Department of Communication, Journalism, and Public Relations - Graduate Assistant

Job Description:

The Department of Communication, Journalism, and Public Relations is looking for a graduate assistant for the fiscal year 2025-2026. This full-time position will run from Fall 2025 (September 2025-December 2025) through Winter 2026 (January 2026-April 2026). 

Communication, Journalism, and Public Relations Graduate Assistants (GAs) have responsibilities in a research capacity and/or managing the department’s social media platforms. GAs provide approximately 20 hours of research related or social media related service per week over the course of the semester(s). Services provided by a graduate research assistant may include compiling and analyzing data, reviewing and compiling existing research, and assisting faculty with other research related tasks. They may also be asked to assist faculty with discipline related work such as uploading documents into Moodle, grading various assignments and projects and proctoring when needed.

GAs may also work with the department’s Social Media Committee. This work entails brainstorming, collaboration, content creation, posting to various social media platforms, as well as outreach to students, faculty, and alumni. On occasion, GAs also assist with the development and distribution of program promotional materials, administrative duties (if needed), and various department events.

Skills required for this position include the following:

∙ Proficiency in Instagram (including all of its features), TikTok, Facebook, YouTube and    Twitter (X)

∙ Proficiency in Canva and Microsoft Office Suites

∙ Basic photoshop skills 

∙ Creative mindset 

∙ Detail and task oriented 

∙ Effective communication skills 

∙ Organization (planning, sticking to a posting schedule) 

∙ Mindfulness of others posting on the account  

∙ Strong time management skills

Qualifications:

Graduate assistants must be fully admitted and enrolled for at least 8 credits for the academic year in a grad program. Graduate course work/or research must contribute directly to the satisfaction of Oakland’s degree requirements. Graduate assistants must have and maintain good academic standing (3.0 grade point average).  By accepting this graduate assistantship, you are verifying that you have NOT accepted any other offer of admissions or employment from Oakland University or from another talent-based award from another institution.

Tuition:

Tuition (eight credits per semester or a total of 16 credits) will be compensated. Any additional credits and class fees, including books will be the responsibility of the GA.

The Graduate Assistant will report directly to the Communication Master's Program Director professor Rebekah Farrugia.

Compensation:

Student will receive a pay check (direct deposit) on the last business day of each month for the duration of the assistantship.