Editorial and Web Communications Student Assistant

Unit: Division of Mathematical, Life and Physical Sciences, UCSB Science
Supervisor: Communications Director
Position type: Paid, part-time student position
Pay: $17.40 to $20 per hour
Hours: Approximately 6 to 10 hours per week
Appointment: Fall 2026 through spring 2027
Work-Study: Work-Study applicants are welcome and encouraged, but Work-Study eligibility is not required.

Position summary

UCSB Science seeks a thoughtful, dependable student assistant to support web, newsletter and editorial production for the Division of Mathematical, Life and Physical Sciences.

Working closely with the Communications Director, the student will help prepare clear, accurate and accessible public-facing content about UC Santa Barbara research, faculty, students, academic programs and community impact. This is a hands-on production role with structured training and editorial feedback. Approved work may be published on official UCSB Science channels.

Students from all majors are encouraged to apply. Professional communications experience is not required. Relevant experience may come from coursework, research, tutoring, student organizations, campus employment, volunteer work or personal projects.

Primary responsibilities may include

• Format and update approved UCSB Science webpage content and perform link, layout and usability checks.
• Help assemble, format and test newsletters and email campaigns.
• Check names, titles, dates, links, captions, credits and other details for accuracy.
• Conduct background research and prepare first-round copy or production materials from approved sources.
• Draft alt text and support accessibility checks for webpages and email content.
• Organize story files, photographs, captions, permissions and source materials.
• Maintain production checklists and collect basic website or newsletter metrics from established reports.

Qualifications

• Strong attention to detail and clear written communication skills.
• Ability to organize information and manage multiple assignments.
• Reliability with deadlines, meetings and project follow-through.
• Ability to follow instructions, receive feedback and revise work carefully.
• Experience in one or more relevant areas, such as writing, editing, websites, digital publishing, accessibility, project tracking or basic analytics.

Applicants are not expected to know every platform or tool. Training will be provided.

Work arrangement

The position is expected to be performed primarily on campus during fall quarter to support training and workflow development. After that initial period, remote work may be available for appropriate assignments, based on performance and project needs.

Learning and professional development

The student will gain practical experience in web publishing, editorial production, accessibility, newsletter workflows, project organization and basic performance reporting. The role includes professional feedback and mentorship, with opportunities to retain approved examples of published work for a portfolio.

The division will provide the workspace, computer and approved software needed for assigned work.

Application materials

• Resume.
• A response of no more than 250 words describing your interest in the role and a time you made information clearer, more accurate or better organized. Please submit this response using the cover letter field in Handshake.
• Optional: One brief writing, editing, research or digital-content sample. Coursework and student-organization work are welcome.