Student Associate - Communications

University of Texas at Austin

3d•Hybrid

About The Position

The Student Communications Assistant supports the Department of Ophthalmology’s internal and external communications initiatives. The role focuses on departmental social media, the quarterly Mailchimp newsletter, website content development and updates, and identifying and developing stories about faculty, trainees, staff, research, education, clinical programs, and community engagement. The position may also support other digital communications and website-related projects as needed. This role assists with communications for departmental events and programs, maintains communications materials and records, and follows departmental review and approval processes before content is published. Hybrid work may be available based on departmental needs, and attendance at selected on-campus events may be required. Occasional evening or event work may be requested with advance notice. The position is expected to continue through May 31, 2027.

Requirements

Current enrollment as a University of Texas at Austin student and eligibility for student employment.
Coursework or experience in communications, journalism, public relations, marketing, English, digital media, graphic design, or a related field.
Strong written and verbal communication skills and strong storytelling skills.
Experience creating content for social media, websites, newsletters, student organizations, or other digital platforms.
Understanding of social media platforms, audience engagement strategies, and best practices for growing reach, visibility, and follower engagement.
Attention to detail, sound judgment, and ability to manage multiple assignments and deadlines.
Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a professional environment.
Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications.
Ability to handle information appropriately and follow departmental review and approval processes before content is published.

Nice To Haves

Experience identifying and developing stories, interviewing individuals, and translating complex information into clear, accessible content.
Familiarity with Mailchimp, Canva, website content management systems, or similar content creation and digital marketing tools.
Photography, videography, and basic video editing experience.
Interest in health care, academic medicine, education, research, and community engagement.
Experience managing social media accounts for a student organization, academic program, nonprofit, or business.
Success growing audience engagement or expanding the reach of digital content.
Experience maintaining website content through a content management system.
Familiarity with social media analytics and graphic design.
Experience promoting events and initiatives through digital communication channels.
Highly organized, creative, and self-motivated, with the ability to manage multiple projects and meet established deadlines.

Responsibilities

Identify story opportunities and gather information from faculty, residents, fellows, staff, students, and departmental partners.
Draft concise, engaging stories, profiles, announcements, and captions that reflect the department’s mission and accomplishments.
Support planning, content collection, editing, layout, testing, and distribution of the quarterly newsletter using Mailchimp.
Maintain an editorial calendar and track newsletter submissions, approvals, and deadlines.
Develop and schedule social media content, adapt stories for different channels, collect appropriate photos and content, and help maintain a consistent professional voice and visual identity.
Assist with communications for lectures, educational programs, research activities, recruitment, recognition, and departmental events.
Capture or organize photos and short-form multimedia content when appropriate.
Maintain organized communication files, image libraries, content calendars, and basic engagement records.
Proofread materials, verify names and details, follow departmental review and approval processes, and perform other related duties as assigned.