Assistant Director, Multiracial Democracy Project

I. DEPARTMENT INFORMATION

Job Description Summary:

Founded by the George Washington University Law School and GW Patricia Roberts Harris Research Professor of Law Spencer Overton, the Multiracial Democracy Project (“the MDP”) is an initiative of the George Washington University Law School that seeks to produce solutions that facilitate our nation’s transition to a well-functioning democracy that truly represents our increasingly diverse population. Through education, research, and convenings, the MDP seeks to address many of the most urgent problems facing multiracial democracy—disinformation, cultural anxiety, racial polarization, antidemocratic attitudes, vote dilution, voter suppression, and the decline of key voting rights protections.

The MDP enables GW Law faculty and students, as well as voting rights leaders, democracy reform leaders, tech policy leaders, policymakers, and renowned experts, to work and teach across its three pillars by:

• Educating and building the next generation of democracy problem-solvers
• Becoming a hub of research, translation, and innovation on multiracial democracy
• Convening leading experts from academic, civil rights, democracy reform, technology, and policy communities

The MDP will convert actionable research and discoveries into real-world impact through research, convenings, and teaching. GW’s proximity to federal leaders and strengths at the intersection of education, technology, democracy, and civil rights create the ideal environment to develop innovative solutions to our most pressing challenges. Initially, the MDP will focus on two issues that are critical to the future of representative democracy in our diverse nation: artificial intelligence and alternative election systems.

The core belief of the MDP is that a pluralistic, liberal democracy that protects the political rights of all Americans regardless of race, ethnicity, culture, language, or religion is feasible in the United States.

The Assistant Director, Multiracial Democracy Project will report directly to the MDP’s Executive Director. The incumbent will be the primary manager of a multiyear initiative on voting rights, serving as both a project manager and subject matter expert. They will also generally support MDP efforts as needed.

Responsibilities of the Assistant Director

Under the supervision of the Executive Director, the incumbent will be responsible for the following:

• Manage the GW Multiracial Democracy Project’s research and policy work around a particular initiative, such as alternative election systems including the formation and oversight of relevant research parameters, methodologies, partners, and data analysis
• Coordinate and manage networks of organizations, scholars, and policymakers around a particular initiative, such as alternative election systems
• Plan and organize webinars, symposia, conferences, panels, roundtables, and other gatherings of scholars, practitioners, non-profit leaders, philanthropic leaders, private sector leaders, and government officials
• Track and monitor funding and related processes (i.e., receipt reimbursement, documenting award amounts and expenditures, monitoring proposal and report deadlines, tracking grant deliverables), and work closely and coordinate with the University research and financial management teams to support grant deliverables
• Serve as a key liaison with other GW departments, such as communications, procurement, and IT
• Provide support for the GW Multiracial Democracy Project’s communications portfolio, including website development and other external-facing stakeholder updates, publications, releases, and media engagement
• Supervise Administrative Assistant. Support the hiring of additional GW Multiracial Democracy Project staff. Work with and provide support to other GW staff on developing, aligning, and executing plans for relevant projects as needed
• Other responsibilities as assigned

The position is based at GW’s Foggy Bottom Campus in Washington, DC. The omission of specific duties does not preclude the supervisor from assigning duties that are logically related to the position.

Minimum Qualifications:

Qualified candidates will hold a BA/BS in a related discipline plus 5 years of relevant professional experience. Degree must be conferred by the start date of the position.

Additional Required Licenses/Certifications/Posting Specific Minimum Qualifications:

Preferred Qualifications:

• Excellent communications and research skills, an ability to work well as a part of a team, an understanding of the complexity of highly matrixed organizations, and an ability to exhibit cultural intelligence and attention to detail.
• Experience with developing slide decks, infographics, and other presentation materials is preferred.
• JD, PhD, or Master’s Degree in a relevant field (e.g., MPP, MPA) preferred.
• One to two years of professional experience in the following areas is desired:
  • Event planning and/or project management;
  • Voting rights, democracy reform, racial justice, or technology research or policy;
  • Strategy, organizing, or research around legal or policy issues.

Hiring Range

$52,385.57 - $100,636.67

GW Staff Approach to Pay

Healthcare Benefits

GW offers a comprehensive benefit package that includes medical, dental, vision, life & disability insurance, time off & leave, retirement savings, tuition, well-being and various voluntary benefits. For program details and eligibility, please visit

II. POSITION INFORMATION

Campus Location:

Foggy Bottom, Washington, D.C.

College/School/Department:

GW Law School (LAW)

Family

Research and Labs

Sub-Family

Centers/Institutes

Stream

Individual Contributor

Level

Level 3

Full-Time/Part-Time:

Full-Time

Hours Per Week:

40

Work Schedule:

Monday-Friday, 8:00am-5:00pm

Will this job require the employee to work on site?

Yes

Employee Onsite Status

Hybrid

Telework:

Required Background Check

Criminal History Screening, Education/Degree/Certifications Verification, Social Security Number Trace, and Sex Offender Registry Search

Special Instructions to Applicants:

• Employer will not sponsor for employment Visa status
• The position is a limited term assignment ending on June 2027.

Internal Applicants Only?

No

Posting Number:

R002194

Job Open Date:

07/25/2024

Job Close Date:

If temporary, grant funded or limited term appointment, position funded until:

06/01/2027

Background Screening

Successful Completion of a Background Screening will be required as a condition of hire.

EEO Statement:

The university is an Equal Employment Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer that does not unlawfully discriminate in any of its programs or activities on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or on any other basis prohibited by applicable law.