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Hourly Content Development and Pre-Production Assistant

Part-time/Hourly: $25-$30/hour, 25 hours/week

Office of Communications

111 West State Street Trenton, NJ 08608

Thomas Edison State University was founded in 1972 to break down barriers to degree completion. Fifty years later, it proudly serves a diverse body of adult students with innovative and professionally relevant academic programming in a predominantly online delivery. Our team of high-energy student-focused professionals is welcoming new members who are making their mark in education and are ready to help change the lives of thousands of adult students across New Jersey and around the world.

Candidates who are excited by changing lives, committed to the success of all and want to be challenged by new and innovative opportunities, should submit an application.

Summary:

The Hourly Content Development and Pre-Production Assistant is responsible for identifying, developing, and coordinating compelling stories that showcase the impact of Thomas Edison State University. Working collaboratively with the Director of Multimedia and the Office of Communications, this position manages the storytelling pipeline from concept through production by researching story opportunities, cultivating relationships across the University community, coordinating interviews and logistics, and providing editorial support that helps bring authentic stories to life.

This position helps ensure that every student, graduate, and employee has the opportunity to share stories that demonstrate the transformative impact of a Thomas Edison State University education.

The ideal candidate has a strong background in journalism, communications, or content production and possesses exceptional storytelling instincts, organizational skills, and the ability to build meaningful relationships with students, alumni, and staff.

Essential Responsibilities:

Story Development & Research

- Research and identify compelling student, alumni, staff, and community stories that align with the University's strategic priorities.

- Conduct outreach and relationship-building with prospective story participants.

- Perform background research and pre-interviews to evaluate story potential.

- Develop story concepts and recommend opportunities for multimedia, written, and digital content.

- Build and maintain a robust pipeline of future storytelling opportunities.

Editorial & Content Development

- Review interviews and identify compelling soundbites and narrative themes.

- Draft story summaries, interview briefs, scripts, and supporting written content.

- Collaborate on the development of videos, feature stories, social media campaigns, podcasts, and other communications materials.

- Help shape stories that reflect the University's mission while creating emotional connections with audiences.

Production Coordination

- Coordinate interview schedules, filming logistics, and production calendars.

- Serve as the primary point of contact for story participants throughout the production process.

- Track projects from initial outreach through final publication.

- Maintain production schedules, deadlines, and project documentation.

- Assist with obtaining releases, approvals, and supporting materials.

Communications Collaboration

- Work closely with communications staff to align storytelling efforts with institutional initiatives.

- Coordinate with writers, designers, photographers, videographers, and marketing staff to maximize the impact of each story.

- Help identify opportunities to repurpose stories across multiple communication platforms.

Strategic Storytelling

- Monitor trends, university initiatives, and community developments to proactively identify meaningful storytelling opportunities.

- Recommend story ideas that support enrollment, alumni engagement, fundraising, institutional reputation, and staff communications.

- Help establish consistent storytelling processes and editorial standards for the Multimedia team.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities:

- Outstanding storytelling and editorial judgment.

- Ability to recognize meaningful stories and transform ideas into compelling content.

- Strong interviewing and relationship-building skills.

- Excellent written and verbal communication.

- Ability to coordinate multiple projects simultaneously.

- Attention to detail and commitment to quality.

- Collaborative mindset with the ability to work across departments.

- Strategic thinking with an understanding of audience engagement and brand storytelling.

Requirements:

- Bachelor's degree in Journalism, Communications, Public Relations, English, or a related field.

- Professional experience in journalism, television news, communications, public relations, or content production.

- Exceptional writing, interviewing, and editing skills.

- Strong organizational and project management abilities.

- Excellent interpersonal and communication skills.

- Ability to manage multiple projects and deadlines in a fast-paced environment.

Preferred Requirements:

- Experience producing editorial or broadcast / digital content.

- Experience managing content calendars and production schedules.

- Familiarity with multimedia storytelling and digital content strategies.

- Experience collaborating with diverse stakeholders across an organization.

*TESU strives to offer a flexible work environment while balancing the operational needs of the University. As such, we have several options for hybrid-work schedules. Positions determine what type of hybrid-work schedule is available and, if necessary, adjustments are made to support University operations. 

Thomas Edison State University is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer