Communications Assistant Student Employee, #9095

oaktonstudentemployee; Des Plaines (IL); On-site; USD 17,000 - 21,000; Part time

Job summary

Oakton College is seeking a Communications Assistant Student Employee to support content creation, editing, and publishing across channels. You will help with e-newsletter submissions, press draft content, and media outreach while capturing photos and conducting interviews at College events.

The role offers hands-on experience in communications within a collaborative team, with light travel between Des Plaines and other Oakton campuses. Flexible 10–15 hours/week, up to 1 academic year.

Qualifications

• Must be enrolled at Oakton College in at least 6 credit hours during Fall and Spring semesters.
• GPA 2.0+ and in good standing at Oakton College.
• Eligible to work in the United States.
• Pursuing degrees in English, Communications, Marketing, or related areas preferred.
• Demonstrated written and verbal communication skills.
• Proficiency with technology; experience using Microsoft Office and Google Workspace preferred.
• Photo and/or video skills a plus.
• Demonstrated reliability, responsibility, and ability to work independently.
• Friendly, flexible, organized, courteous, and punctual.
• Ability to complete assignments at all campuses (Des Plaines, RHC-Skokie, Evanston) preferred.

Responsibilities

• Enter and edit content submissions for the employee e-newsletter into Constant Contact following the newsletter format and AP style guidelines.
• Follow up with submitters to clarify missing details or correct inaccuracies.
• Support internal and external communications, including identifying topics for publication by conducting research and drafting content for press releases and other channels.
• Research journalists/media outlets that cover specific beats to help inform media outreach strategies.
• Capture photographs at College and community events for use in social media, website, and publications.
• Conduct interviews at College and community events to support content development.

Skills

Content creation

Editing

Communication

Research

MS Office

Google Workspace

Photography

Interviewing

Education

Enrolled Oakton College student

Tools

Constant Contact

Job description

Overview

The Communications Assistant Student Employee will support Oakton College's Communications Department by assisting with content creation, editing, and publication across a variety of channels. Responsibilities include entering and formatting newsletter submissions, researching and drafting content for press releases, and supporting media outreach through journalist and outlet research. The role also involves capturing photos, conducting interviews at College and community events, and contributing to social media and web content. This position provides hands‑on experience in communications and media relations within a collaborative environment.

Campus Location: Des Plaines (Limited travel to Skokie/Evanston campus, or within the communities in Oakton's district may be needed).

Length of Employment: Up to 1 academic year (Spring 2027)

Can a student do homework in this position? Rarely

Hours Available: 10-15/week

Schedule Flexibility: Flexible schedule. Preferred availability on Mondays and Tuesdays.

Tasks, Duties and Responsibilities (TDRs)

• Enter and edit content submissions for the employee e-newsletter into Constant Contact following the newsletter format and AP style guidelines
• Follow up with submitters to clarify missing details or correct inaccuracies
• Support internal and external communications, including identifying topics for publication by conducting research and drafting content for press releases and other channels
• Research journalists/media outlets that cover specific beats to help inform media outreach strategies
• Capture photographs at College and community events for use in social media, website, and publications
• Conduct interviews at College and community events to support content development

Learning Outcomes

• CM, PF, TC
• CM, PF, TW
• CT, CM, PF, LD
• CT, CM, PF
• TC, PF, CM
• CM, PF, TW

Candidate Qualifications (Knowledge, Skills and Other Abilities or KSOAs)

• Must be currently enrolled at Oakton College in at least 6 credit hours during the Fall and Spring semesters. Employment over the summer is allowed for students taking at least 1 credit class during the summer, or students continuing registration into the following Fall semester.
• Must have an overall GPA of 2.0 or higher and be in good standing at Oakton College.
• Eligible to work in the United States.
• Students pursuing degrees in English, Communications, Marketing, or related areas are preferred.
• Demonstrated written and verbal communication skills.
• Proficiency with technology; experience using Microsoft Office and Google Workspace (G Suite) preferred.
• Photo and/or video skills a plus.
• Demonstrated reliability, responsibility, and ability to work independently.
• Friendly, flexible, organized, courteous, and punctual.
• Ability to complete assignments at all campuses (Des Plaines, RHC-Skokie, Evanston) is preferred.

Questions can be directed to the Communications Manager, Ewa Lyczewska [e-mail]