Graduate Assistant - Communications And Creative Content

Eastern Mennonite University is a private Mennonite liberal arts university in Harrisonburg, Virginia known for academic excellence and affordability with a focus on service, social justice, and global engagement. With more than 2000 students studying at our main campus in Harrisonburg, Virginia; at our Lancaster, Pennsylvania site; and online, EMU offers rigorous academic study at the undergraduate, graduate and seminary level.

EMU encourages students, faculty and staff to live their faith and values through service to others, peacemaking, cross-cultural engagement and sustainability. EMU also offers our employees the opportunity to embrace the educational experience for themselves and their dependents through tuition discounts, a university benefit.

As an Equal Opportunity Employer, EMU is committed to enhancing our community and encourages applications from qualified individuals with varied backgrounds, experiences, and ideas who would deepen the diversity of the University.

Job Title: Graduate Assistant

Department: Athletics

Schedule: Variable, <29 hours/week

Supervisor: Athletics Communication Director

IPEDS Classification: 27

FLSA Classification: Non-exempt

CUPA: Sport specific

Job Summary: The graduate assistant serves as an assistant to the Director of Athletic Communications with photography, graphics design, and digital content and web streaming while completing the requirements for a graduate degree. They must support the philosophy and goals of the Director as well as the mission and vision of the University. This is an hourly position with varied work schedules during the year based on the needs of the program and the Athletics Communication Director.

Duties/Responsibilities:

• Assists with developing and implementing a comprehensive social media strategy and calendar for the university's numerous audiences and communications channels including, but not limited to Facebook, lnstagram, Snapchat, Twitter, and Linkedln.

• Develops and executes measurable and research-based internal and external social media strategies in alignment with the institution's vision, mission, and goals.

• Utilizes a research-based approach to identify key messages, audiences, and tactics.

• Continuously measures and works to improve content performance using social media analytics tools.

• Works closely with the university's marketing professionals to define the institution's brand story and integrate it within social media campaigns and visual assets.

• Develops audio/visual content including but not limited to print materials, social media graphics, web and email graphics, videos, and audio clips.

• Develops and implements strategies to enhance users' and audience members' experience across channels to drive engagement and action.

• Enhance the student-athlete experience by identifying opportunities for publicity of student-athletes, staff, and other institutional constituencies.

• Maintain a professional relationship with all department members, coaches, and players.

• Communicate regularly with and attend all meetings called by the Athletics Communication Director.

• Support decisions made by the Athletics Communication Director.

• Contributes to the overall success of the University by performing all other duties as assigned.

Required Skills/Abilities:

• Ability to develop and implement a comprehensive content strategy and calendar across social media channels.

• Skills in real-time content creation and distribution strategies and tactics.

• Ability to create and manage user-generated content campaigns.

• Knowledge of technology tools and systems including Website Content Management systems; Project Management systems; data analysis and visualization software.

• Proficiency with Facebook Business Suite, Sprout Social, and key social media platforms including but not limited to Facebook, lnstagram, Snapchat,Twitter, and Linkedln.

• Ability to ensure the continuity of voice across all channels while tailoring messaging for specific audiences.

• Knowledge of best practices and trends in social media and design and user experience.

• Knowledge of and capabilities in editing audio and video and developing basic motion graphics.

• Knowledge of the fundamentals of EMU team sports and the rules and regulations associated with student athletes and coaches in EMU's sports.

• Knowledge of the rules and regulations associated with the NCAA Division III and CTCA programs.

• Excellent interpersonal, leadership, and managerial skills.

• Ability to appropriately communicate and collaborate with Athletics Department leaders, athletes, coaches, University marketing team, and media industry professionals.

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.

• Proficient in Google Drive and associated platforms.

Education and Experience:

• Bachelor's degree required.

• Experience in graphic design and development of content for social media channels preferred.

• Admission to an EMU Graduate program required at position effective date.

Physical Requirements:

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to talk or hear. The employee frequently is required to sit and use hands to handle, or feel. The employee is frequently required to stand, walk, and climb or balance, including prolonged periods standing and moving during practices, games, meets, matches, and other competitions. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, peripheral vision, and ability to adjust focus. The employee must occasionally travel to meetings and conferences off campus, which may include some overnight travel.

Supervisory Responsibilities:

Work Study students (when applicable)