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Jobs at University Communications

Staff Positions

Student Positions

Social Media Photo/Video Content Intern

The Social Media Photo/Video Content Intern in University Communications and Marketing is responsible for brainstorming, pitching and creating content that is shared on Michigan State University’s official, institutional social media accounts.

Duties and Responsibilities

The Social Media Photo/Video Content Intern:

  • Assists Social Media group with various tasks, including producing social media content, identifying content inspiration and pitching brand-aligned strategic ideas
  • Creates visual content (video, photo, and/or graphic) that aligns with current social media trends and university strategic goals
  • Can work both independently and with group members to deliver content on deadline(s)
  • Brainstorms, pitches and completes content creation assignments on deadline
  • Identifies and explores new social media trends, features and platforms for institutional use
  • Contributes to social media strategy and content ideation by identifying excellent higher ed visual content
  • Collaborates with Social Media and Visual groups on projects that highlight Michigan State University’s brand and the Spartan student experience

Desired Qualifications

Candidates should be:

  • An undergraduate student at Michigan State University
  • Highly experienced with Adobe Creative Suite
  • Knowledge of video and still photo cameras
  • Experience filming with iPhones
  • Familiar with social media platforms, including Facebook, X, Instagram, YouTube and TikTok
  • Passionate about Michigan State University’s brand and mission
  • Able to work both independently and collaboratively
  • Able to work on and complete multiple tasks and projects at the same time

Required Application Materials

  • Cover Letter
  • Resume
  • Portfolio of work

How to Apply

Please send all required application materials to Anna Kendall, social media manager, at kenda136@msu.edu.

Social Media Photo/Video Content Intern

The Social Media Design Intern for University Communications and Marketing, MSU’s central communications office, will contribute to the visual presence of the university by helping to produce a wide variety of content shared primarily through social media, and occasionally through websites and print projects. The intern will work closely with UCAM’s social media strategists and graphic designers.

Duties and Responsibilities

The Social Media Design Intern: 

  • Collaborates with others in UCAM on project-specific content for Michigan State University’s institutional channels, including Facebook, LinkedIn, X, Instagram and TikTok
  • Assists with various tasks, including trend research, brainstorming and creating original visual content
  • Conceptualizes and creates visuals for social media posts, stories and videos, such as illustrations, photo treatments, quote tiles, fillable templates, pride points, etc.
  • Manages multiple projects with varying timelines and will be expected to complete assignments on deadline
  • Must be aware of and prepared to follow Michigan State University’s brand standards

Desired Qualifications

Candidates should be:

  • An undergraduate student at Michigan State University 
  • Creative, talented, self-driven, detail-oriented and able to work both independently and collaboratively
  • Able and willing to take direction/feedback and work efficiently
  • Highly experienced with using the Adobe Creative Suite with a focus on Illustrator, Photoshop, and InDesign (web design, photo or video skills are a plus)
  • Proficient in using the Microsoft Office suite of programs
  • Comfortable creating work in a variety of design styles and demonstrates a strong understanding of color, typography, information hierarchy and layout
  • Familiar with social media platforms, including Facebook, X, Instagram, YouTube and TikTok
  • Organized, able to manage and complete multiple tasks and projects at the same time within established project deadlines

Required Application Materials

  • Cover Letter
  • Resume
  • Portfolio of work

How to Apply

Please send all required application materials to Anna Kendall at kenda136@msu.edu.

Media and Public Information Intern

University Communications and Marketing (UCAM) is hiring two positions available with concentrations in writing, graphic design, media tracking, and/or social media planning and production. The interns must be available to work between 10 and 15 hours per week as a hybrid, with possible remote option in summer.

The ideal candidate for this position will have a strong interest in learning more about the tools and strategies used by UCAM — the central communications office at Michigan State University. Strong candidates will be able to provide accurate, clear, and compelling public information about MSU’s news, research and administrative activities; to use analytics to examine success and make informed future decisions; and to support the MSU identity by maintaining a high level of quality and consistency across a broad range of multimedia materials.

The candidate will have the opportunity to fully participate in the work of the Public Relations Information group within UCAM, assisting the public relations group with a combination of the following projects: website content management and posting; release sending and tagging through PR database platform (Cision); compiling distribution strategies for sending and pitching news releases; drafting social media posts; and opportunities to undertake writing projects. The hope is this experience will provide the opportunity for a future career in journalism, marketing, publication relations and or communications.

The mix of projects will be dictated by departmental needs and timelines, but every effort will be made to provide candidates with projects and skills of most interest to them. A student's skills and primary interests will be considered when assigning tasks and projects. The goal is for students to have soft and hard skills necessary for a career in communications or public relations. 
As needed, support may be required to perform the same duties for the UCAM Issues or executive communications team. Depending on the candidate’s skill for mastering duties listed above, there may be opportunities to assist with writing content and editorial decisions.

Duties and Responsibilities 

*Multiple positions will share these responsibilities and may involve support from staff as needed.

  • Assist in uploading and updating website content on MSUToday website and expert database spotlight posts 
  • Assist in tagging and reporting out on ongoing news coverage in PR management platform  
  • Upload, format and distribute news releases via PR management and distribution platforms 
  • Create images and caption downloads for media distribution  
  • Create PR strategies and distribute releases via PR management platform  
  • Assist in gathering materials for media lists and outreach, as well as monitoring news  
  • Undertaking research, writing and editing projects as needed  
  • Planning and drafting social media posts for News account, as well as possibly posting content to account 
  • Assist with maintaining PR distribution lists and tracking incoming media requests  
  • Assist with creating weekly media highlights email distribution   

Desired Qualifications 

  • Completed or currently pursuing a BA in English, communications, marketing, public relations or journalism preferred 
  • Keen sensitivity to written and spoken language, including individual and institutional voice   
  • Discretion and tact in dealing with sensitive or confidential information 
  • Ability to meet tight deadlines and adequate communication
  • Attention to detail, intellectual curiosity, collaborative working style, and flexibility involving having one’s work edited  
  • Willingness to learn, ask questions and accept suggestions 
  • Comfort with technology, and conversant in Microsoft Office/Sharepoint programs. Candidates are not required to have previous knowledge of website and content management, but is a pulse with experience such as Sitecore, ExpertFile, Cision, Newswise and EurekAlert

Required Application Materials

  • Cover Letter
  • Resume
  • Written Statement

The Written Statement should be about what you hope to learn from this experience and include examples of any related written communication links if you have them. Your submission can include blogs, social media posts, design, or media work 
If selected for an interview, there will be a task assigned to assess skill level in a particular area. 

How to Apply

Please send all required application materials to Jack Harrison, public relations coordinator, at harr1565@msu.edu.