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Department:
Time Type:
Part time
Job Type:
FLSA Status:
Non-ExemptWork Modality:
Union:
Job Description:
Summary:
The Communications & Design Specialist acts as the Advancing College Teaching for Student Success (ACTSS) National Center’s primary storyteller and visual strategist, responsible for translating complex research findings into accessible, high-impact content for diverse audiences, such as academics, policy-makers, and the broader public, including students and families. In this inaugural role, the specialist will be responsible for successful communications during the launch of the ACTSS center. This role manages the center’s digital identity, design assets, and public relations strategy, in collaboration with the School of Education (SOE) and University communications teams, to ensure that research outputs reach policymakers, practitioners, and the broader public. By bridging the gap between academic research data and public perception about college teaching, the specialist enhances the center’s visibility, coordinates high-profile events, and cultivates relationships with institutional partners to amplify the center’s influence mission. This position is grant funded by the Lumina and ECMC Foundations.
Essential Functions:
1.) Visual Identity and Design
In collaboration with SOE and University communications teams, develop and maintain the center’s visual branding, including the creation of infographics, data visualizations, report templates, and presentation materials that effectively communicate research outcomes.
2.) Digital Content Management
Manage the center’s website and social media presence, producing engaging content such as newsletters, blog posts, and digital campaigns that reflect the center's research agenda.
3.) Strategic Communications
Draft press releases, executive summaries, OpEds, and targeted outreach materials; serve as the lead contact for media inquiries and institutional communications offices.
4.) Event Promotion and Coordination
Lead the marketing strategy for seminars, symposiums, and public lectures, including the design of event collateral and management of registration/outreach logistics, in collaboration with the ACTSS center administrative assistant.
5.) Liaising and Collaboration
Serve as the main liaison with internal and external communications stakeholders. Collaborate with SOE and University communications and marketing teams. Coordinate with external news venues and partners for major ACTSS events.
Competencies:
Displaying Creativity.
Evaluating and Implementing Ideas.
Developing Plans.
Acting Strategically.
Thinking Broadly.
Collaborative Leadership.
Serving Customers.
Making Accurate Judgments and Decisions.
Position Type/Expected Hours of Work:
Part-time.
15 hours per week.
Continuation of the program/position is contingent upon external funding.
The grants supporting this position will end 3/31/28.
Salary Range:
$34.00 per hour.
Required Education and Experience:
Bachelor's degree.
1 - 3 years of relevant experience.
Preferred Education and Experience:
Master's degree.
3 - 5 years of relevant experience.
Travel Required:
Occasional travel to ACTSS center events is required. Funding will be provided to cover travel expenses.
Other Duties:
Please note this job description 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.
Benefits
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Other Details
Hiring offers for this position are contingent on successful completion of a background check.
Employees in staff positions at American University must deliver their services to the university from either the District of Columbia, Maryland, or Virginia, or perform work on-site at the university.
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.
Current American University Employees
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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.