Part-Time Program Manager, Communications and Initiatives

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. Learn more about American University

Department:

Research Services & Communications

Time Type:

Part time

Job Type:

Regular

FLSA Status:

Non-Exempt

Work Modality:

Union:

SEIU Local 500 - Provost & Enrollment Division

This position is part of a collective bargaining unit represented by SEIU Local 500 - Provost & Enrollment Division. That means the terms and conditions of your employment are governed by university policy (including the Staff Personnel Policies Manual) and any collective bargaining agreement entered into between American University and SEIU Local 500 - Provost & Enrollment Division.

Job Description:

Summary:

The Communications and Initiatives Program Manager advances American University's research mission through strategic communications and collaborative programming. Reporting to the Director of Strategy and Communications in the Office of Research and Sponsored Awards (ORSA), the position drives research storytelling, visibility, and community engagement.

The Program Manager develops and executes digital content for social media, newsletters, websites, and promotional materials to highlight faculty and student research, working closely with the Director of Strategy & Communications to implement content strategies and maintain the ORSA website. The role also serves as a primary liaison to centers, institutes, and labs, as well as students, leading research engagement programs, workshops, and events that foster interdisciplinary collaboration and a vibrant research culture, with a particular focus on student research engagement and visibility.

Essential Functions:

1.) Communications and Content Development

• Create and produce engaging digital content that supports research storytelling, faculty visibility, and strategic initiatives across platforms.
• Write, edit, and publish social media posts, web stories, newsletters, promotional materials, and other digital assets that highlight faculty and student research, programs, and achievements and the work of ORSA.
• Develop visual and graphic content to strengthen audience engagement and improve content impact.
• Ensure all materials align with ORSA and University Communications & Marketing branding, tone, and accessibility standards.
• Manage content edits and revisions based on leadership and subject matter expert feedback, maintaining accuracy, clarity, and consistency across channels.
• Work closely with the Director of Strategy & Communications to implement the content calendar and maintain the website.
• Support the development and execution of initiative-related communications, including promotional materials, content, and messaging aligned with the ORSA's strategic priorities.
• Serve as a proactive point of contact for promoting center and institute research achievements.

2.) Strategic Initiative Implementation

• Develop and execute objectives and events under strategic initiatives that support and elevate student research engagement, education, and visibility.
• Lead the implementation of strategic initiatives that advance research engagement, visibility, and community across centers, institutes, and labs.
• Design, coordinate, and execute research engagement programs, workshops, and events that foster collaboration, knowledge-sharing, and a vibrant research culture.
• Develop and implement initiatives that strengthen student engagement in research through communications, storytelling, and strategic programming.
• Maintain documentation of initiative activities, outcomes, and engagement.

3.) Partnerships and Engagement with Centers, Institutes, and Labs

• Serve as the primary liaison between ORSA and centers, institutes, and labs to build and sustain strong, collaborative relationships.
• Maintain an up-to-date inventory of center, institute, and lab activities, initiatives, and communications needs.
• Identify opportunities to support and promote center, institute, and lab activities through communications, events, storytelling, and strategic initiatives.
• Represent the ORSA in meetings, events, and initiatives involving centers, institutes, and labs.
• Support the ORSA's participation in university events by assisting with planning, coordination, and messaging.
• Manage initiative workflows and ensure alignment across stakeholders.

4.) Digital Communications and Website Management

• Collaborate with the Director of Strategy & Communications on the development of the content calendar.
• Publish and optimize content across digital platforms
• Maintain and update ORSA website and digital content, ensuring accuracy, accessibility, and alignment with institutional priorities and brand standards.
• Troubleshoot minor content or formatting issues across digital platforms and coordinate with web or IT teams when needed.
• Attend meetings with University Communications and Marketing and the Office of Information Technology.

5.) Additional Duties

• Additional duties as assigned to support the ORSP.

Competencies:

• Serving Customers.
• Supporting Coworkers.
• Championing Customer Needs.
• Prioritizing and Organizing.
• Evaluating and Implementing Ideas.
• Thinking Broadly.
• Acting Strategically.
• Developing Plans.

Position Type/Expected Hours of Work:

• Part-time.
• 27 hours per week.

Salary Range:

• $41.21 - $42.00 per hour.

Required Education and Experience:

• Bachelor's degree.
• 3 - 5 years of relevant experience.

Preferred Education and Experience:

• Master's degree or equivalent.
• 5 - 8 years of relevant experience.
• Experience working in an academic environment preferred.

Additional Eligibility Qualifications:

• Proficient in Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.
• Good communication skills.
• Ability to work with others.

Other Duties:

• Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change at any time with or without notice.

Benefits

Click here to learn about American University's unique benefit options.

Other Details

• Hiring offers for this position are contingent on successful completion of a background check.

• Employees in staff positions at American University must deliver their services to the university from either the District of Columbia, Maryland, or Virginia, or perform work on-site at the university.

• Please note this job announcement is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.

• American University is an E-Verify employer.

Current American University Employees

American University current employees must apply through their employee Workday account. If you are a current employee at American University, please log into Workday and select the Find Jobs report which will take you to our internal career listings.

Contact Us

For more information or assistance with the American University careers site, email theworkline@american.edu.

American University is an equal opportunity, affirmative action institution that operates in compliance with applicable laws and regulations. The university does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, sex (including pregnancy), age, sexual orientation, disability, marital status, personal appearance, gender identity and expression, family responsibilities, political affiliation, source of income, veteran status, an individual's genetic information or any other bases under federal or local laws (collectively "Protected Bases") in its programs and activities.