Fall semester. This session will include storyboards, role-playing, trivia as well as training on customer service, professional work ethics and public speaking. New Ambassadors will shadow tours and then be shadowed to ensure they are able to provide accurate information about the University and its many programs and opportunities. There will be a refresher course prior to the start of the Spring semester.
Terms of Employment
Standard length of employment for Griffin Ambassadors is a full academic year. GMercyU's Admissions team, however, is always looking to add to our Griffin Ambassador team. Continued employment is ensured through exemplary performance but granted at the discretion of Coordinator of Enrollment Support Services.
Penalties
As a Griffin Ambassador, you are a representative of Gwynedd Mercy University and therefore, are expected to act professionally. You will be held to the same expectations as if this was any other off-campus or on-campus job.
There will be a three-strike system – three strikes and you are out. The following - but not limited to - may result in a strike:
- Failure to show up to scheduled tour time
- Failure to wear the appropriate Griffin Ambassador attire (Clothing will be provided)
- Failure to miss a special event without proper notification of supervisor
- Communicating inaccurate or false information
Payment
$10/hour. Both work-study and campus employment positions are available. If you already have a work-study and/or campus job, the Coordinator of Enrollment Support Services will work with you to explore other options.
Selection Process
To apply for a Griffin Ambassador position, please fill out and submit your completed application. Qualified applicants will be invited in for an interview.
Meet the Griffin Ambassadors
Allison Alejo, 2020
Hometown: Hatfield, PA
High School: Lansdale Catholic High School
Major: Nursing
Activities: Voices of Gwynedd, SNAP, Best Buddies, Mercy Advocates in Service
Fun Fact: I recently visited Ireland for the first time with the Voices of Gwynedd! It was a wonderful trip during which we shared our music around the country.
Briana Cortes, 2020
Hometown: Pennsauken, NJ
High School: Paul VI High School
Major: Nursing
Activities: Co-captain on Dance Team, Griffin Ambassador
Fun Fact: I teach small children (ages 6-12) multiple styles of dance on the weekends.
Nick Freda, 2021
Hometown: King of Prussia, PA
High School: Upper Merion Area High School
Major: Business Management
Activities: Lacross Team, Investment Club, Griffin Ambassador, Orientation Leaders, and Student Government Association
Fun Fact: I will be studying abroad in Australia in the fall semester and I'm a part of our 4+1 MBA Program.
Morgan Fusca, 2019
Hometown: Lansdale, PA
High School: Lansdale Catholic High School
Major: Criminal Justice, minor in Psychology
Activities: Orientation Planning Team, Griffin Ambassador
Fun Fact: I'm an Irish twin!
Lucas Gray, 2021
Hometown: Levittown, PA
High School: Harry S. Truman High School
Major: Sports Management
Activities: Lacrosse, Griffin Ambassador, Athletics Work Study
Fun Fact: I can do card tricks.
Alexis Howard, 2021
Hometown: Lower Gwynedd, PA
High School: Wissahickon High School
Major: Early Education (PreK-4) and Special Education (PreK-8)
Activities: Griffin Ambassador
Fun Fact: In my spare time, I'm an avid baker.
Rebecca Joe, 2021
Hometown: Eagleville, PA
High School: Methacton High School
Major: Finance 4+1 MBA
Activities: Griffin Ambassador, Investment Club, Honors Program
Fun Fact: I started my education at Hobbit House and will be ending it at Gwynedd Mercy University.
Cross Zavada, 2021
Hometown: Washington Township, NJ
High School: Washington Township High School
Major: Business Management
Activities: Griffin Ambassador, Lacrosse Team, Investment Club, Student Government Association, Orientation Leader
Fun Fact: I will be studying abroad in Australia my fall semester next year.
Jenny Kyoung, 2019
Hometown: North Wales, PA
High School: North Penn High School
Major: Computer Information Science (CIS)/Forensics
Activities: President of Student Government Association, Member of Sigma Phi Sigma Honor Society, Griffin Ambassador, Griffin Student Leadership Institute
Fun Fact: I like most types of food and candy but I don't like carbonated drinks and bacon.
