Branding & Communications Student Assistant

Posted: July 20, 2023

The University of Alabama Center for Economic Development (UACED) is looking to hire a student for Fall 2023 to assist with branding and communications for projects that directly impact communities in the State of Alabama. Students should expect to work 10-20 hours a week, depending on class schedules. Ideal candidates have a graduation date of May 2025 – May 2026. Candidates must be enrolled as a student at The University of Alabama for Spring and Fall 2023.

About UACED

The University of Alabama Center for Economic Development (UACED) serves as an economic outreach that works to help local communities and the State of Alabama succeed. The center takes an asset-based planning approach to help communities and organizations respond to challenges and capitalize on a variety of economic development opportunities for growth. ​Learn more about our work at uaced.ua.edu.

About the Position

UACED employs students from UA to provide technical assistance on projects and support for UACED staff. Branding and communications students are an important role within UACED and are tasked with important and relevant work to the center. The students are hired typically from majors such as graphic design, public relations, communications, or marketing, but applications are accepted for anyone interested in our work. An interest in design, writing, research, strategic planning, and community development is ideal for working with the Center. Students will learn quickly how the work they do can directly impact the State of Alabama and its entities. It is preferred if students have:

• Ability to work directly with UACED staff to complete branding/design and communications on a project basis. Typical projects are related to health care, tourism, education, outdoor recreation, leadership, and community development.
• Working knowledge of Adobe Creative Cloud (InDesign, Illustrator, Photoshop). Students need not be experts in the software, but design is a large part of the position and basic knowledge of how to work the program is crucial.
• Creative thinking to develop and design layouts for digital and printed collateral (toolkits, rack cards, flyers, signs, booklets, social media graphics, newsletters, etc.).
• Familiarity with AP style, as well as strong writing and editing skills. Students will be tasked with editing staff’s documents and will have the opportunity to write copy for projects.
• Secondary research skills to identify and communicate with target audiences.
• Ability to adjust messaging and style for various target audiences.
• Knowledge of social media to assist with content development (Instagram, Facebook, TikTok) and social trend monitoring to help curate our social feeds.
• Ability to balance multiple projects and meet deadlines.

Experience gained at UACED

• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and Adobe Creative Cloud
• Design skills
• Copywriting and editing skills
• Research skills
• Time management
• Professional communication skills
• Broader knowledge of the State of Alabama

Please contact Sally Brown at sally.brown@ua.edu or by phone at 205-348-8344 if interested in this position. Please include a resume, design sample, and writing sample.