Seeking Student Assistant

The Possibility Lab is composed of a team of policy researchers and practitioners who work with state, local and nonprofit partners to design, pilot, and scale new models of community participation for public-sector problem solving. We are a mix of faculty, led by Professor Amy Lerman, full-time staff, and students who value integrity, rigor, curiosity, and communication. Together, we celebrate our wins, learn from our missteps, and help each other—and our partners—find solutions. Through our work, we are focused on community-engaged public policy research that is co-designed in collaboration with government and community partners using evidence-based and rigorous research methods. 

We are seeking a Student Assistant (SA) to support the Possibility Lab’s communications team. The SA will help bring our research to a wider audience. This includes producing our newsletter, updating our website, creating design and social media materials, and turning research reports and briefs into clear, accessible content for people outside the university. This is a hands-on communications and production role for someone who writes well, pays close attention to detail, and is interested in how policy research reaches and engages a public audience. 

We expect that this position will work 8-10 hours per week for the Fall 2026 and Spring 2027 semesters. Hourly rate of pay will be up to $25/hour based on qualifications and experience. 

Responsibilities 

Activities the SA will undertake may include: 

• Produce the lab newsletter in Mailchimp, including drafting copy, building layouts, proofreading, and preparing each issue for distribution.
• Update and maintain pages on possibilitylab.berkeley.edu using WordPress.
• Create social media graphics, presentation slides, and event materials using the lab’s brand system.
•  Turn research reports and briefs into shorter, public-facing content, including web summaries, social posts, and short explainers.
• Take photos and short-form video at lab events and partner gatherings and edit the material for publication.
• Maintain the communications calendar, digital asset library, and mailing lists.
• Check published PDFs and web pages for accessibility and compliance with UC Berkeley standards.

Qualifications 

• Strong writing skills and the ability to turn academic or technical language into clear, plain language.
• Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail, including proofreading and file management.
• Ability to learn new tools quickly. Our team uses WordPress, Mailchimp, Adobe Creative Cloud, Figma, and Canva. 
• Ability to manage multiple deadlines and raise questions or problems early. 
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively. 
• Current registration as a UC Berkeley student. 
• Experience with WordPress or another content management system. (Preferred) 
• Design experience, including layout, typography, or working within an established brand system. (Preferred) 
• Experience with photography, video, or audio production. (Preferred) 
• Interest in public policy, civic engagement, government, or community-based research. (Preferred)

To Apply 

• Compile a cover letter and resume as one pdf file. 
• Title the pdf file: [YourFirstName]_[YourLastName]_SA-Application 
• Submit the file to possibilitylab@berkeley.edu by 4:00 pm, September 30, 2026. Please also use the file name as the Subject of your email.