Research Assistant, Center for the Future of the American University

The Center for the Future of the American University, housed within the Social, Cultural, and Constitutional Studies department at the American Enterprise Institute (AEI), is seeking a full-time, in-person, research assistant to work with scholars who specialize in the study of civic education, liberal education, and university reform. The anticipated start date for this position is as soon as possible.

Responsibilities for this position include assisting with research and editing for books, articles, and op-eds. Additional duties include planning and executing public and private events, tracking expenses, processing reimbursements, and other administrative tasks.

Desired skills for this position include excellent research, writing, and organizational skills. Knowledge of political philosophy and current events related to higher education is also required. A bachelor’s degree in political science, philosophy, classics, history, or a related field is required.

Qualified applicants should submit their resume, a cover letter demonstrating their interest in AEI’s mission, academic transcripts, and a writing sample with their online application at www.aei.org/jobs. The writing sample should be an academic research paper (or an excerpt of one) that demonstrates an ability to cogently and insightfully analyze primary or secondary source material.

• Core Responsibilities
• Provide research and editing support for scholars’ book projects and short-form writing (e.g., op-eds and articles).
• Use online resources, scholarly databases, and libraries to conduct primary- and secondary-source research. This includes gathering and evaluating sources and writing memos analyzing specific works of scholarly literature.
• Provide substantive editing, copyediting, and bibliographic support for scholars’ writing.
• Coordinate small-scale and major long-term research projects.
• Perform other duties as assigned.
• Additional Responsibilities
• Provide communication and administrative support related to scholars’ work among various AEI departments, including Academic Programs, Development, Government Relations, and Media.
• Coordinate public events and private meetings.
• Manage the scholars’ contacts database.
• Oversee scholars’ content on AEI’s website.

Physical Requirements and Working Conditions at AEI

• The employee is regularly expected to stand, sit, talk, hear, and use hands and fingers to operate a computer, telephone, and keyboard. This job requires close-up vision for computer work.
• The employee must be able to lift up to 30 pounds at times.
• The employee must be able to work in a confined area.
• Moderate noise (e.g., from computers, phones, printers, and light traffic) is expected.
• Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential responsibilities associated with this position.

• A bachelor’s degree in political science, philosophy, classics, history, or a related field at the start date is required.
• Candidates should have 0–2 years of previous full-time work experience. Previous internship experience is strongly preferred.
• Candidates should have the following:

• Previous experience in research, writing, and editing in an academic setting
• Strong oral and written communication skills
• Excellent organizational skills and the capacity to manage multiple overlapping project timelines
• A demonstrated interest the humanities and the future of American colleges and universities
• Familiarity with current events, especially related to higher education
• Proficiency in performing administrative and logistical coordination tasks
• Attention to detail, the capacity to work independently, and a high level of initiative
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office

Benefits
AEI offers generous benefits, including 18 days of paid leave (15 days of paid annual leave and 3 personal/floating holidays); 12 days of paid sick leave; paid family leave; medical and dental coverage, in addition to a health savings account; medical and dependent care FSA; a tuition assistance program of up to $5,200; life and disability insurance at no cost to employees; and a 403b retirement plan with a 12% contribution from AEI, among other benefits. For more information, you can see a full summary of our benefits at https://www.aei.org/jobs/benefits/.

Compensation is based on a number of factors, including but not limited to: scope and responsibilities of the position; a candidate's full-time, applicable work experience; key skills and qualifications; as well as internal and external market considerations. The salary range for this full-time, exempt position is $50,000 - $54,000. Salary is just one component of AEI’s total compensation package for employees.