Projects Specialist - Office of Public Scholarship

Overview

Position Summary:

The Projects Specialist for WashU’s Office of Public Scholarship is responsible for supporting creative projects, collaborative programming, and strategic partnerships between WashU scholars and external partners. With the Office’s elevation to the Office of the Provost and expanded constituency, the Projects Specialist will help build and maintain strong relationships between the Office and units across campus and serve as a point of contact for faculty and staff requesting support for innovative activities and efforts to connect with the broader community.

The Projects Specialist will expand the Office’s network of general audience media outlets, cross-over and trade book publishers, local companies, and community organizations to increase public-facing opportunities for WashU scholars. The Projects Specialist reports to the Director of Public Scholarship and provides strategy and logistical support as needed, as well as contributing to the office’s core editorial and media support offerings.

Working Conditions:
Job Location/Working Conditions include a normal office environment and related duties.

Scheduled Hours: 37.5 hours per week

• Spearhead effective implementation of innovative public scholarship programming across WashU colleges, schools and other units.
• Develop strong relationships with WashU departments, programs, schools and centers.
• Communicate with key partners, including, but not limited to, the In St. Louis, For St. Louis initiative leaders and staff, marketing and communications staff, the Confluence Collaborative for Community Engagement, the Center for the Environment, Public Exchange, Scholars Strategy Network, and the Gephardt Institute for Civic and Community Engagement.
• Work collaboratively with the Office of Public Scholarship team to write and edit communications, including website content, emails to stakeholders, reports and updates on office activities, research reports, and other written communications.
• Present on public scholarship to university stakeholders.
• Support the Director of Public Scholarship with managing day-to-day office logistics and strategizing partnership and outreach opportunities.
• Assist with writing and submitting grant applications.

• Research and expand the Office’s network of general audience media outlets as well as potential industry partners.
• Increase Office roster of editorial and professional contacts by attending relevant conferences and events.
• Oversee virtual and in-person skill-building programs for WashU scholars featuring industry contacts, such as webinars, multi-day workshops, and external speaker events.

• Develop and manage “scholars in residence” program, whereby WashU scholars make their expertise useful to local businesses and community organizations by consulting on specific projects or needs.
• Collaborate with related university programs and offices to promote programs and identify suitable partners and organizations as necessary and appropriate.
• Help develop project goals and timelines by assessing organizational needs, serving as primary point of contact, and other duties as needed.
• Serve as a strategic thought partner for connecting WashU scholars with business, governmental, and non-profit organizations.

• Serve as editor and media specialist as necessary, when projects require additional or field-specific support.
• Continue to build out network of publishing and media partners beyond campus.

• Work with Director to expand offerings to scholars across campus.
• Design workshops and seminars suited for different scholars, dependent on respective disciplines and fields.
• Research and invite guest facilitators and presenters for workshops and seminars.

Perform other duties as assigned.

• Master's degree

Education:

Required Qualifications ; preferred qualifications include Ph.D.

- Doctor of Philosophy

• No specific certification/professional license is required for this position.