Graduate Assistant Marketing

Graduate Assistant: Marketing, Outreach, and Event Programming

Department: VCU TRIO Student Support Services (SSS)

Position Type: Graduate Assistantship (GA)

Hours: 20 hours per week

Reports To: TRIO SSS Advisor Je’Nae Hill

Position Overview

The VCU TRIO Student Support Services (SSS) office is dedicated to increasing the graduation and retention rates of first-generation, low-income college students, and students with disabilities.

The Graduate Assistant (GA) for Marketing and Outreach will play a vital role in elevating the presence of TRIO SSS across Virginia Commonwealth University. This position focuses on driving student engagement, managing digital communications, and planning impact-driven programming. It is an ideal role for a graduate student looking to gain hands-on experience in digital marketing,event planning, recruitment and community building.

Key Responsibilities

1. Social Media Management

• Strategy & Planning: Develop and execute an active social media content calendar (Instagram, Linktree, etc.) that aligns with TRIO’s brand, mission, and student timeline.
• Engagement & Growth: Actively engage with the student body, reply to direct messages and comments, and track metrics to continuously improve online engagement.
• Multimedia Production: Capture high-quality photos and short-form video content (such as Instagram Reels) highlighting TRIO events, student spotlights, and office culture.

2. Content Creation & Digital Communication

• Design: Design eye-catching digital and print materials (flyers, brochures, newsletters, and presentation decks) using tools like Canva or Adobe Creative Suite.
• Strategic Communication: Curate and write monthly or bi-weekly newsletters to keep current TRIO participants informed about upcoming deadlines, workshops, resources, and community events. Manage Ramsconnect for all events/activities and appropriate communications supported by the platform.
• Website Support: Assist in keeping the VCU TRIO website up to date with fresh content, active program links, and success stories.

3. Event Programming & Campus Outreach

• Event Coordination: Brainstorm, plan, and execute educational, cultural, and social events (e.g., orientation sessions, workshops, peer mentoring socials, and community service projects).
• On-Campus Outreach: Deliver classroom presentations and represent TRIO SSS at campus-wide resource fairs, orientation sessions, and student life events to recruit eligible students.

4. Administrative & General Support

• Represent the TRIO SSS office with a warm, welcoming, and inclusive attitude.
• Assist with collecting student feedback and evaluating event attendance metrics.
• Other duties as assigned by the supervisor.

Qualifications

Required:

• Must be currently enrolled in a VCU graduate program (Master's or Ph.D.) and maintain good academic standing.
• Excellent written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills.
• Demonstrated proficiency with major social media platforms (Instagram) and basic design tools (such as Canva or Adobe Suite).
• Strong organizational skills and the ability to manage multiple projects independently.
• A strong commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion, with sensitivity to the needs of first-generation, low-income, and disabled student populations.

Preferred:

• Prior experience in marketing, communications, public relations, or student affairs.
• Familiarity with the mission of federal TRIO Programs.
• Experience in video editing or photography.

Benefits & Compensation

• Wages: Compensation is $20 an hour for 20 hours a week.
• Professional Development: Gain highly transferable skills in marketing, program management, and student support.
• Mentorship: Work directly with experienced higher education professionals in a supportive, collaborative team environment.