Part-Time Research Assistant: Local Climate Media Analysis

American University is hiring a Part-Time Research Assistant for Local Climate Media Analysis in Washington, DC. The role involves analyzing local climate change media coverage, supporting interviews with journalists, and engaging with the community. The position is part-time, requiring 10 hours per week, with a salary of $23-$27 per hour. Candidates must work on-campus initially and are part of a collective bargaining unit.
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

Department:

School of Communication

Time Type:

Part time

Job Type:

Casual

FLSA Status:

Non-Exempt

Work Modality:

Union:

SEIU Local 500 - Provost & Enrollment Division

This position is part of a collective bargaining unit represented by SEIU Local 500 - Provost & Enrollment Division. That means the terms and conditions of your employment are governed by university policy (including the Staff Personnel Policies Manual) and any collective bargaining agreement entered into between American University and SEIU Local 500 - Provost & Enrollment Division.

Job Description:

Summary:

The Research Assistant will be responsible for a detailed analysis of local climate change coverage originating from news outlets serving the Washington, D.C. metropolitan area, and will also provide crucial support in the process of interviewing journalists based in the region who specialize in reporting on climate-related issues.

Responsibilities:

1.) Media Analysis
• Conduct analysis of local news media to assess the scope of climate change coverage.
• Data verification and identification of new information sources.

2.) Interview Support (Journalists)
• Provide support for interviews with local climate journalists.
• In-depth research on potential interviewees, note-taking during interviews, and initial analysis of interview transcripts to identify key insights.

3.) Community Engagement
• Identify and establish contact with individuals within the local community.
• Conduct interviews to explore their understanding of climate change and their perceptions of local media coverage.

Position Type/Expected Hours of Work:
• Part-time.
• Continuation of the program/position is contingent upon external funding May through August 1, 2025.
• 10 hours per week.

Salary Range:
• $23-$27 per hour.

Required Education and Experience:
• Undergraduate degree.
• Comfortable engaging with students, faculty, and external partners.
• Able to work independently and as part of a team.

Additional Information:
• Employees in the School of Communication are required to work on campus in a full presence modality for the first month of their employment.

Benefits

AU offers a competitive benefits package including a 200% matching retirement plan, tuition benefits for full-time staff and their families, several leadership development certificates, and has been recognized by the American Heart Association as a fit-friendly worksite.

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

American University current employees 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.