SHIFT Communications Student Assistant

Responsibilities 

• Support development of communications content related to substance use, harm reduction, and well-being for Instagram, including health messaging, short-form videos, and graphics.
• Assist with social media trend research and data analysis to inform communication strategies.
• Collaborate with various individuals and groups (e.g., students, staff, faculty, campus partners) in-person and online to meet project needs.
• Support on-campus tabling, resource events, and other SHIFT events.
• Provide perspective into substance use culture and social norms on campus.
• Other communications duties as assigned.

Required Qualifications 

• Full-time enrollment in a UT Austin undergraduate program at a 2nd year or above level.
• Strong communication, critical thinking, and collaboration skills.
• Ability to work autonomously and take initiative on starting and following up on projects.
• Detail-oriented, organized, and creative.

Relevant education and experience may be substituted as appropriate.

Preferred Qualifications 

• Experience or interest in working in health communications, public health, and substance use safety initiatives. 
• Up to date on current social media and cultural trends.
• Experience with social media content creation and video editing.
• Interest in participating in video and other promotional content.
• Experience with Canva or similar graphic design programs. 

Salary Range

• $12.00 per hour
• All students receive a $0.50 increase at the start of each fall semester after completing one academic year working with Healthyhorns.

Working Conditions

• Option for remote and in-person work.
• Expected to be onsite at least 50% of working hours.
• SHIFT office is in the Student Services Building (SSB).

Work Shift

• 10-15 hours per week.
• May work outside of regular business hours.
• Start August 2025 and continue through the 2025-26 academic year.

Career Competencies Gained 

• Build and enhance an understanding of health communication and public health principles, and gain skills in implementing these principles in a real-world, higher education setting. 
• Articulate thoughts and ideas effectively in written and oral forms to persons inside and outside of the organization. 
• Demonstrate dependability (e.g., report consistently for work, meet deadlines), ability to learn from mistakes, and effective work habits (e.g., punctuality, working productively with others, time/workload management). 

Required Materials 

Please mark "yes" on the application question that asks if additional materials are required. Candidates who fail to attach all additional materials listed may not be considered for the position.

• Resumé/CV
• Letter of interest
• Questions can be directed to Aurora Lujan, SHIFT Communications and Program Coordinator, at aurora.lujan@austin.utexas.edu.  
• The application deadline is 11:59 pm CST on August 7, 2026.

Important for applicants who are NOT current university employees or contingent workers: You will be prompted to submit your resume the first time you apply, then