Graphic Design and Social Media Assistants

NIU's Housing and Residential Services’ marketing and digital media department is looking to expand its team of awesome graphic design and social media assistants. We are looking for individuals who can help us expand our brand, increase audience engagement and share our message with others. They must understand and be supportive of housing’s overall mission and be passionate about sharing the student on-campus living experience.  We will rely on our student assistants when it comes to assistance for print and digital marketing, social media, content creation and photography/videography.

Primary Responsibilities

Your primary responsibility will be to work together with fellow student assistants and to report to the digital and web communications coordinator. Your role will also require you to brainstorm ideas, plan content, assist with social media marketing and campaigns , write post descriptions, create and edit digital and print content, and assist with photo/video shoots as needed. Additionally, assistants will be expected to maintain the organization of the department’s office and of equipment.

Attendance and/or tabling at events is also required at various times throughout the year. Assistants will receive advance notice of their required participation at these events.

Primary Duties

• Design graphics for booklets, posters, digital displays, flyers, video, social media and other mediums.
• Communicate and promote the department and its programs on social media outlets.
• Research and evaluate new and existing promotional strategies.
• Gather social media analytics.
• Assist in monitoring the Facebook and Instagram inbox when necessary.
• Other duties as assigned.

Position Requirements

• Cumulative GPA of 2.5. or higher.
• Must be a student at NIU enrolled for at least six credit hours.
• Must be able to work on-campus in our office when required and remotely when approved.
• Understand and be supportive of NIU Housing's mission.
• Must be in good standing with the Student Conduct Office.
• Must successfully pass an Illinois state security background check.
• Available to work throughout the year, including when needed, semester breaks.
• Arrive promptly for scheduled shifts and complete all assigned responsibilities.
• Attend and participate in training sessions and team meetings.

Required Skills

• Actively seek out and propose creative new story ideas.
• Stay informed about trending topics at NIU and NIU Housing.
• Show enthusiasm for NIU and ability to promote the benefits of living on campus in university housing.
• Stay informed about the trending topics in social media.
• Set high standards for yourself and others, meet deadlines, and over-deliver.
• Strong teamwork skills.
• Willingness to try new things and problem-solve to resolve any issues that arise.
• Ability to work independently, self-manage and have excellent time management skills.
• Strong communication, writing and organization skills.
• Proofread and edit your own and other's work.
• Flexibility and adaptability to work in a fast-paced work environment.
• Have a high sense of urgency for meeting deadlines and taking on new projects.
• Be an excellent communicator with an appreciation for constructive criticism.
• Willing to assist on projects and provide fresh and new ideas.
• Ability to juggle several projects with varying timelines.
• Ability to lift and carry up to 20lbs.

Qualifications Requested

• Portfolio containing projects or examples that demonstrate strong creative skills.
• Experience in Adobe Creative Cloud apps (InDesign, Illustrator, Photoshop, etc.)
• Experience and knowledge in various social media platforms and editing applications.
• Must be able to work a camera to take photos and videos.
• Must have the ability and experience in editing photos and videos.
• Experience in designing graphics for web and social media.
• Examples of writing skills.

Schedule and Pay

• This is a year-round position, with the opportunity to work throughout summer and academic year.
• Available to work a minimum 10-hour commitment per week.
• You must be open/available to schedule flexibility; in case you are needed to highlight, participate and/or attend evening events.
• Graphic Design and Social Media Student Assistants are paid $15.50 per hour.

Skill and Career Development

Students working in this position will gain valuable experiences and develop skills that can be transferred to their individual career paths.