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Title: Student Worker – Communications Assistant
Employee Classification: Student Help Regular
Division Name: Academic Affairs
Department: Special Education

Job Summary

The Department of Special Education is seeking a creative and detail-oriented graduate student to support internal and external communications by writing news articles and feature stories. This position will spotlight departmental activities, faculty and student accomplishments, events, partnerships, and program innovations.

Key Responsibilities:
• Research, write, and edit engaging news articles, student and faculty spotlights, and feature pieces related to the Department of Special Education
• Conduct interviews with faculty, students, alumni, and partners
• Assist in gathering photos and multimedia content to accompany articles
• Collaborate with department leadership and staff to identify story leads and upcoming events
• Support the maintenance and updates of the department’s website and social media content as needed
• Assist with communications related to newsletters, press releases, and outreach efforts

Learning Outcomes and Benefits:
• Gain hands-on experience in education-focused communications
• Build a professional writing portfolio
• Develop interviewing and storytelling skills
• Contribute to the visibility and impact of a nationally recognized department

Additional Information

Student employees are eligible to participate in the University’s 403(b) Plan.  More information can be found here.

Pay Rate

$15/hour

Required Qualifications

- Current graduate or undergraduate student in communications, English, journalism, or related field
- Strong writing, editing, and communication skills
- Ability to work independently, meet deadlines, and handle multiple tasks
- Interest or experience in storytelling, journalism, or education-related topics
- Familiarity with AP style or web writing best practices a plus
- Experience with social media or basic web editing tools is helpful but not required
- Knowledge of or experience with WordPress or another blogging platform.
- Knowledge of basic graphic design for social media graphics and/or flyers such as Canva

Functional Expectations

Must be able to complete the following with or without reasonable accommodations:

- Effectively communicate on a daily basis.

Proposed Starting Date

August 2025

Required Applicant Documents

Resume & Writing Sample

Please Note: These documents are required to be submitted online in order to complete the application process. Please have these documents ready prior to clicking on "Apply"

Special Instructions for Applicants

Please provide a writing sample of an article, a blog, or a paper written for a higher education-related area, preferably Illinois State University content.

AND/OR

Please provide a sample of a social media post for a higher education-related area, preferably Illinois State University content.

Important Information for Applicants

This position is subject to a criminal background investigation and if applicable, an employment history review, based on University Policy 3.1.30 and any offer of employment is contingent upon you passing a satisfactory criminal background investigation and/or an employment history review. You may not begin work until the criminal background investigation results have been received and cleared by Human Resources.

In addition, all appointments are contingent upon proof of eligibility for employment at Illinois State University to perform the required duties described above on your scheduled start date. The Immigration and Control Act of 1986, Public Law 99-603, requires all new employees to file an I-9 in person and no later than three days from the beginning of employment. This may be accomplished within the department or through Human Resources. A list of the types of documentation you will be expected to provide is available at https://www.uscis.gov/i-9-central/form-i-9-acceptable-documents. Failure to comply with this law will result in cancellation of your appointment.

Illinois State University, as your employer, is required by federal law to ensure proper tax withholding from wages and to ensure that the required reporting of employee wages, withholding, and employment taxes is accurate. For this reason, every employee must have a valid Social Security Number registered with the University at the time of employment and/or as soon after as possible, but no later than 45 days from the start date. Failure to comply with this law may result in cancellation of your appointment.

Illinois State University student employees are restricted to no more than 28 hours per week of on-campus employment for all positions held.

International students are restricted by their visa status to no more than 20 hours per week of on-campus employment when the university is in session but may work more when the university is not in session. International students should contact the Office of International Studies and Programs for guidance if they have questions concerning employment restrictions.

Illinois State University is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran.

If you are an individual with a disability and need a reasonable accommodation under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) or other state or federal law you may request an accommodation by contacting the Office of Equal Opportunity and Access at (309) 438-3383. The Office of Equal Opportunity and Access will hold any confidential information you provide in confidence.

If you are having difficulty accessing the system, please call Human Resources at (309) 438-8311.