Research Assistant, Social, Cultural, and Constitutional Studies (Media, Politics, and American Culture)

The American Enterprise Institute is seeking a full-time, in-person, research assistant to work with scholars in AEI’s Social, Cultural, and Constitutional Studies department who specialize in the study of media, politics, and American culture. These scholars include Senior Fellow and Asness Chair in Applied Liberty Jonah Goldberg, Senior Fellow Christine Rosen, and Senior Fellow Christine Emba.

Responsibilities for this position include assisting with research, writing, and editing for books, articles, op-eds, and media appearances. The research assistant will also help produce Mr. Goldberg’s podcast, The Remnant with Jonah Goldberg. Other duties include planning and executing public and private events, scheduling and logistical tasks related to scholars’ travel and speaking commitments, and other administrative tasks. The anticipated start date for this position is summer 2025.

Qualified candidates should submit an online application with a resume, cover letter demonstrating their interest in AEI’s mission, academic transcript, and 500-word writing sample on a topic related to American politics, history, culture, or journalism.

• Core Responsibilities
  • Perform research for scholars’ writing projects (e.g., books, op-eds, articles, speeches, and video essay scripts).
  • Use online resources, scholarly databases, and libraries to conduct primary- and secondary-source research. This includes gathering and critically evaluating sources and writing memos analyzing specific works and scholarly literature.
  • Support the production of The Remnant with Jonah Goldberg by booking guests and writing episode descriptions.
  • Provide substantive editing, copyediting, and bibliographic support for scholars’ writing.
  • Perform other duties as assigned.
• Additional Responsibilities
  • Provide communication and administrative support related to scholars’ work among various AEI departments and teams, including the Academic Programs, Development, and Government Relations departments and the media team.
  • Manage logistical and administrative tasks related to scholars’ activities, including scheduling, coordinating travel and speaking commitments, processing expense reimbursements, posting content on AEI’s website, tracking scholars’ output, and planning and staffing public-facing events and conferences, private meetings, and roundtables.

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 vision abilities due to 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, phone, 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 at the start date is required.
• Candidates should have 0–2 years of previous applicable full-time work experience; previous internship experience is strongly preferred.
• Candidates should also have the following:
  • Previous experience in research, writing, and editing;
  • Strong oral and written communication skills;
  • Excellent organizational skills and the capacity to manage multiple overlapping project timelines;
  • Intellectual curiosity and familiarity with Emba’s, Mr. Goldberg’s, and Dr. Rosen’s work;
  • A demonstrated interest in American politics, history, culture, and the media;
  • A familiarity with current events;
  • Proficiency in performing administrative tasks and coordinating logistics;
  • An ability to multitask, prioritize, and balance multiple projects with competing deadlines;
  • Attention to detail, the capacity to work independently, and a high level of initiative; and
  • 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.