Northern Michigan University s1

NORTHERN MICHIGAN UNIVERSITY GRADUATE STUDENT JOB DESCRIPTION (Two Available for 2014-15 Fall/Winter)

Position Numbers: 005559, 005578, 005560 Title: Communication Graduate Assistant Department: Communications and Marketing

Compensation: $8,898 stipend (rate current as of fall 2013) plus the waiver of tuition (up to 16 hours per academic year, but no more than 10 hours in any one semester), the university comprehensive fee and the Student Activity Fee.

Hours: 20 hours per week from the start of the fall semester through winter semester (late August through early May).

BASIC FUNCTION AND RESPONSIBILITIES: The graduate assistant will help to improve the internal communication process of Northern Michigan University through various communication formats, but primarily as a print and electronic writer. Duties will include writing, editing and proofing print and electronic materials for the Communications office, interviewing NMU managers on university processes and procedures, as well as event management for university projects that require NMU Communications assistance.

PRIMARY PROJECTS OF THESE ASSISTANTSHIPS: The primary focus projects of the graduate assistantships are to keep the departmental websites of the assigned college up to date and compelling from a recruiting standpoint; oversee NMU’s social media communications; assist with writing projects for Northern Horizons, the NMU alumni magazine, and press releases; and to assist with the communications/promotion functions related to new university initiatives, as needed.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED: Supervision is received from the Director of Communications.

SUPERVISION EXERCISED: Some supervision of the department’s student communication team.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:  Bachelor’s degree and accepted into an NMU graduate program, preferably the public administration, English – non-fiction writing, MFA, MBA or training and development programs.  Meets all the NMU graduate assistantship guidelines.  Excellent oral and written communication skills.  Previous experience with Associated Press and other journalistic styles of writing is mandatory. (Must be able to show documentation of past experience.)  Strong computers skills.  The ability to manage deadlines and simultaneous projects.  Ability to work independently and in team setting.

ADDITIONAL DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS:  Experience and/or general understanding of Internet, HTML, digital photography and videography, social media formats, database management and/or sports knowledge are a plus.

ADDITIONAL ASSISTANTSHIP BENEFITS  Holiday and breaks for faculty and staff apply to this position as well.

Contact: Cindy Paavola, Director of Communications, NMU Communications Office, 409 Cohodas Hall, [email protected], 906-227-2720.