Graphic Design Assistant (Student) (FWS)

Critical Playground LLC; Northern (KY); Hybrid; USD 25,000 - 28,000; Part time

Job summary

Critical Playground LLC is seeking a motivated student for a part-time Federal Work-Study role with SIS at American University. The role focuses on graphic design, digital communications, and content creation to promote study abroad programs.

You will build SharePoint content, support the website and application portals, and help develop resources for students and faculty. Collaboration with SIS staff and Communications is essential.

Qualifications

• The student must be enrolled at American University and eligible for Federal Work-Study (FWS).
• Strong interest in graphic design, visual communications, marketing, or related field.
• Familiarity with Canva for content creation and basic Office 365 tasks.
• Attention to detail and ability to produce clear, visually organized materials.
• Ability to collaborate with staff and manage multiple assignments to deadlines.

Responsibilities

• Create promotional graphics and materials for study abroad programs.
• Build out a SharePoint site and assist with website/content updates.
• Develop student- and faculty-facing resources and visual content.
• Support visual storytelling initiatives and ensure brand consistency.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Skills

Graphic design

Canva

SharePoint

Office 365

Content creation

Communication

Team collaboration

Attention to detail

Education

Current American University student

FWS eligibility

Tools

SharePoint

CommonSpot

CMS tools

Job description

Work Where You Learn: Build Experience, Grow Skills, and Contribute to Your University Community. This position is available only to enrolled American University students.

Most student positions at American University are eligible to use Federal Work Study (FWS) awards, with a few exceptions. FWS funds cannot be applied to janitorial, construction, partisan or sectarian positions. For information or questions regarding FWS funds, please contact American University's Office of Financial Aid.

Department:

School of International Service

Time Type:

Part time

FLSA Status:

Non-Exempt

Job Description:

Summary:

The School of International Service (SIS) Office of International Programs (OIP) is seeking a creative, detail-oriented, and enthusiastic Federal Work-Study student to support the office’s graphic design, marketing, and digital communications efforts. This position offers an opportunity to build skills through hands-on experience in graphic design, digital communications, website content, branding, and international education while helping promote SIS study abroad programs and resources to students, faculty, and staff.

The student worker will create promotional graphics and materials for study abroad programs, build out a SharePoint site, assist with website, study abroad application portal, SharePoint site content updates, develop student and faculty-facing resources, and support visual storytelling initiatives. Projects may include flyers, digital signage, newsletter graphics, promotional material templates, program information sheets, website graphics and photos, FAQ resources, presentation slides, and visual guides explaining study abroad processes and program models.

The position will work collaboratively with OIP staff and SIS Communications colleagues to brainstorm ideas, develop content, maintain visual consistency, and ensure materials are clear, engaging, accurate, and aligned with university branding.

Essential Functions:

• Create promotional graphics and materials for study abroad programs.
• Build out a SharePoint site.
• Assist with website, study abroad application portal, and SharePoint site content updates.
• Develop student and faculty-facing resources.
• Support visual storytelling initiatives.
• Other duties assigned.

Position Type/Expected Hours of Work:

• Part-time.
• 10 hours per week.

Salary Range:

• $18.40 - $20.00 per hour.

Required Education and Experience:

• Must be a current American University student, eligible for Federal Work-Study (FWS).
• Strong interest in graphic design, visual communications, marketing, digital media, or related field.
• Basic ability to use graphic design or content creation tools such as Canva.
• Prior Microsoft Office 365 experience.
• Strong attention to detail and ability to produce clear, visually organized materials.
• Ability to communicate effectively and work collaboratively with staff.
• Ability to manage multiple assignments and meet established deadlines.
• Ability to work independently while seeking guidance when needed.
• Interest in supporting students and contributing to the international education mission of SIS.

Preferred Education and Experience:

• Previous experience creating flyers, digital graphics, presentations, newsletters, social media content, or other visual communications.
• Proficient experience with developing content in Canva - beyond cosmetic updates to existing templates.
• Familiarity with principles of typography, layout, visual hierarchy, branding, and accessible design.
• Experience with CommonSpot or other website content management systems or webpage design.
• Experience creating or organizing content in SharePoint.
• Experience with photography, photo editing, or short-form video.
• Experience developing marketing templates or visual design systems.
• Interest or experience in international education, study abroad, higher education, or student programming.
• Familiarity with creating content for different audiences, including students, faculty, and staff.
• Portfolio or examples of graphic design work are welcome but not required.

Other Details

This position is available only to enrolled American University students.

• Please note this job announcement is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.
• American University is an E-Verify employer.
• Visit https://www.american.edu/hr/ for additional information about American University employment and benefits.

Contact Us

For more information or assistance with the American University careers site, email [e-mail].

American University is an equal opportunity, affirmative action institution that operates in compliance with applicable laws and regulations. The university does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, sex (including pregnancy), age, sexual orientation, disability, marital status, personal appearance, gender identity and expression, family responsibilities, political affiliation, source of income, veteran status, an individual’s genetic information or any other bases under federal or local laws (collectively "Protected Bases") in its programs and activities.