Communications & Programs Graduate Assistant- Center for Excellence in Scholarship and Research (CESR)

TO APPLY:  

To be considered for this position, please submit 1) a cover letter detailing your relevant qualifications and experience; 2) a current CV or resume; 3) unofficial transcripts; and 4) contact information for two references, to aaron.hoy@mnsu.edu. 

APPLICATION CLOSE DATE: 3/19/2026 

POSITION START DATE: 8/23/2026

RESPONSIBILITIES/JOB DESCRIPTION: 

Communications and Marketing

• Help develop, edit, and distribute internal and external CESR communications, including program announcements, event descriptions, and newsletter-style emails
• Create, schedule, and manage LinkedIn content
• Design flyers, promotional graphics, and program materials (using Canva, BeeFree, PowerPoint, or similar tools)
• Ensure all communications reflect CESR’s voice, branding, and accessibility standards

Event & Program Coordination

• Assist with planning, development, and implementation of CESR workshops, writing groups, faculty events, and research-related initiatives
• Create and manage Outlook calendar invitations, Zoom links, and registration forms
• Help coordinate event logistics, including registration, email reminders, attendance tracking, and post-event communications

Shared CESR Responsibilities

• Provide occasional manuscript reviews for CESR clients (e.g., proofreading for grammar, formatting, clarity, and completeness, flagging methods issues for further review)
• Work with CESR Director and team to develop content for the CESR Resource Hub, including written resources for campus audiences (e.g., statistical guide sheets, Qualtrics tip sheets)
• Collaborate with the CESR team to support workshops, resource development, and/or service improvement initiatives
   

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS: 

• Strong written communication skills, including the ability to draft clear and professional messages for diverse campus audiences (faculty, students, staff)
• Proficiency with basic software tools, including MS Word, PowerPoint, and Outlook
• Experience creating or editing digital content (e.g., flyers, social media posts, newsletters), using tools such as Canva, BeeFree, or similar design platforms
• Strong organizational skills, including managing multiple tasks and tracking deadlines
• Comfort working both independently and collaboratively, including the ability to communicate progress, ask clarifying questions, and follow through reliably
• 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: 

• Experience with events or program coordination, such as planning, promoting, or supporting workshops, trainings, or student-facing programs 
• Experience managing social media content, including scheduling posts and using basic platform analytics (e.g., LinkedIn engagement data)
• Familiarity with accessibility best practices in communication and design (e.g., alt text, high contrast)
• Background or coursework in communication, marketing, journalism, public relations, graphic design, or related fields
• Interest in or experience with research support, such as qualitative or quantitative data collection, coding, or helping develop research-related resources
• 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 

Aaron Hoy, Director 

Center for Excellence in Scholarship and Research (CESR)

Minnesota State University, Mankato 

Memorial Library 88G

Mankato, MN 56001 

Phone: 507-389-1038

TTY: 800-627-3529 or 711 

Email: aaron.hoy@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.