Job Details

American University is a student-centered research institution located in Washington, DC, with highly-ranked schools and colleges, internationally-renowned faculty, and a reputation for creating meaningful change in the world.

Department: SINE Institute of Policy & Politics

Time Type: Full time

Job Type: Regular

FLSA Status: Non-Exempt

Work Modality: Hybrid 01 (On Campus 3-4 Days/Week)

Union: SEIU Local 500 - Provost & Enrollment Division

This position is part of a collective bargaining unit represented by SEIU Local 500 - Provost & Enrollment Division.

Summary: The Engagement Coordinator supports the Sine Institute’s mission by executing and maintaining a range of public engagement initiatives that elevate the Institute’s visibility, audience interaction, and impact. This role is responsible for coordinating day-to-day engagement activities across digital platforms, publications, media relations, and events. The ideal candidate is detail-oriented, creative, and highly organized, with strong writing and design skills and the ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously. This position does not include supervisory responsibilities and reports to the Executive Director.

The position will work closely with members of the University Communications team and liaise with members of comms teams for each school and institute/ center.

Essential Functions:

1. Press Outreach and Media Relations Tracking: The Coordinator assists in organizing and administering press outreach efforts. Responsibilities include drafting media advisories and press releases, maintaining media lists, tracking outreach efforts, and monitoring media coverage. The role also involves compiling reports on press performance and identifying opportunities to expand media engagement.
2. Social Media Marketing and Design: The Engagement Coordinator is accountable for the development and execution of social media content across the Institute’s platforms. This includes designing graphics, drafting copy, scheduling posts, and monitoring engagement to ensure alignment with the Institute’s brand and strategic priorities. The Coordinator tracks performance metrics and adjusts strategies to support increased audience reach and engagement, while staying current with trends and best practices in digital communications.
3. Newsletter Management: This role is responsible for producing the Institute’s regular newsletter. Duties include content planning, writing and editing articles, coordinating contributions from staff, formatting and design, and managing distribution. The Coordinator ensures consistency in tone and branding while analyzing open rates and engagement to improve future editions.
4. Annual Report Production: The Engagement Coordinator supports the development of the Institute’s annual report. This includes gathering content and data from across the organization, drafting and editing sections, coordinating design and layout, and ensuring timely production. The Coordinator ensures the report accurately reflects the Institute’s achievements and aligns with its messaging and branding.
5. Event Support: The Engagement Coordinator provides planning and on-the-ground support for Institute programs and events. This includes promoting events through digital channels, preparing materials such as programs and signage, coordinating live coverage (e.g., social media updates), and assisting with post-event communications, including recaps and audience follow-up.
6. Other Duties: Other duties as assigned by Supervisor.

Competencies: Serving Customers. Displaying Creativity. Acquiring and Analyzing Information. Prioritizing and Organizing. Supporting Coworkers. Acting Ethically and With Integrity. Supporting a Diverse and Inclusive Community.

Position Type/Expected Hours of Work: Full-time. 35 hours per week. Union eligible position. Continuation of the program/position is contingent upon external funding.

Salary Range: $27.47 - $30.22 per hour.

Required Education and Experience: Bachelor’s Degree or equivalent. 1 - 3 years of relevant experience.

Preferred Education and Experience: Bachelor’s Degree. 2 - 4 years of relevant experience.

Additional Eligibility Qualifications: Strong organization, time management and professional communication skills are required. Ability to communicate and manage relationships with diverse academic audiences. Ability to work collaboratively and possess effective customer service skills. Command of the web environment with the ability to enhance and maintain branding and accessibility compliance. Experience with Canva and other Adobe products. Strong aesthetic skills with the ability to combine various colors, fonts and layouts adhering to design best practices. Ability to scale photos, marking them for proper screen values for print reproduction. Experience with e-newsletter systems such as Mailchimp. Experience using web platforms and Microsoft Office Suite. Knowledge of design software and contact management software a plus. Demonstrate ability to maintain confidentiality.