Communications and Research Assistant

🔍 Dean of Research, Stanford, California, United States

New

📁: Research

📅   : 2 hours ago Post Date

📅   : 106467 Requisition #

SCHOOL/UNIT DESCRIPTION:
The Freeman Spogli Institute for International Studies (FSI) is Stanford University's primary forum for interdisciplinary, policy-oriented research in international affairs. FSI produces scholarship, teaches and trains future leaders and scholars in international studies, and informs and influences policy making around the world.

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We listen to and value all colleagues who bring diverse perspectives to the advancement and development of a respectful community.
We promote a culture of belonging, equity, and safety.
We embed these values in excellence of education, research, and operation.

POSITION SUMMARY:
FSI is seeking a Communications and Research Assistant to work directly with FSI Senior Fellow Michael McFaul on his scholarship and media outreach. The Communications and Research Assistant will focus on strengthening and expanding McFaul’s content distribution, especially on digital platforms, including Substack, X, Meta, Telegram, YouTube, and LinkedIn. Main responsibilities will include assisting with the creation and promotion of multimedia content for an audience of over 1 million viewers, drafting messaging for a broad public audience, and preparing materials for McFaul’s frequent media appearances, public talks, and commentary.
The Communications and Research Assistant will assist McFaul’s research projects, including (1) the impact of the current competition between the United States, China, and Russia on third countries worldwide; (2) challenges to democracy around the world, and (3) Ukraine.
The successful candidate will have strong experience in content production and digital promotion and will be deeply knowledgeable in international relations, U.S. foreign policy, and European security. Fluency in Russian or Mandarin is a plus.

Duties include:

Support strategic communications and content production for Professor McFaul’s personal social media channels.
- Liaise with American and foreign media and translators on McFaul’s written material, interviews, and social media posts.
- Expand McFaul’s media outreach.
- Coordinate with Professor McFaul and the FSI communications team to produce content and monitor engagement.
- Must demonstrate familiarity with tech platforms such as Substack, X, Meta, YouTube, and LinkedIn.
Assist with research and writing for Professor McFaul’s research projects, especially his project on the impact of great power competition on third countries worldwide.
- Provide edits and recommendations on additional topic areas to include and discuss.
- Communicate and coordinate with relevant stakeholders for project-related activities.

This is a 100% FTE fixed-term position. The term concludes one year from the start date and may be extended based on program need and funding availability.

CORE DUTIES:

Assist in designing experiments, exercising independent initiative and judgment gained from completing a variety of high-level assignments, including activities such as defining variables, formulating hypotheses, and selecting subjects, sources of information, or planning and coordinating experimental protocols.
Adapt or work out the details of new, nonstandard procedures, with the supervisor providing only general guidance and suggestions.
Interpret, synthesize, and analyze data using scientific or statistical techniques.
Solve problems and make decisions which affect the direction of the research and result in independent contributions to the overall project.
Select and apply standard calculations and formulas independently to compile data or process documents; often serve as a resource for research methods and numerical analyses.
Co-author sections of research publications and regulatory reports as needed.
Complete project-related administrative and budgetary responsibilities of a limited scope as needed.
Supervise staff or students as needed, including oversight and instruction on techniques, as well as consultation on project work.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS:
Education & Experience:
Bachelor of Arts degree in an applicable social science related field and two years applicable experience, or combination of education and relevant experience in an applicable social science.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

Proficiency with tech platforms such as Substack, X, Meta, YouTube, and LinkedIn.
Demonstrated oral, written, and analytical skills, exhibiting fluency in area of specialization.
Strong writing and editing skills.
Strong analytical skills and excellent judgment.
Ability to work under deadlines with general guidance.
Excellent organizational skills and demonstrated ability to complete detailed work accurately.
Demonstrated oral and written communication skills.
Fluency in Russian or Mandarin is a plus.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS*:

Constantly perform desk-based computer tasks.
Frequently stand/walk, sit, use a telephone, grasp lightly/fine manipulation, speaking.
Occasionally grasp forcefully, writing by hand.
Rarely sort/file paperwork.

* - Consistent with its obligations under the law, the University will provide reasonable accommodation to any employee with a disability who requires accommodation to perform the essential functions of the job.

WORKING CONDITIONS:

Occasional work on evenings and weekends.
May travel occasionally.

WORK STANDARDS:

Interpersonal Skills: Demonstrates the ability to work well with Stanford colleagues and clients and with external organizations.
Promote Culture of Safety: Demonstrates commitment to personal responsibility and value for safety; communicates safety concerns; uses and promotes safe behaviors based on training and lessons learned.
Subject to and expected to comply with all applicable University policies and procedures, including but not limited to the personnel policies and other policies found in the University’s Administrative Guide, http://adminguide.stanford.edu.

Why Stanford is for You
Imagine a world without search engines or social platforms. Consider lives saved through first-ever organ transplants and research to cure illnesses. Stanford University has revolutionized the way we live and enrich the world. Supporting this mission is our diverse and dedicated 17,000 staff. We seek talent driven to impact the future of our legacy. Our culture and unique perks empower you with:

Freedom to grow. We offer career development programs, tuition reimbursement, or audit a course. Join a TedTalk, film screening, or listen to a renowned author or global leader speak.
A caring culture. We provide superb retirement plans, generous time-off, and family care resources.
A healthier you. Climb our rock wall, or choose from hundreds of health or fitness classes at our world-class exercise facilities. We also provide excellent health care benefits.
Discovery and fun. Stroll through historic sculptures, trails, and museums.
Enviable resources. Enjoy free commuter programs, ridesharing incentives, discounts and more!

Onsite/Hybrid:
The expected pay range for this position is $81,130, to $94,895 per annum.

Stanford University provides pay ranges representing its good faith estimate of what the university reasonably expects to pay for a position. The pay offered to a selected candidate will be determined based on a wide range of factors that are unique to each candidate including but not limited to geographic location, knowledge, skills and abilities, relevant education, depth and breadth of experience, performance; as well as other business and organization needs such as (but not limited to) the scope and responsibilities of the position, the minimum qualifications, departmental budget availability, and market and internal equity across the unit, department and reporting relationships.

At Stanford University, base pay represents only one aspect of the comprehensive rewards package. The Cardinal at Work website (https://cardinalatwork.stanford.edu/benefits-rewards) provides detailed information on Stanford’s extensive range of benefits and rewards offered to employees. Specifics about the rewards package for this position may be discussed during the hiring process.

The job duties listed are typical examples of work performed by positions in this job classification and are not designed to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, tasks, and responsibilities. Specific duties and responsibilities may vary depending on department or program needs without changing the general nature and scope of the job or level of responsibility. Employees may also perform other duties as assigned.

Consistent with its obligations under the law, the University will provide reasonable accommodations to applicants and employees with disabilities. Applicants requiring a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application or hiring process should contact Stanford University Human Resources by submitting a contact form.

Stanford is an equal employment opportunity and affirmative action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.

Additional Information