📌 Core Information
🔹 Job Title: Communications Assistant
🔹 Company: Northeastern University
🔹 Location: Boston, MA (Main Campus)
🔹 Job Type: Temporary, Full-Time
🔹 Category: Higher Education
🔹 Date Posted: May 9, 2025
🔹 Experience Level: Entry Level (0-2 years)
🔹 Remote Status: On-site
🚀 Job Overview
Key aspects of this role include:
- Supporting various communications tasks for the Burnes Center for Social Change
- Compiling the weekly 'News that Caught Our Eye' column
- Producing content for the Reboot Democracy blog and podcast
- Assisting in marketing initiatives, including social media, email marketing, and video production
ASSUMPTION: This role requires strong communication skills, creativity, and the ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously. Familiarity with social media platforms and content creation tools is essential.
📋 Key Responsibilities
✅ Compiling and curating content for the weekly 'News that Caught Our Eye' column
✅ Producing content for the Reboot Democracy blog and podcast, including writing, editing, and publishing
✅ Assisting in the production of newsletters and other marketing materials
✅ Creating and executing social media content and strategies
✅ Collaborating with the team to ensure consistent branding and messaging
✅ Other duties as assigned
ASSUMPTION: This role involves a mix of creative and administrative tasks, requiring strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
🎯 Required Qualifications
Education: Bachelor's degree in Communications, Journalism, Marketing, or a related field
Experience: 0-2 years of relevant experience in communications, marketing, or a related field
Required Skills:
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills
- Strong organizational skills and attention to detail
- Proficient in social media platforms and content creation tools
- Ability to work independently and manage multiple projects
- Familiarity with WordPress, Mailchimp, and Adobe Creative Suite is a plus
Preferred Skills:
- Experience with podcast production
- Knowledge of SEO best practices
- Fluency in a second language
ASSUMPTION: Candidates with relevant internship experience may also be considered.
💰 Compensation & Benefits
Salary Range: $25.00 per hour. This is an entry-level position, and the salary is competitive with industry standards for temporary, full-time roles in higher education.
Benefits:
- Medical, vision, and dental insurance
- Paid time off
- Tuition assistance
- Wellness and life benefits
- Retirement benefits
- Commuting and transportation benefits
Working Hours: Full-time, 40 hours per week. The work schedule may include some evenings and weekends as needed.
ASSUMPTION: Benefits are subject to change and may be contingent upon employment status and hours worked.
📌 Applicant Insights
🔍 Company Context
Industry: Higher Education. Northeastern University is a private research university with a strong focus on experiential learning and cooperative education.
Company Size: 51-200 employees. As a department within the university, the size provides a supportive and collaborative work environment.
Founded: 1898. Northeastern University was founded as a evening institute for young men and has since grown into a comprehensive research university.
Company Description:
- The Department of Chemical Engineering at Northeastern University is a community of scholars committed to promoting excellence in education and research.
- The Burnes Center for Social Change is a research center focused on promoting social change through innovative research and community engagement.
Company Specialties:
- Chemical Engineering
- Chemical and Biological Engineering
- Higher Education
- Research and Teaching
- Cooperative Education
Company Website: http://www.che.neu.edu
ASSUMPTION: The company values innovation, collaboration, and a commitment to social change.
📊 Role Analysis
Career Level: Entry Level. This role is an excellent opportunity for recent graduates or early-career professionals to gain experience in communications and marketing.
Reporting Structure: The Communications Assistant will report directly to the Communications Manager at the Burnes Center for Social Change.
Work Arrangement: On-site, full-time. The role may require some flexibility to work evenings and weekends as needed.
Growth Opportunities:
- Gain experience in a variety of communications and marketing tasks
- Develop skills in content creation, social media management, and podcast production
- Potential for career advancement within the university or related fields
ASSUMPTION: This role offers a unique opportunity to gain experience in a dynamic and innovative research center within a larger university setting.
🌍 Location & Work Environment
Office Type: University campus. The office is located on the main campus of Northeastern University in Boston, MA.
Office Location(s): 360 Huntington Ave, 201 Cullinane Hall, Boston, Massachusetts 02115, US
Geographic Context:
- Boston, MA is a vibrant, multicultural city with a rich history and a thriving arts and culture scene.
- The university is located in the Fenway-Kenmore neighborhood, close to many amenities and attractions.
- The campus is easily accessible by public transportation.
Work Schedule: Full-time, 40 hours per week. The work schedule may include some evenings and weekends as needed.
ASSUMPTION: The work environment is collaborative and supportive, with a strong emphasis on teamwork and innovation.
💼 Interview & Application Insights
Typical Process:
- Online application submission
- Phone or video screening
- In-person or virtual interview with the hiring manager
- Background check and reference check
- Job offer
Key Assessment Areas:
- Communication skills
- Creativity and innovation
- Organizational skills and attention to detail
- Familiarity with relevant tools and platforms
- Alignment with company values and mission
Application Tips:
- Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight relevant experience and skills
- Provide specific examples of your experience with content creation, social media management, and marketing
- Demonstrate your understanding of the Burnes Center for Social Change and its mission
- Prepare questions to ask the interviewer about the role and the team
ATS Keywords: Communications, Marketing, Content Creation, Social Media, Podcast Production, Newsletter, Email Marketing, Video Production, Branding, Northeastern University, Burnes Center for Social Change
ASSUMPTION: The application process is competitive, and candidates should demonstrate their qualifications and enthusiasm for the role.
🛠️ Tools & Technologies
- WordPress
- Mailchimp
- Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop, Premiere Pro, Audition)
- Social media platforms (Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn)
- Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint)
ASSUMPTION: Familiarity with these tools is preferred, but training may be provided for the right candidate.
👔 Cultural Fit Considerations
Company Values:
- Innovation
- Collaboration
- Commitment to Social Change
Work Style:
- Creative and innovative
- Collaborative and team-oriented
- Adaptable and flexible
Self-Assessment Questions:
- How do you stay organized and manage multiple projects simultaneously?
- Can you provide an example of a successful social media campaign you've created or contributed to?
- How do you approach learning new tools and technologies?
ASSUMPTION: Candidates should be able to demonstrate their alignment with the company values and work style.
⚠️ Potential Challenges
- The role may require some flexibility to work evenings and weekends as needed
- The work environment can be fast-paced and demanding at times
- The role may involve some travel to attend events and conferences
- The university is a large and complex organization, which can present challenges in navigating internal processes and politics
ASSUMPTION: These challenges can be mitigated with strong communication, organization, and adaptability.
📈 Similar Roles Comparison
- Communications Coordinator - Responsible for day-to-day communications tasks and may have more supervisory responsibilities
- Marketing Specialist - Focuses on marketing strategies and may have less involvement in content creation
- Content Creator - Specializes in content creation and may have less involvement in marketing and communications strategies
ASSUMPTION: This role offers a unique blend of communications, marketing, and content creation responsibilities.
📝 Sample Projects
- Creating a social media campaign to promote an upcoming event
- Producing a podcast episode on a relevant social change topic
- Designing a newsletter template and creating content for a monthly newsletter
ASSUMPTION: These projects are representative of the types of tasks the Communications Assistant may be responsible for.
❓ Key Questions to Ask During Interview
- What are the biggest challenges facing the Burnes Center for Social Change, and how can this role help address them?
- How does this role fit into the overall communications and marketing strategy for the center?
- What opportunities are there for professional development and growth within the role and the organization?
- How does the team collaborate and support each other in achieving their goals?
- What is the team's approach to work-life balance?
ASSUMPTION: These questions demonstrate a candidate's interest in the role and the organization, and their commitment to contributing to the team's success.
📌 Next Steps for Applicants
To apply for this position:
- Submit your application through this link
- Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight your relevant experience and skills
- Prepare for your interview by researching the Burnes Center for Social Change and practicing your responses to common interview questions
- Follow up with the hiring manager after your interview to express your interest in the role
⚠️ This job description contains AI-assisted information. Details should be verified directly with the employer before making decisions.
