Research Assistant - Office of the President

The research assistant will work in the Office of the President to provide in-depth research and analytical support to senior staff in the form of briefings, memos, literature reviews, and other written materials. The research assistant must be an excellent researcher and writer, have strong quantitative skills, possess knowledge of public policy and/or related social science research areas, and be able to work quickly with depth and precision. Specific projects will evolve, focusing on a range of policy issues and perspectives in areas such as the changing landscape of higher education, including COVID-related impacts; campus democratic and civic engagement; university collaboration with industry and community; and urban social and institutional challenges. The candidate must be a disciplined self-starter who enjoys working in a fast paced and flexible environment.

Primary duties and responsibilities of the job include:

·        Conducting in-depth research and analysis.

·        Preparing memos, briefs, and other written materials for President’s Office senior staff.

·        Communicating complex information in clear, precise, and compelling prose.

·        Ensuring that materials prepared for senior staff are accurate, fact-checked, and proofed.

·        Monitoring and analyzing developments and major issues in higher education and other policy arenas to remain informed and proactively address issues germane to ongoing research projects.

·        Developing and sustaining contacts with faculty, staff, and other constituents within and outside the university, as necessary to create thorough work products.

Qualifications

The position requires a minimum of a Bachelor's degree in a related discipline and experience in conducting formal research and writing and drafting memos and briefs. Experience providing research support to senior faculty members or policymakers strongly preferred. Evening and weekend work is required.

 

Special skills and knowledge:

·        Excellent oral and written communications skills with high attention to detail.

·        Excellent analytical research and writing skills.

·        Ability to analyze and interpret data in a social science and policy context.

·        Knowledge of grammar usage and academic style guidelines.

·        Ability to synthesize and analyze information quickly.

·        Ability to maintain confidentiality, discretion and diplomacy.

·        Ability to work in a fast-paced environment, while balancing competing priorities and managing multiple assignments.

·        High degree of flexibility and self-motivation in order to deliver high quality work product.

NOTE: Please include three writing samples and and in no more than 300 words, please write about an issue you care deeply about.