Contemplative Commons Communications Assistant Position
The Contemplative Sciences Center (CSC) at the University of Virginia is seeking motivated and passionate undergraduate and graduate students to join our team for summer 2026 and / or the 2026-2027 academic year.
This is an exciting chance to contribute to CSC’s mission of advancing student flourishing, interdisciplinary research, and innovative programs that integrate contemplative practices into academic and community life. The student experience is at the core of our work, and your perspectives will directly shape our programs, research, and influence on Grounds.
We are seeking four talented and detail-oriented undergraduate students with strong social media, writing, and/or design skills to support the communications efforts of the Contemplative Sciences Center.
This role is ideal for students interested in utilizing and honing their marketing skills via digital platforms including Instagram; and for writers who enjoy telling stories of people and organizations.
Situated within UVA’s Contemplative Commons, the Contemplative Sciences Center fuses contemplation, connection, and research to enhance flourishing. The center creates opportunities that center mind-body practices for wellbeing, insight, and compassion in all aspects of life—social, emotional, physical, and professional.
Social Media Marketers: Student Assistants will help ideate and implement visual storytelling via reels, photography, and graphic design.
Writers: Student Assistants will focus on writing and editing content for newsletters, social media, and promotional materials to enhance engagement with our audiences along with additional administrative responsibilities.
Aptitude and experience with creating and editing Instagram Reels is a plus.
Key Responsibilities (not all are necessary):
- Assist in creating scripts for videos, interviews, and event coverage
- Perform other writing-related duties as assigned
- Write and edit content for newsletters, social media posts, and website pages
- Draft compelling and engaging social media captions, ensuring consistency in tone and voice
- Proofread and fact-check materials to ensure clarity, accuracy, and alignment with brand messaging
- Conduct research on relevant topics to support content development
- Collaborate with team members to refine messaging for marketing campaigns and outreach materials
- Maintain an editorial calendar to manage content deadlines
Qualifications preferred based on area of interest
- Experience with social media
- Experience with short-form video content (Reels, Capcut, etc.)
- Experience with Adobe Creative Suite and/or Canva
- Strong visual storytelling abilities
- Strong writing, editing, and proofreading skills
- Ability to adapt writing style for different platforms and audiences
- Excellent attention to detail and ability to meet deadlines
- Interest in marketing, communications, graphic design, journalism, public relations, or related fields
- Interest in contemplative arts, mindfulness, meditation, or expanding experience with contemplation helpful
Benefits include:
- Hands-on experience in content development and professional writing
- Networking and professional development opportunities
- Opportunity to develop a writing and communications portfolio
- Flexible work hours to accommodate academic schedules
- Supportive, collaborative work environment
- Compensation starts at $15/hr for undergraduates; $20/hr for graduate students
How to Apply
Fill out the application form. Along with your application, please submit a cover letter stating your interest in working at the Contemplative Sciences Center in this position; a resume; two different types of writing samples (e.g. articles, essays, social media posts, blog entries, etc); OR links to social media posts or descriptions of your social media experience.
Applications are due by 8am April 13, 2026. Interviews will take place from April 20-30, 2026.