Communications Assistant (Student)

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This position is available only to enrolled American University students.

Most student positions at American University are eligible to use Federal Work Study (FWS) awards, with a few exceptions. FWS funds cannot be applied to janitorial, construction, partisan or sectarian positions. For information or questions regarding FWS funds, please contact American University's Office of Financial Aid.

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Department:

School of Public Affairs

Time Type:

Part time

FLSA Status:

Non-Exempt

Job Description:

Summary:

The Communications Assistant will support the development and execution of PERIL's communications plan. Working collaboratively with faculty and staff, this role will help enhance and expand the impact of PERIL's research and educational initiatives.

The Communications Assistant will contribute to the writing, creation, and development of content across a range of communications channels, including social media, the website, email campaigns, annual reports, infographics, and media relations.

The incumbent will operate within the guidelines of American University's branding and communications standards, including digital, social media, and editorial policies.

Additionally, the Communications Assistant will assess and monitor the effectiveness of PERIL's communications efforts, evaluating quality, reach, and impact across platforms such as the website, e-newsletters, social media, and webinars.

Essential Functions:

1.) Social Media and Emails

• Support PERIL's social media presence by promoting events, news announcements, and related content; identify opportunities to expand PERIL's presence on emerging platforms.

• Manage and maintain listserv email distributions, including adding and removing users, owners, and moderators; administer list settings and create new lists as needed.

2.) Publications and Press Materials

• Support the design, development, and distribution of monthly or quarterly e-newsletters.

• Coordinate with internal stakeholders to gather content, track submissions, and organize materials for timely publication.

• Share and distribute finalized content with relevant team members and audiences as needed.

3.) Events

• Develop and design marketing materials for PERIL events, including seminars, workshops, conferences, and special programs.

• Promote events and share event highlights, including photos and key moments, across social media channels.

4.) Other Duties

• Other duties as assigned by the supervisor on other project work as needed.

Position Type/Expected Hours of Work:

• Part-time.

• 15 hours per week.

Salary Range:

• $18.40 per hour.

Required Education and Experience:

• High school diploma or equivalent.

• Current American University student in good academic standing.

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.

• Strong organizational and time management abilities.

• Professional demeanor with a customer-service mindset.

• Ability to work independently and handle confidential information appropriately.

Preferred Education and Experience:

• Associate's degree or equivalent.

• 1-3 years of relevant experience.

• Preferably in communications, graphics, writing or editing duties in an office setting. Social media experience. Airtable, Microsoft Office 365, and willing to learn new software and tools.

Additional Eligibility Qualifications:

• Position duration is 6/01/2026 through 08/15/2026.

• Continuation of the position past 8/15/2026 is contingent upon external funding and academic standing.

• Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change at any time with or without notice.

Other Details

• This position is available only to enrolled American University students.

• Please note this job announcement is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.

• American University is an E-Verify employer.

• Visit https://www.american.edu/hr/ for additional information about American University employment and benefits.

Current American University Employees

American University current employees (including those employed in student positions) must apply through their employee Workday account. If you are a current employee at American University, please log into Workday and select the Find Jobs report which will take you to our internal career listings.

Contact Us

For more information or assistance with the American University careers site, email theworkline@american.edu.

American University is an equal opportunity, affirmative action institution that operates in compliance with applicable laws and regulations. The university does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, sex (including pregnancy), age, sexual orientation, disability, marital status, personal appearance, gender identity and expression, family responsibilities, political affiliation, source of income, veteran status, an individual's genetic information or any other bases under federal or local laws (collectively "Protected Bases") in its programs and activities.