Location:
Master of Science in Social Policy Program (MSSP), School of Social Policy & Practice (SP2)
Modality:
Hybrid
Position Length:
Academic Year (Fall - Spring)
Work Hours and Commitment:
7-10
Application Deadline:
Pay Rate:
$20.00/hr
Additional Compensation:
None
Overview
The Master of Science in Social Policy (MSSP) is a graduate program at the Penn School of Social Policy & Practice (SP2). Our program is designed to empower social justice-oriented policy professionals who possess a critical eye toward data use and analysis to create meaningful and enduring change in the areas of health, housing, education, immigration, climate change and beyond.
The Graduate Assistant will support the MSSP program team, focusing primarily on communications initiatives, with additional responsibilities in event planning and student programming. The ideal candidate should be highly organized, self-motivated, detail-oriented and possess excellent communications skills. We welcome applicants with creative ideas and approaches to enhance student outreach, engagement and community-building for our graduate students.
Work Environment
- High degree of autonomy on most projects.
- Supportive and accessible supervision in a collaborative environment.
- Flexible schedule with structured deadlines.
- Weekly 30-minute check-ins with supervisor, as needed.
- Opportunity to work remotely for most tasks.
Supervisor/Contact
Katherine Stewart - Administrative Director, MS in Social Policy Program
kathstew@upenn.edu
Required Duties
Communications (75%)
MSSP Newsletter
- Design and distribute the weekly MSSP student newsletter and monthly alumni newsletter using MailChimp.
Student Spotlights for Newsletter
- Conduct weekly 20-minute interviews with MSSP students to spotlight their program experience.
- Write concise features highlighting student backgrounds, accomplishments and career aspirations.
- Obtain necessary photo/media consent.
Alumni Spotlights for LinkedIn
- Conduct two interviews per semester with MSSP alumni to showcase their work and achievements in social policy.
- Write alum profiles to share with the MSSP LinkedIn Community.
- Obtain necessary photo/media consent.
- Collaborate with SP2 Communications team on communications projects.
Promotions & Digital Content
- Design event flyers using Canva.
- Submit MSSP events to the SP2 events calendar.
- Support online community-building via the MSSP Resources Canvas page.
Events & Programming (25%)
- Assist with planning and logistics for MSSP events, including space reservations, catering and registration forms.
Preferred Qualification and Essential Skills
- Excellent interpersonal, oral and written communication skills.
- Ability to work well independently and meet deadlines.
- Highly organized and self-motivated.
- Proficient in Microsoft Office.
- Creativity and design skills are a plus.
- Event planning experience preferred but not required.
- Familiarity with tools such as MailChimp, Canva, Qualtrics, Padlet and LinkedIn are a plus.
Application Instructions
To apply, please email your resume and a brief cover letter outlining your relevant experience and interest in the position to the MSSP program at: msspprogram@sp2.upenn.edu. Subject line should read: "MSSP Grad Asst-Comms." Selected candidates will be contacted for a remote interview.