Request/Posting Number 0711191
Classification Title GA - Pre-Professional
Working Title Communications Specialist (Fall 2018-Summer 2019) - Illinois Art Station
Job Class # 900080
Type of Position Graduate Assistant
Percent Appointment: 1-100 (For Student Employment and Graduate Assistant Only; state hours per week) .15 FTE - .50 FTE
Representation:
Department Dean of Arts & Sciences - 04100000
Job Category Graduate Assistant
General Summary Illinois Art Station is a new initiative that will provide Illinois State University students and faculty with innovative opportunities to pursue learning and scholarship in the visual arts. Illinois Art Station is committed to fostering creative practice, impactful education, and transformative experiences in the visual arts. In addition, Illinois Art Station will provide educational and self-expressive visual arts experiences to at-risk populations, children, youth, and their families in the community, taught and guided by art educators and professional artists.

Under administrative direction from the Director, uses advanced skills gained through training and experience to address Illinois Art Station 's image, making it more relevant and visible, building public interest and support, and attracting new and diverse audiences. Writes, edits and assists in the production and design of informational and promotional materials. Helps to build Illinois Art Station 's brand and continually promotes the mission through preparation and distribution of print and electronic materials, news releases, photographs, video and audio recordings to media, external stakeholders, and the general public. Utilizes knowledge of the communities that Illinois Art Station serves and other interest groups through various publicity efforts.

Essential Duties:
1.Serve as a spokesperson for Illinois Art Station in the event senior staff are unavailable.
2.Serves as point of contact for all media interactions.
3.Write, edit, review and assure appropriate distribution of communications and marketing materials that have a public and university-wide impact, including news releases, articles and marketing communications materials, both print and digital.
4.Develop and refine core messaging and compelling narratives to improve the effectiveness of Illinois Art Station.
5.Develop and execute marketing campaigns that support Illinois Art Station 's strategies and tactics through the use of direct mail, print, online advertising, email, social media, and live events.
6.Manage multiple projects by developing project schedules, coordinating with core team, charting milestones, and tracking the success to optimize future campaigns.
7.Identify and cultivate new audiences, new media relationships, new outlets and new strategies to support Illinois Art Station.
8.Proactively engage, cultivate and manage media relationships and maintain media contact list.
9.Support senior staff with the drafting of speeches, presentations, articles, and other strategic communications.
10.Develop and facilitate media trainings for identified staff.
11.Facilitate and manage relationships with key journalists, community organizations, and other stakeholders.
12.Plan and execute all communication activities prior to, at, and following various events including fundraisers and other formal events.
13.Supervise distribution of select printed materials including direct mail, exhibit cards, and program materials.
14.Manage maintenance of clip files, photo archives, and other publication archives.
15.Operate standard office equipment and uses required software applications.
16.Preform other duties and responsibilities as assigned.
Additional Information: Illinois Art Station is looking for a creative and collaborative Communications Specialist with experience in a variety of writing and communications tasks from media relations and news articles, to website content and social media posts, to marketing communications materials. The ideal candidate would be comfortable producing communications for internal and external audiences and must be versed in print, digital and visual media. The Communications Specialist is part of a team responsible for branding and positioning Illinois Art Station, establish visibility, and audience development is support of Illinois Art Station 's mission, vision, and values.
Required Qualifications 1. Eligible for appointment as per the requirements in the Graduate Assistant Handbook which can be found at http://hr.illinoisstate.edu/downloads/GA_Handbook.pdf
2. If this position is Security Sensitive or if you are subject to a criminal background investigation based on University policy, employment is contingent upon you passing a satisfactory criminal background investigation. You may not begin work until the criminal background investigation results have been received and cleared by Human Resources.
3. Must be a degree seeking graduate student in Communications at Illinois State University.
Desired Qualifications: 1.Basic understanding of using different writing styles (AP, MLA, and APA) for different materials and/or audiences
2.Knowledge of how to write/edit for print versus the web and social media
3.Ability to edit for grammar, clarity, organization, style and consistency.
4.Demonstrated expertise in writing and editing for print and electronic media.
5.Strong interpersonal and communication skills, and the ability to work effectively with a wide range of constituencies in a diverse community.
6.Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing
7.Knowledge of journalism, public relations and marketing principles and practices.
8.Knowledge of, and experience in, social media as a communications and marketing vehicle.
9.Skill in organizing resources and establishing priorities.
10.Ability to use independent judgment and initiative to gather, manage and impart information to the media and various other internal and external audiences.
11.Advanced ability to create and edit engaging written content for various print and digital media.
12.Organizing and coordinating skills.
13.Ability to work in and foster a cooperative work environment.
14.Ability to work both independently and as part of a team.
15. Knowledge of the Informational Technology Accessibility Act
Necessary Licenses/Certifications/Degrees
Hiring Rate/Range
Stipend: Per offer letter
Work Hours flexible, 6-20 hours within an 8am-4:30pm Monday-Friday work schedule.
Proposed Starting Date:
Posting date 09-27-2018
Closing date Open Until Filled
Special Instructions to Applicants You must be eligible for employment in the United States and at Illinois State University and/or for the number of hours required for the position.

If you are an international student the rules/laws for your visa status may place limits on your employment eligibility. Students are responsible for knowing and following all applicable visa status rules/laws. If you are not certain whether your visa status allows you to accept an assistantship or additional work hours, contact the Office of International Studies and Programs immediately for clarification. The University cannot grant exceptions to visa status rules/laws.

Illinois State University, as your employer, is required by federal law to ensure proper tax withholding from wages and to ensure that the required reporting of employee wages, withholding, and employment taxes is accurate. For this reason, every employee must have a valid Social Security Number registered with the University at the time of employment and/or as soon after as possible, but no later than 45 days from the start date. Failure to comply with this law may result in cancellation of your appointment.

Illinois State University Graduate Assistants are restricted to no more than 28 hours per week of on-campus employment for all positions held.

Illinois State University is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer

If you are an individual with a disability and need a reasonable accommodation under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) or other state or federal law you may request an accommodation by contacting the Office of Equal Opportunity and Access at 309-438-3383.
Contact Information Isra El-beshir
imelbes@ilstu.edu
309-438-0862
Departmental Homepage
Required Applicant Documents PLEASE NOTE: These documents are required to be submitted online in order to complete the application process. Please have these documents ready prior to clicking on "Apply For This Posting". Resume/C.V.
Cover Letter
Reference List
Writing Sample
Work Availability
Optional Applicant Documents
Civil Service Test Not Applicable
Physical Requirements:
Quicklink www.jobs.ilstu.edu/applicants/Central?quickFind=75998