Assistant Director, Multiracial Democracy Project - The George Washington University
Washington, DC
About the Job
I. DEPARTMENT INFORMATION
Job Description Summary:
Founded by the George Washington University Law School and GW Patricia Roberts Harris Research Professor of Law Spencer Overton, the Multiracial Democracy Project (“the MDP”) is an initiative of the George Washington University Law School that seeks to produce solutions that facilitate our nation’s transition to a well-functioning democracy that truly represents our increasingly diverse population. Through education, research, and convenings, the MDP seeks to address many of the most urgent problems facing multiracial democracy—disinformation, cultural anxiety, racial polarization, antidemocratic attitudes, vote dilution, voter suppression, and the decline of key voting rights protections.
The MDP enables GW Law faculty and students, as well as voting rights leaders, democracy reform leaders, tech policy leaders, policymakers, and renowned experts, to work and teach across its three pillars by:
- Educating and building the next generation of democracy problem-solvers
- Becoming a hub of research, translation, and innovation on multiracial democracy
- Convening leading experts from academic, civil rights, democracy reform, technology, and policy communities
The MDP will convert actionable research and discoveries into real-world impact through research, convenings, and teaching. GW’s proximity to federal leaders and strengths at the intersection of education, technology, democracy, and civil rights create the ideal environment to develop innovative solutions to our most pressing challenges. Initially, the MDP will focus on two issues that are critical to the future of representative democracy in our diverse nation: artificial intelligence and alternative election systems.
The core belief of the MDP is that a pluralistic, liberal democracy that protects the political rights of all Americans regardless of race, ethnicity, culture, language, or religion is feasible in the United States.
The Assistant Director, Multiracial Democracy Project will report directly to the MDP’s Executive Director. The incumbent will be the primary manager of a multiyear initiative on voting rights, serving as both a project manager and subject matter expert. They will also generally support MDP efforts as needed.
Responsibilities of the Assistant Director
Under the supervision of the Executive Director, the incumbent will be responsible for the following:
- Manage the GW Multiracial Democracy Project’s research and policy work around a particular initiative, such as alternative election systems including the formation and oversight of relevant research parameters, methodologies, partners, and data analysis
- Coordinate and manage networks of organizations, scholars, and policymakers around a particular initiative, such as alternative election systems
- Plan and organize webinars, symposia, conferences, panels, roundtables, and other gatherings of scholars, practitioners, non-profit leaders, philanthropic leaders, private sector leaders, and government officials
- Track and monitor funding and related processes (i.e., receipt reimbursement, documenting award amounts and expenditures, monitoring proposal and report deadlines, tracking grant deliverables), and work closely and coordinate with the University research and financial management teams to support grant deliverables
- Serve as a key liaison with other GW departments, such as communications, procurement, and IT
- Provide support for the GW Multiracial Democracy Project’s communications portfolio, including website development and other external-facing stakeholder updates, publications, releases, and media engagement
- Supervise Administrative Assistant. Support the hiring of additional GW Multiracial Democracy Project staff. Work with and provide support to other GW staff on developing, aligning, and executing plans for relevant projects as needed
- Other responsibilities as assigned
The position is based at GW’s Foggy Bottom Campus in Washington, DC. The omission of specific duties does not preclude the supervisor from assigning duties that are logically related to the position.
Minimum Qualifications:
Qualified candidates will hold a BA/BS in a related discipline plus 5 years of relevant professional experience. Degree must be conferred by the start date of the position.
Additional Required Licenses/Certifications/Posting Specific Minimum Qualifications:
Preferred Qualifications:
- Excellent communications and research skills, an ability to work well as a part of a team, an understanding of the complexity of highly matrixed organizations, and an ability to exhibit cultural intelligence and attention to detail.
- Experience with developing slide decks, infographics, and other presentation materials is preferred.
- JD, PhD, or Master’s Degree in a relevant field (e.g., MPP, MPA) preferred.
- One to two years of professional experience in the following areas is desired:
- Event planning and/or project management;
- Voting rights, democracy reform, racial justice, or technology research or policy;
- Strategy, organizing, or research around legal or policy issues.
Hiring Range
$52,385.57 - $100,636.67GW Staff Approach to Pay
Healthcare Benefits
GW offers a comprehensive benefit package that includes medical, dental, vision, life & disability insurance, time off & leave, retirement savings, tuition, well-being and various voluntary benefits. For program details and eligibility, please visit
II. POSITION INFORMATION
Campus Location:
Foggy Bottom, Washington, D.C.College/School/Department:
GW Law School (LAW)Family
Research and LabsSub-Family
Centers/InstitutesStream
Individual ContributorLevel
Level 3Full-Time/Part-Time:
Full-TimeHours Per Week:
40Work Schedule:
Monday-Friday, 8:00am-5:00pmWill this job require the employee to work on site?
YesEmployee Onsite Status
HybridTelework:
Required Background Check
Criminal History Screening, Education/Degree/Certifications Verification, Social Security Number Trace, and Sex Offender Registry SearchSpecial Instructions to Applicants:
- Employer will not sponsor for employment Visa status
- The position is a limited term assignment ending on June 2027.
Internal Applicants Only?
NoPosting Number:
R002194Job Open Date:
07/25/2024Job Close Date:
If temporary, grant funded or limited term appointment, position funded until:
06/01/2027Background Screening
Successful Completion of a Background Screening will be required as a condition of hire.EEO Statement:
The university is an Equal Employment Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer that does not unlawfully discriminate in any of its programs or activities on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or on any other basis prohibited by applicable law.