Strategic Communications Student Associate

Administrator:  Assistant Vice President of Strategic Communications, Creative Services

Experience:  Prior experience not required; experience in social media, photography and marketing preferred

Education Required:  High school diploma and enrolled at MSU

Overtime Status:  Non-exempt; eligible for overtime

Preferred Availability: hours per week

Preferred Start Date:  Jan. 2026 (with availability during the summer months)

MAJOR DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

The Strategic Communications Student Associate at the Montana State University Alumni Foundation ("Alumni Foundation") provides assistance in the execution of social media strategy through the development of original, relevant written and visual content (photos and videos), reposts content of interest to Alumni Foundation constituents, monitors and generates reports for the Alumni Foundation's social channels and executes paid social media advertisements.

The Associate will also produce photographic portraits of subjects featured in print, web, email and social media communications and marketing publications. In addition to producing high-quality images, the associate must use Adobe Photoshop to edit, process, size and archive digital image files. Camera equipment is provided by the Alumni Foundation, as is Photoshop training.

The Associate also assists with website content updates and edits, image manipulation and optimization for the web, using iModules, the Alumni Foundation's communications platform. The Alumni Foundation will provide iModules training for the associate.

The Associate may also be tasked with assisting with content gathering, development, editing, proofing and portrait photography for select publications and projects.

Anticipated distribution of time and effort outlined below. 

• 80%    Social media marketing, content development and publication
• 15%     Portrait photography, editing and archiving
• 5%      Web content management and publication

SPECIFIC DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

1. Understands how to manage, post and share content on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn and Vimeo.
2. Produces interesting and relevant social media content.
3. Produces reports and manages metrics for social media channels.
4. Manages and develops paid social media advertising campaigns.
5. Operates a DSLR (Digital Single Lens Reflex) camera with proficiency.
6. Understands the basics of good lighting and composition for portraiture.
7. Demonstrates intermediate use of Adobe Photoshop and Bridge for image editing, optimization and archiving.
8. Must learn and use iModules for web content management.
9. Basic knowledge of AP writing and editing style. Specific knowledge and familiarity with MSU, its colleges, units and departments.
10. Affect and maintain a professional, proactive, positive, highly collaborative and performance-centric work environment.

Duties and responsibilities may be amended at any time.

SPECIAL SKILLS AND QUALIFICATIONS:

1. Basic to intermediate digital photography skills.
2. Familiarization with social media advertising.
3. High level of personal responsibility.
4. Keen attention to detail and accuracy.
5. Ability to be reliable and accountable.
6. Ability to be flexible in daily responsibilities.
7. Ability to perform repetitive tasks.
8. Exhibits a professional demeanor.
9. Complete respect for confidentiality.
10. Professional telephone manner.
11. Ability to adhere to policies, processes and instructions.
12. Ability to complete tasks without heavy supervision.
13. Knowledge of Microsoft Office 365, email and all popular web browsers.
14. Knowledge of Adobe Photoshop, Bridge and Acrobat.
15. Ability to work as a team player.

The MSU Alumni Foundation is an equal employment opportunity employer who believes that diversity, equity and inclusion allow us to better serve our students and communities and are critical to supporting the mission of Montana State University as a land grant institution.