Professional Research Assistant
School of Education – University of Colorado at Boulder

Working Title: Associate Director, Project Management and Communications
Salary Range: $66,000 - 76,000, commensurate with experience
Full/Part Time: Full time

Overview: A new policy center focused on racial diversity and school success is searching for an expert in communications, strategic planning and administration to serve as the Associate Director for Project Management and Communications of a start-up policy center. The new center will focus on innovative and compelling ways of presenting research to powerfully shape public discourse and imagination about the dual pursuit of educational quality and diversity. The center will be part of the existing Education and the Public Interest Center (EPIC) in the School of Education at the University of Colorado at Boulder.

Primary Responsibilities:

• Develop and manage strategic planning, media relations and strategic communications efforts.
• Serve as a center representative, and cultivate strategic relationships, with educational organizations in Colorado and nationwide.
• Initiate and maintain relationships with key media outlets, and serve as media liaison and point-of-contact for the center.
• Develop press releases and news articles about center activities and goals.
• Arrange interviews and news conferences.
• Develop or improve electronic, print, and multi-media communications.
• Head up internet media outreach efforts.
• Work with outside experts to manage and provide oversight for all website communications.
• Assist in translating policy work for practitioner audiences.
• Develop partnerships with individuals and organizations toward common goals.
• Manage the daily internal operations and assist in managing finances.
• Assist with conference and event planning.
• Assist with grant applications and fundraising (current funding is for 3 years).
• Work collaboratively with doctoral students and center director.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Communications and media skills, including experience working with both traditional and new media
• Excellent written and oral communication skills
• MA, PhD, or JD terminal degree
• Strategic planning skills, including experience promoting ideas or products

Desired Qualifications:

• Administrative and strategic planning experience
• Grant application experience
• Organizer experience, preferably community organizing or labor organizing
• Availability to work on site (at CU-Boulder)
• Demonstrated knowledge of new media and education-specific media
• Spanish Fluency
• Experience working with communities of color

Contact: Dr. Kevin Welner, Kevin.Welner@colorado.edu

Application Materials: To apply, please submit the following application materials electronically at http://www.jobsatcu.com/ (reference job posting number 808025).

1. A cover letter that specifically addresses the job requirements and outlines qualifications
2. A current resume
3. The names, addresses, daytime telephone numbers and e-mail addresses for three professional references (letters not necessary for initial applications).

Closing Date: The review of applications will begin on October 1, 2009 and will continue until the position is filled.

The University of Colorado at Boulder is committed to providing a safe and productive learning and living community. To achieve that goal, we conduct background investigations for all final applicants being considered for employment. Background investigations for this position include a criminal history record check.

The Immigration Reform and Control Act requires that verification of employment eligibility be documented for all new employees by the end of the third day of work.

The University of Colorado strongly supports the principle of diversity. We encourage applications from women, ethnic minorities, persons with disabilities and all veterans. Alternative formats of this ad are available upon request for persons with disabilities.