The Digital Content and Graphic Design Assistant is an in-person, part-time position averaging 20 hours per week. This role supports VanderCook College of Music’s communications and marketing initiatives through the creation of high-quality visual content, social media management, and digital campaign planning and execution. The assistant is responsible for designing and producing engaging graphic design, photo, and video content that strengthens VanderCook’s brand and enhances its presence across digital platforms. Working collaboratively with the Coordinator of Communications, Media & A/V, this position plays a vital role in expanding the College’s digital reach, increasing audience engagement, and supporting recruitment, development, events, outreach, and other institution-wide initiatives. The ideal candidate is a creative and detail-oriented storyteller who can translate institutional goals into compelling visual and digital communications that connect with a variety of audiences.
Responsibilities:
Graphic Design
- Design digital and print materials, including social media graphics, email visuals, flyers, posters, concert programs, and campaign assets
- Maintain brand consistency across all visual communications
- Adapt and resize assets for multiple platforms and formats
- Develop templates to streamline content production
Digital Content and Social Media
- Create, schedule, and publish content across all VanderCook social media platforms
- Write captions aligned with institutional voice and campaign goals
- Execute social media campaigns for institutional programming and events
- Monitor engagement and interact with audiences (comments, messages)
- Collaborate on content ideation by contributing creative concepts, campaign ideas, and platform-specific approaches
- Stay informed on social media trends, tools, and best practices
- Provide input based on platform insights and performance data
Video and Multimedia Content
- Edit short-form video (Reels, Shorts, promotional clips)
- Assist in capturing photo and video content at events
- Repurpose long-form content into high-performing short-form assets
Email Marketing
- Build and deploy email campaigns using Constant Contact
- Format content for clarity, visual appeal, and engagement
- Assist with audience segmentation and list organization
Campaign Execution
- Support multi-channel campaigns (events, recruitment, fundraising)
- Produce deliverables, including graphics, posts, and email assets
- Follow timelines and ensure consistent rollout across platforms
Analytics & Reporting
- Track performance of social media and email campaigns
- Compile reports for the Communications, Media and AV Coordinator and collaborate on opportunities for improvement
Qualifications:
- Bachelor’s degree in Communications, Marketing, Graphic Design, or a related field; equivalent professional experience.
- Minimum of two years of experience in graphic design, digital content creation, and social media management.
- Strong written and verbal communication, organizational, and detail-oriented skills.
- Excellent collaboration and relationship-building abilities.
- Effective time management, planning, and project coordination skills.
- Commitment to VanderCook’s mission and an appreciation for the impact of music education, community engagement, and student-centered storytelling
Technical Skills:
- Proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite, including Photoshop, InDesign, and Premiere Pro.
- Strong working knowledge of Google Workspace (Docs, Sheets, Drive), Microsoft Office (PowerPoint), Canva, and Apple technology.
- Basic proficiency in Figma, including layout design, asset export, and collaborative workflows.
- Experience creating and editing short-form video content for social media platforms (Reels, Shorts, etc.).
- Experience managing and growing social media accounts across multiple platforms.
To Apply:
This position is open for immediate hire and will remain open until filled. Please email a cover letter, resume, and names of three references to . Applications will be reviewed until a suitable candidate is found.
Please include the following project samples with your resume and cover letter:
- Two (2) links to social media video content you have created and produced
- Two (2) examples of graphic design work (image files or portfolio samples)
- One (1) sample of a video project suitable for presentation on YouTube, at a live event, or for internal organizational use
Submitted materials should demonstrate your creativity, technical proficiency, and ability to communicate effectively across a variety of media platforms.
Salary
Individual salaries that are offered to a candidate are determined after consideration of numerous factors including internal equity, market data, the candidate’s qualifications – including but not limited to specialty skills, prior relevant industry experience, relevant degrees or certifications. The salary range estimate below is inclusive of all departments within the institution and offered salaries may vary within the given range between departments. A reasonable estimate of the hourly salary range for this level is $22 – $25 per hour. Benefits are not included for this position.
Pay: $22.00 - $25.00 per hour
Benefits:
Education:
Experience:
- graphic design, digital content creation, social media mgmt: 2 years (Preferred)
Ability to Commute:
- Chicago, IL 60616 (Preferred)
Work Location: In person
