Communications Student Assistant - McDonald Observatory, Austin

Job Posting

Title:

Communications Student Assistant - McDonald Observatory, Austin

Hiring Department:
McDonald Observatory

Position Open To:
All Applicants

Weekly Scheduled

Hours:

15

FLSA Status:
Non-Exempt from FLSA

Earliest

Start Date:

Aug 24, 2026

Position Duration:
Expected to Continue Until Dec 31, 2026

Location:

UT MAIN CAMPUS

General Notes UT Austin undergraduate communications and astronomy students are invited to apply for the McDonald Observatory communications team’s student worker position. Work takes place on the Austin campus in the Physics, Math, and Astronomy Building. This position is expected to continue through fall semester, with the possibility of continuation through spring or beyond based on work performance and business needs.

Purpose Support observatory communications, marketing, and outreach initiatives.

• Following established image and content guidelines, create social media campaigns, newsletters, postcards, and other marketing/outreach materials.
• Source images for social media posts that are already written.
• Graphic design experience is not required, but a plus.
• Create calendar of community events, astronomy history dates, social media initiatives, and other topics of interest for promotion to internal and external audiences.
• Research media contacts, advertising opportunities, and similar.
• Print and assemble membership mailing materials for distribution.
• Review and update the McDonald Observatory website to align with accessibility standards.
• May represent the Observatory at Austin-area outreach events, sharing information about the Observatory and astronomy topics to general audiences.
• At events, assist with telescope viewings (training provided, if needed).

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills
• Attention to detail
• Ability to show up on time for regular shifts

Salary Range $14.00/hr

Standard office environment

In-person in the PMA building on the main UT campus

10-15 hours per week, Monday
- Friday, between the hours of 9:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m.

• Resume/CV 3 work references with their contact information; at least one reference should be from a supervisor or instructor
• Letter of interest
• Fall class schedule

Please make sure you meet all the required qualifications and you can perform all of the essential functions with or without a reasonable accommodation.

Students in this position may choose to enroll in the UTSaver voluntary retirement programs.

A criminal history background check will be required for finalist(s) under consideration for this position.

The University of Texas at Austin, as an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer, complies with all applicable federal and state laws regarding nondiscrimination and affirmative action. The University is committed to a policy of equal opportunity for all persons and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, marital status, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, disability, religion, or veteran status in employment, educational programs and activities, and admissions.

The University of Texas at Austin will not discharge or in any other manner discriminate against employees or applicants because they have inquired about, discussed, or disclosed their own pay or the pay of another employee or applicant. However, employees who have access to the compensation information of other employees or applicants as a part of their essential job functions cannot disclose the pay of other employees or applicants to individuals who do not otherwise have access to compensation information, unless the disclosure is (a) in response to a formal complaint or charge, (b) in furtherance of an investigation, proceeding, hearing, or action, including an investigation conducted by the employer, or (c) consistent with the contractor’s legal duty to furnish information.

If hired, you will be required to complete the federal Employment Eligibility Verification I-9…