FWS Design and Communications Student Assistant Specialist

 The Vera List Center for Art and Politics seeks a Federal Work Study student with graphic design, and photo/video production and editing experience to assist with various administrative, editorial, programmatic, and social media tasks, as well as supporting the presentation of public events such as the VLC Forum 2026, VLC Seminars, and New School New Books. The student should be available roughly 7–12 hours/week, averaging about 10 hours per week, at an hourly rate of $21/hour. The student will be expected to work in person at least 4 hours per week, including some evenings and weekends. The position begins in September and will run through December 2026, with the intention of being continued through the end of the academic year.  The student will report directly to Re’al Christian, Assistant Director of Editorial Initiatives. 

The Design and Communications Student Assistant Specialist will gain insight into the Vera List Center’s organization, including its public events, publications, exhibitions, fellowships, and prize cycles. The Student Assistant Specialist will learn about the interdisciplinary contributions of the VLC to New York City’s cultural communities and will be engaged with the Center’s efforts to diversify its programs and make them broadly accessible. The position is open to undergraduate or graduate students in any program at The New School and seeks candidates who are passionate about the arts, how they intersect with current political issues, and often enhance social justice work and strategies. 

The Vera List Center for Art and Politics is an artist-centered organization at The New School that imagines and supports politically-engaged art, public scholarship, research, and community around the world. Founded in 1992, we are guided by the unwavering belief that artists play an essential role addressing issues that are urgent to communities around the world. We are: a vibrant locally, nationally, and internationally connected hub for art that advances equity, inclusion, and social justice; a forum for rigorous study, research, and teaching on the significance of art as a force for political empowerment; and a venue to support, present, and commission visionary projects. Across all our work, we galvanize resources to support artists and nurture public recognition of the extraordinary role they play in society. We contribute to a thriving arts ecosystem through: direct support of artists (prizes, fellowships, exhibitions, and other meaningful public presentations of artists’ work); educational and public programs that are free and open to the public; and publications intended for a wide audience.

www.veralistcenter.org

RESPONSIBILITIES

Duties of the position include: 

• Creation of graphics in support of the Focus Theme, Matter of Intelligence, the related fellowship artists and their projects, upcoming seminar series and other initiatives using current and new design templates. 

• General administrative support such as help with preparing mailings, website updates, filing and organization, putting together itineraries, etc.

• Basic editing of long-form video documentation from VLC programs for digital platforms including website, Vimeo, and Instagram.

• Creation of compelling short-form video excerpts of programs for social media usage. 

• Occasional video or photographic documentation of VLC programs.

• Support of program evaluations, attendance, and statistics, and gathering other data relevant for outreach, PR, and development. 

• Research and organizing information for VLC fellows and events

• Support of communication efforts in accordance with the VLC outreach calendar and social media, to include taking pictures and drafting posts. 

• Assistance and design help with publication and other asset management and organization.

• Use of FileMaker database to archive the VLC projects and network, including creating new records for individuals, events, and programs; managing lists, updating prior entries; using it to export lists of contacts, addresses, etc. and saving backups of the FileMaker archive regularly (prior experience with FileMaker is not necessary, but past experience with a similar database is a plus).

• Other administrative and programmatic tasks as assigned.

• In-person event support, evenings and weekends.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• Must qualify for Federal Work Study stipend.

• Passion for engaging with diverse communities of different backgrounds through contemporary art and social justice work. 

• Experience with video editing software, designing title treatments

• Ability to edit for multiple formats and aspect ratios (9:16, 1:1, 16:9, 4:5) for TikTok, Instagram, YouTube, CTV, and web.

• Skilled in Photoshop, InDesign, and Figma.

• Strong office, administrative, and organizational skills.

• Exemplary attitude and work habits, including diligence and attention to detail.

• Independent worker with great self motivation and initiative, who thrives working simultaneously across different tasks and platforms and can work without close supervision or alone.

• Commitment for two semesters and availability in the evening and weekends to help with events.

• Outstanding research, writing, and communication skills. 

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Curatorial and editorial experience or interest.

• Pursuing a degree in design-related field.

• Some knowledge of sound design and audio mixing to polish final cuts.

• Event planning and coordination experience. 

• Social media and communications experience.

• Experience with video editing, graphic design, WordPress, and Adobe Illustrator software a plus.

WORK MODE: Hybrid/Split #LI-DNI

Hourly Rate: $21/hour

We are an equal opportunity employer and do not discriminate in hiring or employment on the basis of race, color, creed, religion or belief, national or ethnic origin, citizenship status, marital or domestic partnership status, sexual orientation, sex, gender identity or expression, age, disability, military or veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law. The New School recognizes and values the benefits of a diverse workforce.

SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS TO APPLICANTS * (if applicable)

Please provide a resume, cover letter stating your interest, and a federal work study award letter. 

Responsibilities:

The FWS Design and Communications Student Assistant Specialist will work with various members of the VLC staff providing day-to-day support as well as working on longer term projects. This position is multifaceted and includes administrative, communications, publishing, and programmatic responsibilities, at times extending to archival work or database management. Specific work will include drafting event and communication graphics using VLC design templates, video or photography editing, staffing in person events and exhibitions, and sometimes producing original design materials. Candidates should have an interest in design and editorial work across publications, communications, and video.