Journalism Reading Room Assistant (SJMC)

The UW-Madison School of Journalism and Mass Communication is hiring for JRR Student Assistants. Applications are due Thursday, August 27th. See below for more information about the position and how to apply!

Position Title: Journalism Reading Room Student Assistant

Unit/Department: School of Journalism and Mass Communication, College of Letters & Science

Location: Journalism Reading Room (JRR), Vilas Hall, UW–Madison  

Position Type: Student Hourly

Pay: $16 hourly

Position Summary:

The School of Journalism and Mass Communication (SJMC) is hiring reliable, detail-oriented undergraduate students to staff the Journalism Reading Room (JRR) front desk. JRR Student Assistants serve as the primary point of contact for students, faculty, and visitors entering the space. A central responsibility of this position is managing the equipment checkout system for SJMC journalism and strategic communication production courses, ensuring gear is maintained, tracked, and returned in working order. Students have the opportunity to study during JRR hours and may also have the opportunity to staff SJMC events after hours.

Primary Duties & Responsibilities

1. Service Desk Operations & Patron Support

• Staff the JRR front desk during scheduled shifts, serving as a welcoming resource for students, faculty, and campus visitors.  
• Answer general inquiries regarding the JRR, SJMC facilities, and course resources.
• Maintain a clean, professional, and productive environment within the reading room.  

2. Equipment Checkout & Inventory Management

• Facilitate the reservation, check-out, and return of multimedia production equipment (e.g., DSLRs, video cameras, audio recorders, microphones, lighting kits, and accessories) for SJMC coursework.
• Inspect returned equipment carefully for missing parts, obvious physical damage, or technical issues before returning items to inventory.
• Maintain accurate electronic logs of gear checkouts, due dates, and student accounts. Assist with routine equipment maintenance, battery charging, and room/gear organization.

3. Event Staffing & Departmental Support 

• Provide operational and logistical support for SJMC departmental events, speaker series, panel discussions, and special receptions on an as-needed basis. 
• Assist with event setup, room arrangement, guest check-in, directional guidance, and basic AV equipment assistance during events. 
• Assist SJMC administrative staff and facility managers with light clerical tasks and facility monitoring. 
• Report technical equipment faults or facility maintenance needs promptly to supervisors.

Required Qualifications:

• Currently enrolled UW–Madison undergraduate student in good academic standing.
• Strong attention to detail and organizational skills
• Excellent customer service, communication, and problem-solving abilities.
• High level of reliability, punctuality, and ability to work independently during desk shifts.

Preferred:

• Declared or intending major in the SJMC (Reporting, Strategic Communication, or Double track).  
• Familiarity with multimedia production equipment (audio gear, cameras, lighting)
• Prior experience with customer service, desk staffing, event staffing, or inventory/checkout systems.

Application Requirements

Interested candidates should submit the following:

• Current Resume
• Fall Course Schedule: A copy of your course schedule for the upcoming semester and please note any other fall jobs, internships, or commitments that may impact your weekly availability
  • JRR will be open M-F 10-5pm
• Personal Statement: A brief essay (one single-spaced page, maximum) detailing your interest in the position

How to Apply: 

To apply, submit the above application requirements by clicking here. The deadline to apply is Thursday, August 27th, 11:59 PM CST. 

If you have any questions about the application, please reach out to Amanda Kruger, amkruger2@wisc.edu.