Graduate Assistant - Communications and Creative Content

Radford University’s Economic Development & Corporate Education (EDCE) Division is seeking a highly motivated Graduate Assistant to support strategic communications, brand storytelling, and creative content initiatives that advance the division’s economic development, workforce development, and community engagement mission.

About the role

The Graduate Assistant will serve as a communications partner for the division, developing and implementing content strategies that highlight the impact of university-community partnerships, entrepreneurial programming, workforce initiatives, and regional economic development efforts. This position offers graduate students an opportunity to apply advanced communication, marketing, storytelling, and design principles in a professional setting while building a portfolio of strategic communications projects. The successful candidate will demonstrate strong written communication skills, creative and analytical thinking, project management abilities, and the capacity to translate complex initiatives into compelling narratives for diverse audiences. This role requires both independent initiative and collaborative engagement with university partners, community stakeholders, and organizational leadership.

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute integrated communication strategies that promote EDCE programs, initiatives, partnerships, and events.
• Create and manage editorial calendars aligned with organizational goals and strategic priorities.
• Research, write, and edit feature stories, newsletters, website content, impact reports, and promotional materials.
• Translate technical, academic, and economic development concepts into audience-centered communication products.
• Manage and optimize social media platforms through strategic content planning, execution, and evaluation.
• Create high-quality graphics, short-form videos, and multimedia assets that strengthen brand visibility and audience engagement.
• Monitor platform analytics and engagement metrics to evaluate performance and recommend communication improvements.
• Support digital marketing and outreach campaigns designed to expand stakeholder engagement.
• Design professional proposals, presentations, marketing collateral, and digital communication materials using Canva, Adobe Creative Suite, or comparable design platforms.
• Ensure consistency across communications through adherence to Radford University and division branding standards.
• Contribute to the development of visual storytelling approaches that enhance organizational messaging and impact.
• Conduct stakeholder, audience, and communications research to inform content development and outreach strategies.
• Analyze communication effectiveness through data collection, metrics tracking, and performance reporting.
• Provide recommendations for improving messaging, audience reach, and communication outcomes.
• Collaborate with EDCE staff, university partners, and external stakeholders to support communication needs for events, initiatives, and special projects.
• Maintain organized communication assets, content libraries, and marketing resources.
• Assist with special projects that support the division’s strategic objectives and community engagement priorities.

Requirements

• Radford University graduate student, fully admitted in a degree-seeking program.
• In good standing with Radford University.
• Registered for a minimum of 9 credit hours per semester.

Preferred Qualifications

• Graduate student in Communication, Strategic Communication, Marketing, Public Relations, Journalism, English, Business, Leadership, or a related discipline.
• Demonstrated experience in professional writing, content development, digital communications, or storytelling.
• Experience with Canva, Adobe Creative Suite, social media management tools, or similar platforms.
• Understanding of branding, audience engagement, and strategic communications principles.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities, work independently, and exercise sound professional judgment.

Competencies Gained

• Critical Thinking: Analyze and respond to the needs of the division.
• Communication: Clearly and effectively exchange information with ideas, facts, and perspectives with students, faculty, partners, and community members. This includes verbal, written, and non-verbal communication.
• Teamwork: Collaborate with EDCE team members and Radford University faculty and staff.
• Technology: Utilize digital tools and platforms.
• Leadership: Take initiative in managing communication platforms and division outreach.
• Professionalism: Demonstrate reliability, accountability, and ethical behavior in all interactions and tasks.
• Career & Self Development: Continuously seek opportunities to improve skills and knowledge related to the needs of the division.
• Equity & Inclusion: Demonstrate the ability to provide an inclusive environment that respects and represents diverse perspectives and backgrounds.

Schedule

Flexible schedule, 20 hours per week during normal business hours. Some evenings or weekends may be required. Specific work schedule will be determined to accommodate the individual’s schedule.

Pay

Hourly wage of $20 per hour with no benefits.