Learning Skills Communications Peer

POSITION TITLE: Learning Skills Communications Peer 

UNIT & DEPARTMENT: Learning Skills Services, Student Success

ELIGIBILITY: Students must be work/study eligible  and must complete the online Student Financial Profile.

NUMBER OF POSITIONS: 1

RATE OF PAY: $18.00 per hour 

EMPLOYMENT TERM: SU 2023 & Fall/Winter 2023-2024 

HOURS OF WORK:  Summer: 5-10 hours/week, Fall/Winter: 10-12 hours/week 

LOCATION: The position is intended to work on-campus at the Keele campus during designated business hours (8:30am – 4:30pm). Opportunities for hybrid (some on-campus and some remote) work may become available, but is not guaranteed, and will be discussed with the successful candidate.

BECOMING YU:
The Work Study Student program provides on-campus job opportunities for eligible York University undergraduate students. Work Study Student employees are provided opportunities to contribute to support roles while developing valuable, relevant skills and work experience for the workplace. These roles offer a learning and development opportunity for Work Study Student employees to receive experiential on-the-job training, guidance and mentorship. Under the guidance of permanent staff members, Work Study Student employees will provide support to their relevant department/faculty in clerical, administrative and technical capacities. As part of your Work-Study/LEAP experience, you will participate in Becoming YU, a program designed to support students in:

• creating meaningful goals and objectives;
• recognizing the value of their personal, academic and professional experiences;
• identifying their competencies and skills; and
• articulating their skills and experiences with confidence. Becoming YU includes regular meetings with your student employment supervisor/coach for reflecting on your progress and getting valuable feedback.

JOB DESCRIPTION:

Learning Skills Services (LSS) serves all York students by fostering the academic and organizational skills necessary for academic success across all disciplines. Through group and individual services, LSS promotes independent learning by working with students to develop university-level learning skills and strategies, enhanced self-awareness about themselves as learners, and improved academic confidence and success. Learning Skills Services supports the mandate of York University by contributing to successful transitions to university, retention, engagement, and student academic and personal success.

Under the direction of the Learning Skills Specialists, the Learning Skills Communications Peer helps to develop and execute a communications plan for Learning Skills Services including social media (Facebook, Twitter, Instagram), promotional materials (e.g., posters), and written content (e.g., blogs, website). This position reports directly to the Learning Skills Specialists and works in cooperation with the Learning Skills Peer Team, SCLD Media & Communications Team, Learning Commons partners, and other departments and student groups on campus.

Specific Duties and Responsibilities:

• Contribute to the development of a communications/social media strategy.
• Create content for and maintain the Learning Skills social media presence (Instagram, Facebook, Twitter).
• Develop promotional materials (e.g., posters), and written content (e.g., blogs, website).
• Represent Learning Skills Services at various outreach events across the University. 
• Staff the Learning Commons Welcome Desk; provide excellent customer service and triage student needs to the appropriate referral.
• Various administrative duties as assigned, including record keeping, data entry, and responding to student inquiries (phone/email).
• Research learning skills-related topics, as assigned.
• Meet regularly and communicate effectively with supervisors.
• Attend all training sessions and meetings, unless in direct conflict with a class.
• Complete other duties as assigned.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS:

Education and Experience 

• Current undergraduate York student (we encourage applicants from diverse programs of study); involvement in campus life is an asset.
• High academic standing and experience-based knowledge of effective study strategies and learning skills. 
• Demonstrated experience creating social media content and promotional materials.

Skills and Qualifications 

• Demonstrated commitment to peer academic support and awareness of the academic support needs of students.
• Excellent oral and written communications skills.
• Skills in promotions and marketing.
• Some graphic design/ artistic ability, marketing and/or communications background an asset.
• Strong organizational and time management skills and good attention to detail. 
• Knowledge of York’s services and resources for students.
• Ability and willingness to work both independently and as part of a team. 
• Eagerness to learn and take initiative.
• Students who are a good fit for this position are dynamic, approachable, knowledgeable, and open to learning about themselves and others. They will show high levels of emotional intelligence combined with excellent adaptability and organizational skills.

MANDATORY TRAINING DATES:

• End of April/Early May 2023, Date TBA: Peer Leadership Training 
• August 28 – September 1, 2023: Mandatory Peer Training Week
• Winter 2024 Annual Peer Leadership Summit
• Monthly PLT Professional Development training workshops

*Dates subject to change; additional training may be added.

REQUIRED DOCUMENTS AND ASSIGNMENTS FOR APPLICATION:

1. Resume
2. Cover letter that answers the following questions:
   1. What areas of learning skills are you most passionate about and why? How do you see this communications role intersecting with your passion?
   1. What experience do you have planning and creating communications pieces for an organization/team?
3. Creative Assignment: Demonstrate how you would create Learning Skills specific messaging for York students in a captivating and engaging way by creating a short/brief promotional item that teaches students about academic reading skills. The promotional item can be a social media post/story, a poster, video, blog, or any other platform of your choosing.

* We strongly encourage all applicants to take advantage of the free services offered through the YorkU Career Education & Development Centre for resume, cover letter, and interview support.

APPLICATION CLOSING DATE:  Tuesday, February 21st, 9:00am

PLEASE NOTE:

• Only those applicants considered for an interview will be contacted.
• All applicants must submit their application using a @my.yorku.ca or if unpermitted, a @yorku.ca e-mail domain.
• This role is pending work-study funding approval.

York University requires all employees to comply with provisions regarding masking, vaccination, and daily health screening as outlined on the Better Together web site. At the time of the writing of this positions, York strongly encourages masking, vaccination and daily health screening using YU Screen. These provisions, guidelines and any requirements are subject to change from time to time in accordance with Public Health directives. For further details, please visit: www.yorku.ca/bettertogether.

The University welcomes applications from all qualified individuals, including, but not limited to women, persons with disabilities, visible minorities (racialized), Indigenous Peoples and persons of any gender identity and sexual orientation. York University is committed to a positive, supportive and inclusive environment.

York University offers accommodation for applicants with disabilities in its recruitment processes. If you are contacted by York University regarding a job opportunity or testing, please advise if you require accommodation.