Financial Aid: Communications Specialist - Available January

Department: Financial Aid Office 

Supervisor: Kandra Kolehmainen

Supervisor Email: kandrak@rhodes.edu

Position Title: Communications Specialist 

Number of Student Associates in Position: 1

Pay Rate: $9.05

General Description of Position:

The Communications Specialist RSA supports the Financial Aid Office by developing and delivering clear, accessible, and engaging communication that increases student awareness of financial aid resources. The RSA serves as a liaison between the Financial Aid team, student workers, and the broader student body while maintaining a consistent digital presence across platforms.

Key Responsibilities 

  • Content Creation & Social Media Management
    • Plan, create, and publish weekly content across Instagram, including Reels, student worker/supervisors/departments highlight, informational graphics, and event promotions.
    • Maintain a consistent brand voice and visual identity aligned with the division’s communication goals.
  • Event Promotion & Coverage
    • Capture photos/videos at events and prepare follow-up content for digital channels.
  • Student Employment Communications
    • Lead storytelling initiatives highlighting student workers, supervisors, and campus employment opportunities.
    • Coordinate interview-style content, write captions, and manage the photo/video archive for student employment features.
  • Financial Aid Communications
    • Work closely with the Financial Aid team to gather updates, clarify messaging, and ensure accuracy of information shared with students.
    • Assist with email drafts, print collateral, and on-campus tabling materials.
  • Brand & Project Support
    • Support the office in maintaining clear, accessible communication about financial aid deadlines, processes, and resources.
    • Contribute creative ideas for improving outreach, digital engagement, and student understanding of financial aid programs.
  • Digital Analytics & Reporting
    • Track monthly social media performance using platform insights; analyze reach, engagement, and content interaction trends.
    • Produce concise performance reports and recommend data-driven adjustments to optimize visibility and audience engagement. 

Minimum Qualifications:

  • Strong writing and editing skills; ability to adapt tone for student audiences.
  • Experience creating content for social media platforms (Instagram).
  • Basic graphic design ability using Canva or similar tools.
  • Experience with photography or videography for digital content and events.
  • Strong attention to detail with the ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously.
  • Professional communication skills for working with students, supervisors, and various campus departments.
  • Reliability, strong time management skills, and ability to meet weekly content deadlines.

Preferred Qualifications:

  • Prior experience in student communications or digital engagement.
  • Familiarity with brand management or storytelling for higher-education audiences.
  • Ability to analyze performance metrics and interpret social media insights.

Physical Demands:

This position may require movement such as traveling to event locations, capturing media (photos/videos), carrying light equipment (camera, tripod, etc.), or setting up materials for tabling and outreach.