Next Lives at the University of Cincinnati
Founded in 1819, the University of Cincinnati ranks among the nation’s best urban public research universities. Home to more than 53,600 students, 12,000 faculty and staff, and over 360,000 living alumni, UC, a Carnegie 1 institution, combines research prowess with a physical setting The New York Times has called “the most ambitious campus design program in the country." UC's momentum has never been stronger as the anchor of the Cincinnati Innovation District, the oldest cooperative education (co-op) program in the country with students earning $94 million annually through paid experiences, an academic health system, and as a member of the Big 12 Conference. The university contributes $10.6 billion in economic impact to the city and $22.7 billion to the state of Ohio. At UC, next is all of us. Learn more at uc.edu.
UC is a mission-driven organization where we are committed to student success and positively transforming the community through scholarship and service. We thrive on innovation, making an impact, and fostering an environment where staff and faculty are key contributors to UC’s success.
Position Overview
The University of Cincinnati Graduate College seeks a highly motivated, creative and strategic graduate student to serve as the Marketing and Design Graduate Assistant. This graduate-level assistantship supports the Graduate College's marketing and communications efforts by developing high-quality visual and digital communications that promote graduate education, student success, events and institutional initiatives.
Working closely with the Graduate College Communication Manager, the Graduate Assistant will contribute to branding, campaign development, content strategy and creative project management while gaining professional experience in higher education marketing and communications. The Graduate Assistant will primarily support Graduate College communications and marketing initiatives and may occasionally collaborate with communications colleagues across the university, including the Office of the Provost, on shared institutional projects.
Professional Development and Learning Outcomes
This assistantship provides graduate-level professional experience through:
• Developing and executing integrated marketing campaigns.
• Building a professional portfolio featuring strategic branding and creative communications.
• Gaining experience with higher education marketing and enrollment communications.
• Strengthening project management and client collaboration skills.
• Learning best practices in accessibility, branding and strategic communications.
• Collaborating with communications professionals and the Office of the Provost Strategic Communications Graduate Assistant on shared institutional initiatives.
Appointment Details
• 20 hours per week during the academic year.
• Compensation includes Graduate Assistant stipend. Eligible students may also receive the Graduate Student Health Insurance (GSHI) Award in accordance with University of Cincinnati policies.
• Must maintain good academic standing and meet all University of Cincinnati Graduate Assistant eligibility requirements.
How to Apply
Please submit:
• Resume
• Portfolio or work samples (PDF or link)
• Cover letter describing interest in higher education marketing and communications
Applications are due Monday, August 24 at 5 p.m.
Marketing and Creative Strategy
• Support marketing campaigns that promote graduate programs, student success and Graduate College initiatives.
• Assist with planning and executing integrated communications across print and digital platforms.
• Contribute ideas for creative campaigns that increase awareness and engagement among prospective and current graduate students.
• Participate in brainstorming, campaign planning and marketing strategy discussions.
Design and Content Development
• Design engaging digital and print materials for Graduate College programs, events and campaigns.
• Create graphics for social media, websites, email communications, digital signage and presentations.
• Assist with the layout and production of reports, rack cards, publications and special projects.
• Develop templates and creative assets that strengthen visual consistency across Graduate College communications.
Brand Management and Accessibility
• Ensure all materials align with University of Cincinnati and Graduate College brand standards.
• Apply accessibility best practices, including ADA/WCAG guidelines, accessible PDFs, color contrast, typography and inclusive design principles.
• Maintain quality control and consistency across all communications.
• Revise materials based on stakeholder feedback and project objectives.
Collaboration and Project Management
• Manage multiple creative projects while meeting deadlines and balancing competing priorities.
• Organize and maintain shared design files, templates and digital assets.
• Collaborate regularly with the Office of the Provost Strategic Communications Graduate Assistant on shared communications initiatives, campaigns and events, including coordinating content development, visual assets and storytelling opportunities.
• Participate in cross-functional communications projects with university partners, as appropriate, to support institutional initiatives while maintaining a primary focus on Graduate College priorities.
• Assist with documenting project workflows and creative processes to improve efficiency.
Required Qualifications
Must be registered for at least twelve graduate credit hours each quarter of the academic year. Must meet eligibility criteria published by graduate programs that make awards and appointments.
Current or incoming full-time graduate student enrolled at the University of Cincinnati in a graduate degree program.
Strong proficiency with Adobe Creative Cloud, including InDesign, Illustrator and Photoshop, or comparable professional design software.
Demonstrated visual design, typography and layout skills.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
Strong organizational and project management skills.
Ability to work independently while collaborating effectively with professional staff, fellow graduate assistants and campus partners.
Additional Qualifications
• Experience designing for both print and digital platforms.
• Familiarity with brand standards and accessibility best practices.
• Experience developing integrated marketing or communications campaigns.
• Photography and/or videography skills for capturing and editing visual content.
• Experience with motion graphics, short-form video or web design.
• Marketing, communications or design coursework or professional experience.
UC is an E-Verify employer. If hired into this position, you will be required to provide satisfactory proof of employment eligibility by providing acceptable, original forms of identification for employment verification via the Federal I-9 employment verification process. Click here for a list of acceptable documents.
As a UC student employee of an Ohio public institution, you will not contribute to the federal Social Security system, other than contributions to Medicare.
Hourly Pay Rate:
To learn more about student employment at The University of Cincinnati, please click here.
To learn more about why UC is a great place to work, please visit our Careers Page.
Important: To apply for a student position, you must create a profile and submit a complete job application through the UC applicant portal. We are unable to consider “easy apply” applications submitted via other websites, including Handshake. For questions about the UC recruiting process or to request accommodations with the application, please contact UC HR at jobs@uc.edu.
Equal Opportunity Employer. Building a workplace where all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment, including Individuals with Disabilities and Protected Veterans.
REQ: 103416