Part-Time Race, Climate, and Agrarian Justice Lab Events and Research Specialist

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Department:

School of International Service

Time Type:

Part time

Job Type:

Temporary (Fixed Term)

FLSA Status:

Non-Exempt

Work Modality:

Union:

Excluded

Job Description:

Summary:

The Events and Research Associate Position supports the Co-Directors of the Race, Climate, and Agrarian Justice Lab, housed at the Institute for Responsible Carbon Removal. The Associate will assist with event planning for a late April summit, including coordinating with AU staff on event logistics (AV, recording, catering, space set-up) and with partner organizations and participants who are traveling to the event. They may also help coordinate and attend community partner listening sessions in advance of the summit and will help with event wrap-up logistics after the summit. Following the summit and listening sessions, the Associate will work closely with the lab’s Co-Directors and external partners to sort through, co-analyze, and co-author briefing papers. Upon summit conclusion they will help with event wrap-up logistics and work with the lab’s Co-Directors and external partners to sort, analyze, and write-up the research into briefing papers.

Essential Functions:

1. Project Management
   • Develop and maintain project timelines supporting events, research activities, and briefing paper production. Coordinate tasks before and after major project milestones, including the April summit, listening sessions, and subsequent research and writing phases. Track deliverables, documentation, and administrative processes such as coordination of payments to community partners.
2. Event Coordination
   • Support planning and coordination of events and partner engagements, including meetings, listening sessions, and convenings. Assist with logistics such as scheduling, space coordination, audiovisual needs, catering, and participant communications, in coordination with AU staff and under supervisor guidance. Provide logistical support for scheduled events, including the April summit, as well as related pre- and post-event activities.
3. Stakeholder Communication
   • Coordinate ongoing activities with internal staff and community partners related to events, research, and follow-up work. Schedule meetings, share logistical and project updates, and distribute information related to listening sessions, the summit, and subsequent research activities. Track communication and coordination of items to support continuity across project phases.
4. Qualitative Data Analysis
   • Assist the Co-Directors in organizing, reviewing, and analyzing qualitative data generated through participatory action research activities. Support transcription management and analysis of recordings from listening sessions, the summit, and related engagements. Organize research findings for use in briefing papers and other project outputs.
5. Review and Collection of Research Materials
   • Identify, collect, and organize scholarly and movement-generated research materials relevant to agrarian justice and farm policy. Support documentation and citation of sources for briefing papers and the Farm Bill Fairness website database. Maintain organized research materials for use across multiple project stages.
6. Writing (for Mixed Academic and Public Audience)
   • Contribute to drafting, revising, and organizing written materials produced through a participatory action research process. Work with the Co-Directors and community partners to support preparation of briefing papers following events and research activities, including the summit. Assist with preparing materials for dissemination to scholarly and public audiences.

Position Type/Expected Hours of Work:

• Part-Time.
• 5 - 10 hours per week, varying per week.
• Continuation of the program/position is contingent upon external funding.
• This is a temporary part-time position ending on or before December 31, 2026.

Salary Range:

$25.00 per hour.

Required Education and Experience:

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent.
• 2 - 4 years of relevant experience.

Preferred Education and Experience:

• Master's degree in the social sciences or humanities with an emphasis on agrarian politics.
• 4 - 6 years of relevant experience.

Additional Eligibility Qualifications:

• Extensive knowledge of US farm policy and systems; experience with participatory research engagements with agrarian and social justice movements; and a record of publications for both scholarly and public writing forums.
• Must also be experienced with convening and event planning.
• Must be available to staff all day event on April 27, 2026.