Marketing Communications Graduate Assistant - Centennial Student Union
TO APPLY:
In order to be considered for this position, please submit 1.) resume, 2.) cover letter, 3.) unofficial transcripts 4.) three references to leonard.koupal@mnsu.edu. Priority consideration will be given to qualifying applications received by April 30, 2026. Review of applications will begin May 1, 2026, and continue until the position is filled. Those invited for interviews must demonstrate leadership, writing and proofreading abilities/skills, ability to meet deadlines, ability to manage a team of student staff. Contingent upon satisfactory performance and available funds, this appointment may be continued beyond the initial academic year of employment. Additional information on Graduate Assistantships available at http://grad.mnsu.edu/.
APPLICATION CLOSE DATE: 5/14/2026
POSITION START DATE: 8/9/2026
RESPONSIBILITIES/JOB DESCRIPTION:
The CSU Communications Office is a vibrant and active marketing and communications arm of the Centennial Student Union. A member of the CSU director's administrative staff, the CSU Communications Coordinator works to advance the "culture" of the student union and serves as communication and marketing support for the CSU and Student Activities. The office operates with student staff as news and blog writers, graphic designers and social media communicators. Student staff also aid with photography, video production, electronic media promotions and webpage management. The CSU Communications Graduate Assistant supports the mission and vision of the CSU by leveraging a range of promotional resources. The successful applicant will assist the coordinator in planning and executing marketing and communication strategies as well as managing student staff and their duties.
RESPONSIBILITIES
- Lead a team of students serving as staff writers, graphic designers, a photographer and a karaoke host.
- Serve as managing editor responsible for a weekly e-newsletter that goes out to all MSU students. This includes collecting, writing, and editing content.
- Lead the development and execution of social media strategies and campaigns across various platforms.
- Assist in managing and updating the Centennial Student Union webpage and social media sites.
- Ability to master e-newsletter creation software, Adobe Creative Suite (InDesign, Illustrator, Photoshop) and Canva.
- Manage and execute email marketing campaigns, including list management, content creation, and performance tracking.
- Assist with photography and videography services for CSU events and initiatives, as needed.
- Assist in managing the CSU digital signage system, including content creation, scheduling, and troubleshooting.
- Participate in recruitment/admissions resource fairs and other outreach events to promote the CSU and its services.
- Serve as a liaison between the CSU and other campus departments and organizations to promote collaboration and partnership.
- Assist with the coordination and execution of CSU events, including Welcome Week and Homecoming activities, the Serendipity Music Series, CSU monthly therapy dog nights, and other initiatives as needed.
- Ensure compliance with university and CSU branding guidelines and standards.
REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS:
- Demonstrated leadership or staff management skills
- Strong communication skills
- Strong interpersonal skills
- Social media skills
- Ability to meet weekly deadlines
- A bachelor's degree
- Admitted to a Minnesota State University, Mankato graduate program by start date.
- Enrolled in a minimum of six (6) graduate credits per semester during assistantship, and in good academic standing.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:
- Ability to work independently and as a team member
- Strong communication skills
- Exceptional decision-making skills
- Project management skills
- Attention to detail, professionalism and dependability
- Administration and time management skills
- Organizational skills
- Prior marketing, communications, or public relations education/experience
- Photography and/or video experience
- Public speaking experience
- Experience creating graphics or short videos for social media
- Basic understanding of social media analytics or performance metrics
- Familiarity with Canva, Adobe Creative Suite, or similar tools
- Interest in higher education marketing or communications
- Demonstrated commitment to fostering a diverse working and learning environment.
SALARY/STIPEND: Up to $10,000 plus tuition stipends, dependent upon availability of funds, period of appointment, and assignment. Appointments made after the tenth day of classes are not eligible for a tuition waiver.
RELATED INFORMATION:
Minnesota State System policy requires that graduate assistants must reside within the State of Minnesota for the duration of their appointment.
Additional information on Minnesota State University, Mankato can be found at www.mnsu.edu.
CONTACT
Lenny Koupal, Communications Coordinator
Centennial Student Union
Minnesota State University, Mankato
220 Centennial Student Union
Mankato, MN 56001
Phone: 507-389-6744
TTY: 800-627-3529 or 711
Email: leonard.koupal@mnsu.edu
NOTICE:
In accordance with the Minnesota State Colleges & Universities (MnSCU) Vehicle Fleet Safety Program, employees driving on college/university business who use a rental or state vehicle, shall be required to conform to MnSCU’s vehicle use criteria and consent to a Motor Vehicle Records check.
The Minnesota State University, Mankato Annual Security and Fire Safety Report is available for your review. This report is required by federal law and contains policy statements and crime statistics for the University. The policy statements address the school's policies, procedures, and programs concerning safety and security. Three years' worth of statistics are included for certain types of crimes that were reported to have occurred on-campus, or in other University affiliated locations. This report is available online at http://www.mnsu.edu/safety/. You may also request a paper copy from University Security at 507-389-2111 or by emailing security@mnsu.edu.
Minnesota State University, Mankato has a long-standing commitment to diversity and is actively seeking to nurture and enrich its underrepresented communities. Women, minorities, veterans, and individuals with disabilities are encouraged to apply. In accordance with USCIS regulations, successful applicants must be legally able to accept work in the United States. Requests for reasonable accommodation of a disability during the application and/or interview process should be made to the Office of Human Resources, 507-389-2015 (V), 800-627-3529 or 711 (MRS/TTY). This vacancy notice is available in an alternative format upon request. Minnesota State University, Mankato is an affirmative action/equal opportunity University and is a member of the Minnesota State Colleges and Universities System.