Meredith Baker
Public Relations Coordinator
The technical stuff
Duties: Write/distribute/follow-up news releases, write/edit articles for RCPD newsletter, take photographs, develop collateral materials, maintain media contacts, promote RCPD and its causes and develop/implement creative ways to increase community involvement.
Recommended qualifications: Strong writing and editing skills, graphic design experience, software knowledge including Microsoft Office and Adobe products, such as Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign and Acrobat. Creativity, flexibility, positive attitude, ability to work independently. Knowledge of printing processes, ability to work with local printers. Preferably at least a year availability (possibly including summer). Open to any undergraduate or graduate student of any major.
More info: Position begins Spring/Summer 2005. Pays competitively, flexible schedule and time commitment. Freedom to be creative. Produces strong portfolio and résumé pieces through real-world experience.
The real story
The Resource Center for Persons with Disabilities is looking for a student to act as its public relations coordinator. In this challenging, rewarding position, the coordinator will gain valuable experience, expand and develop new skills and make a positive difference.
As RCPD's PR person, the coordinator will have tremendous flexibility to develop and implement creative strategies to promote the office. Some goals could include, but certainly are not limited to, working to increase involvement with the Persons with Disabilities Empowerment Fund, developing brochures or interactive presentations to provide information about the office, increasing media coverage of RCPD and organizing special events. Motivation and creativity are essential, as well as good people skills and a positive attitude. It is a great position for an above average, creative, talented student.
About RCPD
The office has a long and impressive history of helping MSU students and staff members with disabilities. The center, first named the Office of Programs for Handicapper Students (OPHS), was created in 1972 as MSU's response for equal access to a university education for all students.
For more than 30 years, the Resource Center for Persons with Disabilities has sought to improve the education of students with disabilities. Beginning in the early 1930s, even before the formal creation of an office, the Tower Guard Honor Society read textbooks and classroom materials to students who were blind, a tradition that continues today with the help of Tower Guard and many volunteers.
Over the years, assistive technologies were introduced to the university community. Foundational services for students with mobility and visual disabilities expanded to include services for students (and later employees) that were deaf or hard of hearing, as well as those with learning disabilities, brain injuries, psychiatric and various chronic health disabilities.