Research Assistant (Student)

Work Where You Learn: Build Experience, Grow Skills, and Contribute to Your University Community.

 

This position is available only to enrolled American University students.

Most student positions at American University are eligible to use Federal Work Study (FWS) awards, with a few exceptions. FWS funds cannot be applied to janitorial, construction, partisan or sectarian positions. For information or questions regarding FWS funds, please contact American University's Office of Financial Aid.

 

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Operations

Time Type:

Part time

FLSA Status:

Non-Exempt

Summary:  

The Sine Institute of Policy & Politics seeks a motivated and detail-oriented undergraduate student to support the Institute's programming, research, communications, and student engagement efforts during Summer 2026. This part-time position offers students an opportunity to gain hands-on experience at the intersection of public policy, politics, civic engagement, and higher education administration. The successful candidate will contribute to a variety of projects that advance the Institute's mission of fostering informed dialogue, civic participation, and leadership development.

Essential Functions:

1.) Research Support

• Conduct background research on policy issues, political trends, public leaders, and current events.

• Compile research briefs, summaries, and resource materials for Institute programs and initiatives.

• Assist with data collection, literature reviews, and preparation of reports.

2.) Administrative Support

• Assist with scheduling meetings, maintaining project timelines, and organizing program materials.

• Support event planning and logistical coordination for Institute programs and activities.

• Maintain records, databases, and internal documents as needed.

3.) Student Engagement

• Help promote Institute events, programs, and opportunities to undergraduate students.

• Assist in outreach efforts to student organizations and campus partners.

• Support the development of initiatives that encourage student participation in civic and political discourse.

4.) Content Creation & Communications

• Create content for social media, newsletters, website updates, and promotional materials.

• Draft event summaries, student spotlights, and program announcements.

• Assist in developing multimedia content, including graphics, photos, and short videos.

Position Type/Expected Hours of Work: 

• Part-time. 

• 10 - 15 hours per week. 

Salary Range:

• $19.50 per hour.

Required Education and Experience:

• Current undergraduate student in good academic standing.

• Strong written and verbal communication skills.

• Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail.

• Ability to work independently and manage multiple projects simultaneously.

• Interest in public policy, politics, civic engagement, communications, or related fields.

Preferred Education and Experience:​

• Experience with social media platforms, Canva, Microsoft Office, Google Workspace, or similar tools is preferred.

Additional Eligibility Qualifications:

1.) Learning Outcomes

• Gain practical experience in policy research and program administration.

• Develop professional communication and content creation skills.

• Strengthen project management and organizational abilities.

• Build knowledge of civic engagement and public affairs programming.

• Expand their professional network through engagement with policy practitioners, scholars, and campus leaders.

2.) Time Commitment

• Flexible scheduling (Tues/Thurs in office) based on student availability and Institute needs.

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 [email protected].

 

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.