The Institute for Advanced Study (IAS) seeks a Communications Assistant to support our storytelling, design, and outreach efforts. This position offers valuable, hands-on learning experience for a student seeking experience writing and creating for a purpose.
As part of the IAS communications team, you will help promote opportunities to participate in IAS programs and write compelling stories about our participants and awardees. This includes supporting IAS social media, event publicity, producing web content, interviewing IAS affiliates, and more. We are also interested in the skills you want to develop; we are a supportive team and want to see you grow. In addition to the duties of this position, there are always more opportunities available.
The IAS hosts several interdisciplinary programs for faculty and graduate students, as well as public events. In all its work, the IAS is focused on advocating for racial and social justice, strengthening community engagement, expanding international partnerships, and creating pathways for institutional transformation. In 2025–26, the IAS will celebrate its 20th Anniversary and will launch an ambitious fundraising campaign. The communications assistant will have the opportunity to contribute to this exciting work!
Important: Position is open until filled.
Position Details
- Percent: 25% appointment (10 hours per week)
- Start Date: Immediately this summer and through the end of Spring Semester 2026, with possibility for renewal
- The Communications Assistant will report to and work closely with the IAS Communications Manager, Abby Travis
Duties Include
Social media
- Design, write, and create posts for the IAS and Open Rivers Instagram, Facebook, and LinkedIn accounts
- Support social media efforts in order to better connect with audiences
Content creation and design
- Interview IAS Affiliates and other friends of the IAS to help develop feature stories that will appear on the IAS website (written and video formats)
- Source and edit visuals to pair with content
- Prepare scripts, slides, keyword lists, and accessible copy for captioners and/or ASL interpreters as needed for public events
Promotion
- Develop and create promotional materials that advertise IAS events and programs, including flyers and graphics
- Promote IAS events and programs by distributing flyers, maintaining calendar listings, and circulating information
Other
- Participate in team meetings and engage with IAS staff and community
- Routine information management — example: update relevant documents, audience lists, online calendars
- Other duties and projects as assigned
Working Conditions
Ten hours/week. Flexible hours with the majority between 8:30–5:00 p.m. Monday–Friday; block scheduling preferred. Hybrid or remote, with option to work in the IAS offices in Northrop on the West Bank / Twin Cities campus.
IAS offices and meeting spaces are accessible and the building has both accessible gendered and private gender-inclusive restrooms throughout.
Required Qualifications
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills
- Experience with Google Suites
- Knowledge of Canva and/or Adobe InDesign and Photoshop
- Ability to work under time sensitive deadlines
- Must have strong self-editing/proofreading skills
- Demonstrated ability to work independently with minimal supervision
- Be supportive of the priorities and mission of the Institute for Advanced Study
- To be eligible for this position you must be an undergraduate student at the University of Minnesota enrolled in the minimum number of credits required to be eligible for student employment.
Qualifications Preferred
- Demonstrated experience with Canva and/or Adobe InDesign and Photoshop
- Demonstrated experience with video interviewing and production, and/or editing (iMovie, Adobe Premiere, Davinci, or similar)
- Minimum of 1 year’s experience
- Work Study eligible
About the Department
The Institute for Advanced Study is a systemwide unit of the Office of the Executive Vice President and Provost at the University of Minnesota. We invest in people and incubate projects, build interdisciplinary networks across the University and beyond, advance critical conversations, and are committed to building a just University together. ias.umn.edu
Pay and Benefits
Pay Range: $18.00; depending on education/qualifications/experience
Please visit the Office of Student Health Benefits website for more information regarding benefit eligibility.
Student workers are eligible to participate in the Student Health Benefit Plan, if they maintain 6 or more eligible course credits within a given semester. The same applies for Undergraduate Students, Graduate Assistants, Residents, Fellows and Interns.
How To Apply
Student positions are a form of financial support while pursuing an education at the University of Minnesota.
To apply, please email a resume and cover letter to Abby Travis ([email protected]) with the subject line Communications Assistant Application [Your Name]. Important: Position is open until filled.
Applications may also be submitted online via the UMN Careers Portal. Search Job ID 367901.
Diversity
The University recognizes and values the importance of diversity and inclusion in enriching the employment experience of its employees and in supporting the academic mission. The University is committed to attracting and retaining employees with varying identities and backgrounds.
The University of Minnesota provides equal access to and opportunity in its programs, facilities, and employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, gender, age, marital status, disability, public assistance status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression. Learn more about diversity at the U.
Employment Requirements
Any offer of employment is contingent upon the successful completion of a background check. Our presumption is that prospective employees are eligible to work here. Criminal convictions do not automatically disqualify finalists from employment.