Research Assistant, Public Engagement

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

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

Public Engagement (PE), within the Center for Civic Engagement and Scholarship at the U.S. Institute of Peace (USIP) is hiring a research assistant (RA) to support its work. PE is the "front door" of the Institute and advances its mission by increasing the public's awareness of peacebuilding, and in sharing its work with domestic audiences across the United States. Our guiding mandate, given to us from Congress, is to serve the American people through outreach across the U.S., the development of educational peacebuilding resources, and by creating engagement opportunities for the public.

Pay: 17.50 - 18.50

Work schedule: 20 Hours/Week

Expected Start Date: September 2024

MAJOR DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Conduct research in support of the department's outreach to diverse domestic audiences, including identifying avenues for reaching new audiences and expanding USIP's contacts and relationships across the U.S.
• Provide support for the department's work to grow and track contacts across the country, including updating databases and mapping connections.
• Support existing Public Engagement initiatives, including programs for K-12 audiences, onsite engagements at USIP's headquarters, USIP speaking engagements across the U.S., and the 2025 Peace Day Challenge.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Candidates must be a current, full-time Undergraduate or Masters student studying communications, marketing, public administration, public policy or another related subject.
• Excellent organization, written and communication skills - the ability to prepare drafts quickly, and to write in an accessible way for non-expert audiences.
• Strong research skills - the ability to find information quickly, to analyze based on guidance and priorities, and to summarize and synthesize findings in useful formats.
• Strong interpersonal skills, including good humor and sound judgement.
• Experience with databases that track contacts and relationships is highly desirable.
• Previous work experience in an office environment is required.

USIP's Research Assistant program is administered through the Consortium of Universities in the Washington Metropolitan area. Any full-time university student within the United States is eligible to apply.

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

Compensation is commensurate with qualifications and experience.

HOW TO APPLY :

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

1. Cover Letter
2. Resume
3. A brief writing sample demonstrating your research and writing skills

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 committed to providing a fair and inclusive workplace. It is USIP's policy to provide equal employment opportunities to all qualified applicants and employees without discrimination based on race, color, age, religion, national origin, sex, marital status, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information, HIV/AIDS status, political affiliation or belief, pregnancy, or any other characteristic protected by law.