The University at Buffalo Graduate School of Education’s Marketing and Communications team is seeking TWO creative and collaborative Federal Work-Study students to support digital communications initiatives, with a primary focus on social media content creation.
Working closely with GSE’s social media team and director of content, the students will help capture and create engaging videos, photos and graphics that showcase the UB student experience as well as GSE’s academic programs, events, research and community. They will also contribute ideas inspired by social media trends and help bring those ideas to life with guidance from the Marketing and Communications team.
The students will work scheduled shifts during regular business hours. When possible, their schedules will include opportunities to work together on content and larger projects.
Primary responsibilities:
- Capture and edit short-form videos, photos and other visual content for GSE’s social media platforms
- Design social media graphics, carousels and other digital content using Canva or similar tools
- Brainstorm and pitch creative ideas for reels, videos, student-focused features, polls and other social media content
- Collaborate with GSE’s social media team and director of content to develop and execute approved content ideas
- Attend select GSE events and activities during scheduled work shifts to capture social media content
- Help identify students, locations, programs and campus experiences that could be featured on GSE’s social media channels
- Follow social media trends and review other higher education accounts for ideas and inspiration that could be adapted for GSE
- Write and edit occasional mini articles, student profiles, event recaps or other short features for Learn magazine in collaboration with the Marketing and Communications team
- Follow UB brand standards and accessibility best practices when creating content
- Complete other duties as assigned based on the needs of the Marketing and Communications team
Required qualifications:
- Must have a Federal Work-Study award for the current academic year
- Must be available to work scheduled shifts between 8:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday
- Working knowledge of major social media platforms, particularly Instagram and TikTok
- Strong written and verbal communication skills
- Interest in photography, video production, graphic design or digital storytelling
- Ability to work collaboratively, accept feedback and contribute creative ideas
- Strong attention to detail and commitment to accuracy
- Enthusiasm for being a UB student and sharing authentic stories about the UB student experience
- Responsible, dependable and able to meet deadlines
Preferred qualifications:
- Experience creating social media videos, graphics or other digital content
- Basic experience with Canva, Adobe Creative Suite or similar tools
- Experience taking photos or recording and editing short-form video
- Interest in higher education, marketing, journalism, communications or digital media
- Familiarity with current social media trends and content styles
- Comfort working both independently and as part of a creative team
Learning outcomes:
By the end of the appointment, students will:
- Gain hands-on experience creating social media content for a professional higher education audience
- Strengthen photography, video editing, graphic design, writing and digital storytelling skills
- Learn how social media ideas move from brainstorming through production and publication
- Develop an understanding of brand standards, accessibility and audience-focused communication
- Build transferable collaboration, communication and project management skills
- Create work that may be included in a professional portfolio
Hours:
Hours are flexible based on the students’ class schedules, departmental needs and the limitations of their Federal Work-Study funding. All scheduled shifts will take place during regular business hours, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday. Students will work on South Campus.
