Job Details  

Communications Assistant
Students cannot apply for this job online.
Job ID 75955
Job Funding Source Work-Study, Non-Work-Study
Employer Center for Social Solutions
Category Professional/Administrative
Job Description

The University of Michigan Center for Social Solutions (CSS) promotes academic research and social policy that serves the common good across four program areas: Diversity and Democracy; Slavery and Its Aftermath; Water, Equity and Security; and The Future of Work.

The Center is seeking a resourceful University of Michigan graduate student with experience in graphic design, social media content creation, writing, web maintenance, and multimedia communications to serve as a Communications Assistant.

Reporting to the Managing Director of Strategic Initiatives, the Communications Assistant will support the Center's internal and external communications strategy while providing communications, administrative, and operational support to the Diversity and Democracy Initiative team.

Responsibilities include:

  • Create social media graphics and other digital communications materials

  • Write, edit, and publish blog posts and other web content

  • Update and maintain the Center for Social Solutions website

  • Assist with completion and design of a case statement document

  • Support development and curation of informational materials that translate research for broader public audiences

  • Maintain electronic files, listservs, and mailing lists for multiple projects

  • Assist with planning, promotion, and staffing of CSS events on campus and in the local community

  • Provide basic research and communications support as needed

  • Perform other related duties as assigned by the Managing Director of Strategic Initiatives

This is a temporary position requiring approximately 10–15 hours per week and allows for a hybrid schedule of remote and in-person work.

 

Educational Value

 

This position provides a graduate student with hands-on professional experience communicating academic research to broader audiences. The student will gain practical experience developing and implementing communications strategies and campaigns, creating content for social media and the web, and translating research and complex ideas into accessible public-facing materials.

The position will also provide opportunities to strengthen skills in web research, analytical and public-facing writing, graphic design, digital content development, event communications, and the strategic use of social media platforms.

Through work with the Center's programs and initiatives, the student will also gain greater familiarity with interdisciplinary research concerning diversity, equity, social and racial justice, and related social policy issues.

 

Job Requirements

Required qualifications:

  • Current University of Michigan graduate student

  • Demonstrated graphic design experience

  • Demonstrated interest and experience in social media and digital content creation

  • Experience maintaining or updating websites

  • Academic background or related experience in humanities, journalism, communications, marketing, arts, or a related area

  • Strong written and verbal communication skills

  • Demonstrated attention to detail

  • Ability to work independently and collaboratively

  • Proactive and resourceful approach to work

  • Proficiency with Microsoft Office and Google Drive

Desired qualifications:

  • Experience with Mailchimp or similar email marketing platforms

  • Familiarity with Adobe Experience Manager (AEM) and/or WordPress

  • Experience with Adobe Creative Cloud

  • Experience with video and/or audio editing

  • Strong writing skills, particularly the ability to communicate academic or complex concepts to non-academic audiences

  • Experience with analytical writing related to current events and research

 

How to Apply

Please email your cover letter and resume as a single document to tinajero@umich.edu. Your cover letter should describe your specific interest in the position and highlight the skills and experiences that directly relate to the role. Applications without a cover letter will not be considered.

Hourly Rate $20.00/hour to $25.00/hour
Hours 10.0 to 15.0 hours per week
Time Frame Fall/Winter/Spring/Summer
Start Date ASAP
End Date At completion of project
Primary Contact Social Sciences
Primary Contact's Email N/A
Supervisor N/A
Work Location Ann Arbor, MI
Phone N/A
Fax N/A