Monarch Watch Communications Assistant (Student Position)

Department

KS Biological Survey

Primary Campus

University of Kansas Lawrence Campus

Job Description

• 45% - Review/revise/develop content

• Review/revise and develop new content for various Monarch Watch platforms, including the website, print materials, and social media.

• 45% - Work with the public

• Respond to messages and donations via email, phone, and letters.

• Represent Monarch Watch at events and to visitors.

• 10% - Provide support for other Monarch Watch programs and activities as needed.

Req ID (Ex: 10567BR)

31637BR

Disclaimer

The University of Kansas prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, ethnicity, religion, sex, national origin, age, ancestry, disability, status as a veteran, sexual orientation, marital status, parental status, gender identity, gender expression, and genetic information in the university's programs and activities. Retaliation is also prohibited by university policy. The following person has been designated to handle inquiries regarding the nondiscrimination policies and is the Title IX coordinator for all KU and KUMC campuses: Associate Vice Chancellor for Civil Rights and Title IX, civilrights@ku.edu, Room 1082, Dole Human Development Center, 1000 Sunnyside Avenue, Lawrence, KS 66045, 785-864-6414, 711 TTY.

Work Schedule

10-20 hours per week between 8am and 5pm, with a set weekly schedule. Work shifts are for a minimum of 3 hours. Some weekend/evening hours may be required.

Contact Information to Applicants

Jessica Anderson (jessica.anderson@ku.edu)

Required Qualifications

• Strong written and oral communication skills as demonstrated on application materials.
• Detail oriented with good time management skills as demonstrated on application materials.
• Experience with social media platforms, such as Facebook, X, Instagram, YouTube, etc.
• Experience working independently and collaboratively as a team.

Advertised Salary Range

$15/hr

Preferred Qualifications

• Coursework in journalism, communications, marketing, or related field.
• Coursework in biology or related field.
• Past volunteer, internship, or employment experience that involved writing, developing content, design skills, etc.
• Past volunteer, internship, or employment experience that involved interacting with the public, such as speaking at public events, responding to public inquiries, etc.
• Experience using Microsoft Office Suite, Adobe Creative Suite, Canva, or similar.
• Interest in working with/around insects.

Position Overview

Monarch Watch is an international organization based at the University of Kansas that leads education, conservation, and research programs focused on the monarch butterfly, its habitat, and its spectacular fall migration. The Communications Assistant will support communications efforts for Monarch Watch, including responding to email inquiries, developing content for various communication platforms, representing Monarch Watch at events and to visitors, and assisting with other activities. The Communications Assistant will gain experience with types of science writing, graphic design, and video/photography, as well as with working with Monarch Watch team members, volunteers, and partners.

This position can begin during winter break, with the expectation that it will continue for the spring semester. Start date can be flexible.

Reg/Temp

Temporary

Application Review Begins

18-Nov-2025

Anticipated Start Date

16-Dec-2025

Additional Candidate Instruction

In addition to the online application, the following documents are required to be considered for this position:

• A cover letter addressing how required and preferred qualifications are met.
• Resume.
• Contact information (name, email, phone number) for three professional references.

Application deadline is 11/16/2025 by 11:59PM Central Time.

Position Requirements

During the semester term of the appointment, the student hourly must be enrolled in no fewer than 6 credit hours. For summer periods the student hourly must: (1) have been enrolled in no less than 6 hours in the past spring semester or (2) be pre-enrolled in the upcoming fall semester in no less than 6 hours or (3) be enrolled in summer session or (4) be admitted to study in the upcoming fall semester. Student Hourlies may be undergraduate or graduate students. (Exceptions granted for GRA/GTA/GA appointments DO NOT apply to Student Hourly appointments).

Employment Conditions

(1) Student employees are not eligible for remote work arrangements unless an exception is approved by the unit leadership and HR.

(2) This is an hourly/non-exempt position. A student employee cannot hold an hourly/non-exempt position and a salaried/exempt graduate or undergraduate position (GRA/GTA/GA/RUA/RGA) concurrently.