Social Media Student Assistant for the Melly Institute

Position Title: Social Media Student Assistant for the Melly Institute

Semester/Year: 2026-2027 Academic School Year/ Semester

Total Positions Available: 1

Supervisor: Pamela Young

Pay rate: $16/ hr

Hours per week: 5-10

Start Date: 9/8/2026 

End Date: 4/30/2027

Description

The Social Media Student Assistant will be part of the Melly Institute working to set up and enhance our social media presence across multiple platforms. 

The Melly Institute is a newly launched initiative at HWS, so this role offers the chance to help shape our social media presence from the ground up. The Social Media Student Assistant will assist in formulating social media plans and then carry them out (with staff supervision). The plan must include an assessment strategy designed to measure and document the impact of social media and then suggest action-steps to increase impact. The Student Assistant will be invited to attend all staff meetings and report to the Executive Director. 

Responsibilities

• Creating new (or updated) profiles and pages on multiple platforms (Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, etc.)
• Uploading videos, photo albums, etc.
• Finding users to follow and engage with the Institute
• Writing and posting blog posts, captions, short-form video, and updates, etc.
• Tracking the growth and impact of social media on the Institute
• Replying to comments, messages, etc.
• Researching our competitors’ social media presence
• Reporting findings to the team
• Assisting with the development of a one-page overview document (fact sheet) for the Institute, in coordination with staff
• Other duties as assigned

Qualifications

• Comfortable working in a startup-like environment where processes and platforms are still being built, and able to adapt as priorities shift;
• Candidate must be able to think strategically about how social media could become a more productive part of our overall communications marketing efforts. The primary objective is NOT just “selling” our services to students but building long-lasting relationships by providing value to them;
• Candidate should have personal experience with multiple social media platforms; 
• Excellent written and verbal communication, strong editing skills, especially short-form writing;
• Willingness to sign a Code of Conduct that will serve as a good faith contract to always represent the Institute in a professional manner;
• Creative with an eye for design; 
• Knowledge of video editing software – Basic video editing skills using iMovie, Final Cut, or Windows Live Movie Maker are preferred but not required; 
• Knowledge of digital media software – Photoshop or other graphic design software, etc. is preferred; 
• Willingness to interact with social media sites daily (replying, posting, sharing, etc.);
• Energy, with a desire to come up with fresh ideas on how to grow our online presence;
• Experience proofreading and editing;
• Comfortable working in a fast-paced, team-oriented office; and  
• Open to learn and grow, ask pertinent questions when necessary.

Application Instructions

Review of applications will begin immediately. You may be contacted by the hiring supervisor for additional information. 

Students hired into on-campus jobs must complete federal employment paperwork, including the Form I9. Students must present original documents indicating they are eligible to work in the U.S. Photocopies of documents cannot be accepted. Students should ensure they have their documents on campus or have a plan to get their documents to campus if they are hired to work on campus.