Who We Are

Peace is our commitment. The United States Institute of Peace represents the American people’s shared values and commitment to peace worldwide. We know that peace is security – it advances both U.S. and international security by preventing, managing, and mitigating violent conflict.

We are an independent, non-partisan institution and are actively engaged with peacebuilding efforts worldwide. Together we tackle the most challenging problems and hold fast to the possibility of a more peaceful world. To learn more about USIP programs and job openings, go to https://www.usip.org/about/careers.

If you have a passion for making the world a better place and want to have a front-row seat on the world stage, USIP is the place for you.

Job Brief

The Research Assistant will support USIP’s Public Affairs and Communications (PAC) department with a focus on digital communications (primarily social media) and public events.

Pay: $17.50 – $18.50 per hour

Work Schedule: An average of 20 hours per week during school; up to 40 hours when school is not in session.

Work Location: This position is based at USIP’s Washington, D.C., headquarters.

Expected Project Dates: August 2024 through August 2025 with the possibility of extension depending on performance and graduation date.

RESPONSIBILITIES

The Public Affairs and Communications (PAC) team serves as a bridge between USIP and key audiences to generate understanding and support at home and abroad for the Institute’s peacebuilding mission. The team creates and helps shape the full range of communications regarding the Institute’s work, with the goal of ensuring they meet the highest standards of quality and effectively project the Institute’s values, vision, and voice.

The work of PAC includes several core functional areas, including:
* Contact management (research, management)
* Editorial (conceptualizing, writing, editing)
* Events (planning, promoting, and staffing)
* Email marketing
* Multimedia (videography, photography, graphic design, podcasts)
* Social media (monitoring, publishing, and engaging on organic and paid campaigns)
* Traditional media (pitching, training, staffing, tracking)
* Website

In this role, the research assistant will focus on digital communications (primarily social media) and public events. This includes drafting content for USIP’s social media channels, researching industry trends and best practices, developing innovative social media campaigns, identifying new opportunities and tools for digital engagement, supporting the planning and marketing of public events, and more.

Competitive candidates will have a proven ability to quickly translate complex concepts into easily understood and enticing social media posts and marketing copy; a proven ability to write for different audiences, and a solid attention to detail and commitment to accuracy.

The research assistant will also have opportunities to support other areas of the PAC team as needed. This is an excellent opportunity for an undergraduate or graduate student to gain experience in all aspects of organizational communications, working with a fast-paced team of professionals dedicated to the proposition that a world without violent conflict is possible.

QUALIFICATIONS
* Must be a full-time graduate or undergraduate student. Academic major or specialization in communications, public relations, marketing, journalism, or related field preferred. Academic majors or specializations in international affairs and related fields will also be considered, but strong candidates will have a demonstrated interest in communications.
* A minimum of 1 year of related experience is desired. Experience related to social media marketing, platforms, and tools is preferred.
* Excellent time management and organizational skills are required.
* Strong verbal and written communication skills are required.
* Proven ability to work independently.

All USIP contract and employee positions are contingent upon the favorable completion of a suitability background investigation.

USIP’s Research Assistant program is administered through the Consortium of Universities in the Washington Metropolitan area. However, any full-time university student is eligible (local or within the US) for these openings.

HOW TO APPLY
To be considered for this position, please submit a complete application package consisting of:

1. Completed employment application including titles and dates
2. Resume
3. Brief writing sample demonstrating your research and writing abilities

For questions about this position please email recruitment@usip.org. Do not send resumes or attachments to this email address.

Only those applicants that are selected for further discussions will be contacted.

No phone calls. Interviews will be scheduled by appointment only.

USIP is an equal opportunity employer. It is the policy and practice of USIP to offer equal employment opportunities to all qualified applicants and employees without regard to race, color, age, religion, national origin, sex, marital status, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information, HIV/AIDS status, political affiliations or belief, pregnancy, or any other characteristic protected by law.