Social Media and Events Assistant

Position Type: Work-Study Student Employee

Hours: 5–15 hours per week, depending on availability and workload. Some weekday evenings required.

About the role

The Dedman College Interdisciplinary Institute (DCII) is seeking a creative, organized, and enthusiastic student to support our social media, digital communications, and events. This position is ideal for a student who enjoys creating engaging content, has an eye for design, and is interested in learning how communications and event promotion can bring people together.

Responsibilities

• Help manage DCII's social media presence using Meta Business Suite and LinkedIn.
• Develop and schedule engaging social media content, including posts, stories, event promotions, and announcements.
• Create content that highlights DCII programs, research, faculty, students, funding opportunities, and interdisciplinary initiatives.
• Monitor social media engagement and help identify opportunities to increase reach and interaction.
• Maintain a consistent visual identity and voice across platforms.
• Help develop a social media calendar and organize upcoming content.
• Design engaging graphics for social media, newsletters, events, presentations, and other promotional materials.
• Use graphic design tools such as Canva, Adobe Creative Suite, or similar platforms.
• Adapt graphics and messaging for different audiences and platforms.
• Help create visually compelling materials that communicate complex academic and research topics in accessible ways.
• Assist with promoting DCII lectures, programs, workshops, and other events.
• Contribute creative ideas for making events more engaging and memorable for attendees.
• Help develop event-related promotional materials, signage, social media content, and other communications.
• Assist with event logistics and setup as needed.
• Capture photos, video, or other content at events for use in future communications.
• Help identify creative ways to build community and encourage participation in DCII programs.

Requirements

• Current SMU student eligible for Federal Work-Study.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Interest in social media, digital communications, marketing, design, events, or related fields.
• Comfortable learning and using social media management platforms.
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Ability to work independently and meet deadlines.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience managing social media accounts, particularly Meta Business Suite and LinkedIn.
• Experience with Canva, Adobe Creative Suite, or other graphic design software.
• Experience creating social media graphics, promotional materials, or digital content.
• Experience planning, promoting, or working at events.
• A creative mindset and interest in developing memorable, engaging experiences.
• Photography, videography, or basic video-editing experience.
• Interest in higher education, research, interdisciplinary work, or community engagement.

What You'll Gain

• Hands-on experience in social media strategy and management
• Digital marketing and communications
• Graphic design and visual storytelling
• Event promotion and engagement
• Content creation
• Professional communications
• Working within a university communications environment
• Building a portfolio of real-world creative work

Ideal Candidate

We are looking for someone who is creative, curious, dependable, and willing to take initiative. The ideal candidate doesn't just know how to make a social media post—they understand how to make people want to stop, look, engage, and participate.