Strategic Communications Student Assistant

This is a student employment position. Applicants must be currently enrolled at Highlands College to be eligible.

Summary of Responsibilities:

The Strategic Communications Assistant provides flexible, part-time support across the Strategic Communications team based on current departmental priorities and needs. This temporary student role supports communication projects, administrative coordination, content preparation, research, and events while helping the team deliver accurate, organized, and timely communications. The position is designed as a professional development opportunity for a current Highlands College student to gain practical exposure to multiple areas of strategic communications while contributing to the mission and work of Highlands College.

Specific Duties and Responsibilities:

Team and Project Support

• Supports Strategic Communications teammates by completing assigned project tasks, organizing materials, gathering information, and helping maintain project momentum and deadlines.
• Provides flexible support across departmental priorities rather than serving one specific communications function, shifting between assignments as needs change.
• Assists with project coordination by tracking assigned action items, preparing materials, organizing files, and communicating routine status updates to the appropriate teammate.
• Conducts basic research and information gathering to support communications projects, campaigns, events, and departmental planning.

Communications and Content Support

• Supports the preparation and distribution of communications by proofreading, formatting, organizing, and updating approved content and materials.
• Drafts limited, basic communications or content when assigned, with direction and review from a Strategic Communications teammate.
• Gathers stories, information, documents, and other source materials from internal teams to support communications needs.
• Maintains organized communication files, records, contact information, mailing lists, and other departmental resources as assigned.

Administrative and Operational Support

• Provides administrative support to the Strategic Communications team by preparing documents, assembling materials, organizing files, updating records, and completing other coordination tasks that improve team efficiency.
• Assists with the preparation of presentations, packets, signage, mailings, and other communication materials as needed.
• Supports routine coordination with Highlands College departments and external vendors by gathering information, communicating approved details, and helping ensure materials are prepared on time.
• Uses College systems and Microsoft Office tools to complete assigned tasks accurately and maintain organized departmental information.

Event Support

• Supports Highlands College events by preparing communication materials, signage, guest or participant resources, and other assigned items before events.
• Provides on-site event support as needed, including material distribution, guest-facing assistance, setup related to communications needs, and other assigned responsibilities.
• Maintains flexibility for occasional event or deadline needs outside the student’s regular work schedule while remaining within approved part-time hours.

Professional Development and Student Employment

• Participates in a developmental work experience that provides exposure to multiple areas of professional communications, including internal communications, external communications, editorial support, event communications, and departmental operations.
• Receives direction, feedback, and coaching from Strategic Communications teammates and applies feedback to strengthen professional skills and work quality.
• Maintains a work schedule of no more than 29 hours per week, coordinated around the student’s Highlands College class schedule and departmental needs.

Other Duties:

• Affirm and uphold the Statement of Faith and the Core Values and DNA of the College, exemplifying all by word and lifestyle.
• Protect confidential and sensitive information encountered through departmental work and exercise appropriate discretion in all communications and interactions.
• Perform other related part-time support duties as assigned based on current Strategic Communications priorities.

Qualifications

Personal Characteristics:

• Dependable and consistent in attendance, communication, and follow-through.
• Demonstrates a positive attitude and a genuine willingness to support others.
• Receptive to feedback, coaching, and opportunities for professional growth.
• Adaptable and willing to shift between different assignments as team priorities change.
• Acts with integrity, discretion, and professionalism.
• Self-motivated and takes appropriate initiative while recognizing when to ask questions or seek direction.

Essential Traits:

• Dependable
• Detail-oriented
• Organized
• Adaptable
• Collaborative
• Professional
• Service-minded
• Teachable
• Initiative

Abilities & Skills:

• Strong organizational and time-management skills with the ability to balance work responsibilities with academic commitments.
• Ability to follow instructions, manage assigned tasks, meet deadlines, and communicate proactively when clarification or support is needed.
• Strong attention to detail and accuracy when proofreading, formatting, organizing, or distributing communications materials.
• Clear written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills.
• Ability to work collaboratively with teammates across the Strategic Communications department and other areas of Highlands College.
• Ability to handle confidential or sensitive information with discretion and sound judgment.
• Basic computer literacy and ability to use Microsoft Office Suite and learn College systems required for assigned responsibilities.

Knowledge:

• Basic understanding of written communication, grammar, spelling, and professional communication practices.
• Basic understanding of organization, file management, and administrative processes.
• Familiarity with Microsoft Office Suite; experience with customer relationship management systems or email communication platforms is preferred but not required.

Education:

• Must be a currently enrolled Highlands College student and remain in good academic and institutional standing throughout employment.

Experience:

• Previous experience in communications, marketing, public relations, journalism, administrative support, event support, or a related area is preferred but not required.
• Previous experience with Microsoft Office Suite, customer relationship management systems, or email communication platforms is preferred but not required.

Extent of Public Contact:

• Minimal

Physical Demands:

• Ability to perform routine office and event-support responsibilities, including extended periods of sitting or standing and occasional movement of lightweight communication or event materials.

Direct Reports:

• This position is not a team lead for any Highlands College teammates.