Student Assistant II
(This is a work-study position)
Start Date: 8/12/2026
Pay: $19.61/hour, approximately 8-12 hours per week
Reports to: IGS Event and Communications Director
Job Description:
The Institute of Governmental Studies is searching for a creative, detail-oriented student assistant to help advance the Institute's digital reach by supporting communications strategy, content scheduling, and administrative operations. This position provides communications support across the Institute's three distinct brand voices: IGS, the IGS Library, and the Robert T. Matsui Center for Politics and Public Service. It also plays a key role in tracking platform analytics and trends to inform content strategy. The Assistant must be able to work independently with a high degree of professionalism and minimal oversight.
Responsibilities:
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Draft copy and schedule cross-platform social media content (Instagram, LinkedIn, X, Threads, TikTok), connecting with our audience through the distinct brand voices used across the Institute’s platforms
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Monitor trending social media topics, IGS and Matsui Center analytics, and relevant current events in public service and politics to shape short-form content strategy and recruitment/fundraising campaigns
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Draft copy and schedule Mailchimp email campaigns for weekly event announcements and quarterly departmental e-newsletters
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Manage digital accounts and scheduled content via SocialPilot and Mailchimp
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Keep the IGS website updated by uploading images and editing text copy in accordance with UC Berkeley Digital Accessibility guidelines
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Organize and maintain digital archives and mailing lists
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Support event logistics and the general upkeep of shared Matsui Center spaces as needed
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Other duties as assigned
This position is right for you if you have:
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A strong, engaging communication style and enjoy connecting with people
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A passion for storytelling and developing strong brand identity through written and visual communications
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Interest in developing copywriting, marketing, and basic graphic design skills
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Experience creating professional copy for newsletters and social media (Instagram, LinkedIn, X, Threads, TikTok) on behalf of public officials or organizations
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Experience with graphic design via Canva, Adobe Photoshop, and/or Adobe Illustrator
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Comfort learning and adapting to a distinct brand voice across multiple platforms and audiences
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The ability to exercise effective decision-making and problem-resolution skills
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The ability to work in a flexible atmosphere and adapt when new opportunities arise
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A preference for a small, collaborative, tight-knit team environment
Knowledge and Skills:
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The ability to work independently, multi-task, and prioritize objectives to meet deadlines are required
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Strong spoken and written communication skills in English are required
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Proficiency in Microsoft Office, Google Docs, Google Sheets, and similar applications is required
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Experience with social media scheduling/analytics tools such as SocialPilot or Mailchimp is preferred
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Job experience in an office environment is preferred
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Experience working with and organizing sensitive information is a plus
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Proficiency with spoken and written communication skills in Spanish is a plus
Please email your resume and course schedule to Ezra Bristow at igs@berkeley.edu, and include the position number in your subject line.