Mid Michigan Gear UP Grant Social Media Fellowship

Mid-Michigan GEAR UP (MMGU) Communications & Social Media Fellow

Location: Davenport University / Hybrid

Duration: October 1, 2025 - September 30, 2026 (renewable based on funding and performance)

Status: Student Fellowship Position (Limited Part-Time)

Reports To: Director, Mid-Michigan GEAR UP

Award: Up to $10,000. Compensation is $15.00 per hour for up to approximately 665 hours, not to exceed the maximum fellowship award of $10,000.

Description

Mid-Michigan GEAR UP (MMGU) is seeking a student Communications & Social Media Fellow to support student engagement, program visibility, and outreach efforts across our partner school districts. This fellowship is designed to provide a student with hands-on experience in social media management, digital communications, marketing, website management, and event promotion while supporting the goals of the federally funded GEAR UP program.

The ideal candidate is creative, organized, and passionate about storytelling through digital media. The Communications & Social Media Fellow will lead MMGU''s social media and digital communications efforts while supporting outreach and student engagement across Mid-Michigan GEAR UP''s three partner school districts: Lansing School District, Ypsilanti Community Schools, and Muskegon Heights Public School Academy System. Working closely with Davenport University staff, Graduation Coaches, school personnel, students, and families, the Fellow will maintain MMGU''s online presence, highlight student success stories, promote college and career readiness activities, and increase awareness of program opportunities through social media, website content, marketing materials, and digital communications.

Minimum Requirements

Current Davenport University student in good academic standing (3.0+ GPA)

Strong written and verbal communication skills

Experience with social media platforms, including Facebook and Instagram

Familiarity with website content management and digital communications

Strong organizational and time management skills

Ability to work independently and collaboratively with multiple stakeholders

Interest in marketing, communications, education, or related fields

Primary Activities / Responsibilities

Follow Davenport University branding and social media guidelines.

Develop and maintain the Mid-Michigan GEAR UP website.

Manage and maintain MMGU social media accounts, including Facebook and Instagram.

Create, curate, and publish engaging content, including graphics, photos, videos, and written communications.

Promote GEAR UP events, student success stories, college and career readiness activities, and program opportunities.

Collaborate with Davenport University staff, Lansing School District, Ypsilanti Community Schools, and Muskegon Heights Public School Academy System, Graduation Coaches, and GEAR UP leadership to support communication and outreach efforts.

Develop outreach materials, informational flyers, and promotional content.

Assist with marketing and enrollment efforts for camps, workshops, and special events.

Track social media engagement and recommend strategies to increase program visibility.

Stay current on emerging social media trends, tools, and best practices.

Provide general administrative and clerical support as needed.

Professional Development Opportunities

Gain hands-on experience in higher education communications and marketing.

Build skills in content creation, website management, and digital engagement.

Collaborate with K-12, higher education, and community partners.

Develop a professional portfolio showcasing communications and marketing projects.

Additional Requirements

Ability to travel periodically to partner school districts and GEAR UP events.

Reliable transportation is preferred to support travel to program activities located within Lansing School District, Ypsilanti Community Schools, and Muskegon Heights Public School Academy System.

Davenport is an Equal Opportunity Employer

Davenport University is committed to building and supporting a diverse community of students, faculty and staff. Davenport University provides equal employment opportunities to all employees, applicants and students without unlawful discrimination based on national origin, race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, disability, gender identity, veteran, or military status, marital status, height, weight, genetic information, or other protected status