Strategic Communications Student Assistant (Public Relations/Social Media)

NWU; Orange (CA); On-site; USD 19,000 - 27,000; Part time

Job summary

Chapman University in Orange, CA is seeking a part-time Public Relations Assistant to support the public relations strategy, write press materials, and assist with social media content across channels.

The role includes compiling resource materials, tracking media opportunities, and providing research support for university publications and campaigns. This is a campus-based position with a flexible 19-hour work week during the academic year.

Qualifications

• Strong writing and editing ability with proofreading focus.
• Ability to meet deadlines and manage multiple tasks.

Responsibilities

• Serve as in-house publicist for Chapman University, assisting strategists in promoting the university and its achievements.
• Write press releases and media advisories; conduct media pitching under supervision; attend media opportunities.
• Compile information and build resources like fact sheets, media lists, and editorial calendars.
• Track dates and events in media calendars and prepare related materials.
• Monitor news coverage and create media reports.
• Assist social media team by drafting and scheduling content for official channels.
• Research and write content for university publications and newsletters.
• Prepare daily newsletters summarizing media coverage.
• Stay informed on campus news, issues, and trends.
• Organize communication tools and kits; suggest visual assets.
• Contribute ideas during team meetings and pitch stories.
• Provide research and administrative support for content and media projects.

Skills

Written and editing skills

Deadlines

Content creation for social media

Independence and collaboration

Social media analytics familiarity

Education

Preferred majors: Communications, Public Relations, English, Journalism

Tools

Microsoft Office

Muck Rack

Microsoft SharePoint

Job description

Your Role

Here’s what you will be doing:

• Serve as an in-house publicist for Chapman University, assisting the lead public relations strategist in promoting the university and its key achievements.
• Write press releases and media advisories, conduct media pitching under supervision, and attend media opportunities as appropriate.
• Compile information and build resource materials such as fact sheets, media lists, and editorial calendars.
• Track key dates, events, and opportunities in media calendars and prepare related materials.
• Monitor news coverage across platforms and create media reports.
• Assist the social media team by drafting and scheduling content for official channels including Instagram, LinkedIn, and Facebook.
• Research, conduct interviews, and write content for university publications such as newsletters, the newsroom, the magazine, and social media.
• Prepare daily newsletters summarizing relevant media coverage as needed.
• Stay informed on campus news, issues, and trends.
• Organize and maintain communication tools and kits.
• Suggest visual assets to complement published content.
• Contribute ideas during team meetings and pitch potential stories.
• Provide research and administrative support for content and media projects.

About You

The company is looking for:

• Strong communication skills, especially in writing and editing.
• Familiarity with Microsoft Office.
• Ability to meet deadlines, take initiative, and work both independently and collaboratively.
• Experience creating content for social media platforms.
• Familiarity with social media analytics or monitoring tools is a plus.
• Preferred majors include Communication, Public Relations, English, or Journalism.
• Interest in strategic storytelling, higher education, and external engagement.
• Willingness to learn and contribute to a wide range of communication projects.
• Familiarity with Muck Rack public relations management platform and Microsoft SharePoint is desirable.

Compensation & Benefits

• Hourly pay rate of $16.90.

Scheduling

• Position starts August 3, 2026, and ends March 31, 2027.
• Work up to 19 hours per week during the academic year.
• Work location is on the Orange campus.