Research Assistant

NCA RESEARCH ASSISTANT

POSITION TITLE
Research Assistant

SUMMARY DESCRIPTION
This position's main responsibility is to provide strategic and technical research support to the research, publications, and professional advancement team. This includes but is not limited to: assisting the research and publications director with supporting the Publications, Research, and Teaching and
Learning councils, and journal editors; assisting the director with research- and publications-related convention programming; maintaining department records and materials; and helping to maintain the department’s parts of the website.

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Maintain accurate and complete records
• Provide ready access to source materials for the supervisor
• Request or acquire equipment or supplies necessary for department projects
• Manage and respond to emails and phone calls to the department
• Prepare, maintain, and update website materials with the supervisor
• Attend meetings as requested, listen carefully, take notes, and, when requested, prepare meeting minutes and/or record meetings.
• Obtain ongoing professional development under the supervisor's direction.
• With supervisor, summarize results of the department’s projects.
• As appropriate, code and verify information by specified procedures and enter data into a computer database and/or spreadsheet application for subsequent analysis and presentation
• Review and edit materials to ensure completeness and accuracy of information; follow up with sources to resolve problems or clarify data collected
• Assist with the preparation of the department’s public events.
• Engage community and disciplinary partners in the department’s programs and projects
• Perform administrative tasks and miscellaneous job-related duties as assigned

REQUIREMENTS

• Bachelor’s degree in one or more social sciences and/or humanities field(s), with a strong preference for Communication, media studies, and/or journalism/media communication degrees. Master’s degree in a social science or humanities field preferred, especially
• Communication Studies and/or Mass Communication. Basic academic or industry training in qualitative and/or quantitative research methods is preferred. Specific academic training in communication theory is preferred.
• Strong oral and written communication skills, including editing and proofing, with a strong attention to detail.
• Excellent organizational skills and ability to manage projects both individually and as a team.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced, team-oriented environment while juggling multiple projects and deadlines.
• Ability to multi-task while working for deadlines.
• Knowledge of and proficiency with various computer software applications, including Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook.

About NCA:

The National Communication Association (NCA) represents almost 6,000 scholars, teachers, practitioners, students, and affiliates, primarily in the U.S. and other countries worldwide. NCA was founded in 1914. NCA is a scholarly society categorized as a 501(c)(3) with an annual operating budget of about $4 million. NCA is a collaborative environment with a small staff where teamwork is valued. For more information about NCA, please visit our website at www.natcom.org.

Location:

The National Communication Association is located at 1765 N St., NW, in the vibrant Dupont Circle neighborhood in Washington, D.C. It is Metro accessible from the Red Line (Dupont Circle Station).

Work Mode:

The NCA operates in a hybrid work mode, two days in the office and three days at telework. Staff are expected to be in the office on Tuesdays for strategic planning and other ongoing discussions with the Executive Director. The work mode is regularly reviewed to meet the evolving needs of the association. Such review may necessitate changing a position’s mode of work designation.

Note:

Several professional profiles may be well suited to this position. Should your qualifications differ from those described below, but you believe this is the job for you, please do not hesitate to apply.

Benefits:
NCA offers a comprehensive and competitive benefits package that includes medical, dental, vision, disability, life insurance, retirement savings, and tuition assistance.

This institution offers benefits to same sex and to different sex domestic partners. This institution offers benefits to spouses. This institution provides the following trans affirming healthcare coverage: trans masculine confirming surgeries, trans feminine confirming surgeries, and hormone replacement therapy (with treatment code). This institution provides the following support: dependents have the same access to the healthcare described above.

COVID-19 Protocol and Vaccine Requirements:
NCA is committed to public health and the vital role of vaccines in contributing to the safety of its Association and broader communities. NCA requires staff to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 and have received a COVID-19 vaccine booster shot when eligible. This requirement applies to all staff, including teleworking employees.

To Apply:

Please submit your resume and a one-page cover letter combined into one document in pdf format. We

prefer cover letters that describe your interest in the position, what motivates you, and how you understand and relate to the NCA mission rather than a narrative version of your resume. Applications must have a cover letter to be considered. Send to Dr. Dane Claussen, Director of Research, Publications, and Professional Advancement at dclaussen@natcom.org with “Research Assistant” in the subject line.

Job Type: Full-time

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Paid time off
• Vision insurance

Schedule:

• 8 hour shift

People with a criminal record are encouraged to apply

Education:

• Bachelor's (Required)

Experience:

• Research: 1 year (Preferred)

Work Location: Hybrid remote in Washington, DC 20036