Graduate IE Research Assistant (Student)

American University is a student-centered research institution located in Washington, DC, with highly-ranked schools and colleges, internationally-renowned faculty, and a reputation for creating meaningful change in the world. Learn more about American University.

Time Type:

FLSA Status:

Position Summary:

The Graduate Research Assistant (GRA) to the Vice President of Inclusive Excellence (VPIE) will support the VPIE in advancing strategic initiatives by researching inclusive excellence initiatives in other universities. This position is ideal for graduate students passionate about fostering inclusive environments and conducting research that informs institutional practices and policies.

As a GRA, you will assist in research, communication, and presenting findings, helping to further AU’s commitment to inclusive excellence. You will be able to engage in cross-institutional collaboration, manage communications related to inclusive excellence efforts, and contribute to scholarly work advancing the field. 

Responsibilities include:  

• Research Support

  • Conduct literature reviews and support primary research initiatives related to diversity, equity, and inclusion.

  • Analyze institutional data on DEI metrics and compile findings for the VP’s strategic planning efforts.

  • Assist with developing research proposals and projects focused on inclusive excellence, including qualitative and quantitative research methodologies.

  • Contribute to creating research reports, presentations, and publications that communicate key findings to academic, administrative, and external audiences.

• Communications Support

  • Help develop and implement communication strategies to share research findings, institutional DEI initiatives, and events.

  • Support creating and managing content for newsletters, reports, websites, and social media related to inclusive excellence.

  • Coordinate communication efforts with internal and external stakeholders, including faculty, students, and community partners, to promote DEI-related activities and events.

  • Draft talking points, speeches, and presentations for the VP of Inclusive Excellence for meetings, conferences, and public speaking engagements.

• Presentation and Dissemination

  • Assist in preparing presentations and materials for conferences, symposia, and institutional meetings.

  • Present research findings to key stakeholders, including administrators, faculty, students, and external partners.

  • Collaborate on efforts to promote DEI research within academic journals and at academic conferences.

Position Type/Expected Hours of Work:

• Student.

• Part-time.

• 12-20 hours/wk.

Salary Range:

• $19.25/hr.

Minimum Requirements:

• Enrollment in a graduate program at American University, ideally in a field related to higher education, social sciences, public policy, or a similar discipline.

• Strong interest in inclusive excellence and belonging, committed to supporting institutional efforts to foster inclusive environments.

• Excellent research skills, including familiarity with data analysis tools and methodologies (qualitative and quantitative).

• Strong communication skills, both written and oral, with the ability to distill complex research findings for diverse audiences.

• Experience with presentations, public speaking, or academic dissemination of research preferred.

• Ability to work independently and as part of a collaborative team, managing multiple projects and deadlines.

Preferred Skills:  

• Experience with communicating findings to various constituents.

• Programs of interest and or compatibility: Anthropology, Sociology, Education Policy and Research, Ethics, Peace, and Human Rights, Intercultural and Internal Communication. Strategic Communication, etc.).

• Proficient with Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) and familiarity with communications platforms (e.g., social media, email marketing, website management) is a plus.

Additional Information:

• Cover letter should reflect a keen understanding of roles and expectations. This position offers the opportunity to work closely with senior leadership and gain valuable experience in higher education administration, research, and communications.

Other Details

• This position is available only to enrolled American University students.

• Please note this job announcement is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.

• American University is an E-Verify employer.

• Visit https://www.american.edu/hr/ for additional information about American University employment and benefits.

Current American University Employees

American University current employees (including those employed in student positions) must apply through their employee Workday account. If you are a current employee at American University, please log into Workday and select the Find Jobs report which will take you to our internal career listings.

Contact Us

For more information or assistance with the American University careers site, email theworkline@american.edu.

American University is an equal opportunity, affirmative action institution that operates in compliance with applicable laws and regulations. The university does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, sex (including pregnancy), age, sexual orientation, disability, marital status, personal appearance, gender identity and expression, family responsibilities, political affiliation, source of income, veteran status, an individual’s genetic information or any other bases under federal or local laws (collectively "Protected Bases") in its programs and activities.

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