Research Fellow-SW

Student Worker - Research Fellow

Number of Openings: 2

Purpose/Objective of the Role:

The City of Delaware's Economic Development Department is launching the "A Semester in the City" campaign. This is a creative storytelling initiative showcasing Delaware's vibrant downtown, small businesses, and high quality of life through the eyes of local college students. The Research Fellows selected for these positions will act as the Department's Social Media Influencers and will help shape how others see and experience Delaware by sharing authentic content about what makes this community special. This opportunity is multi-faceted, giving students the opportunity to, first, conduct formal research into effective marketing tactics for other communities and second, implement their findings into a successful marketing campaign for the City.

Tasks & Responsibilities:

For the research portion of the project, students will need to complete two primary tasks. First, they will interview social media managers and influencers for similar markets and document their findings. Second, they will use the garnered information to generate an initial report detailing best practices for effective social media advertising for the markets studied. After approval of the students' research, they will then test the external validity of their findings by applying them to the key markets for the City of Delaware. Students will be expected to record the visibility, interactions, and impact of these efforts to better understand the effectiveness of the findings in practice. The selected students will maintain a consistent posting rhythm consistent with the research findings including two posts per week, plus stories. They will also engage with the social media audience and local community online - responding to comments, encouraging visits, and keeping all content professional and positive.

Qualifications/Skills:

This role is ideal for students who are passionate about storytelling, social media, and community connection, and who want to gain professional experience and exposure in marketing, media, and economic development. Social media expertise, primarily on TikTok and Instagram, will be a highly valued qualification for these positions. Any student selected for this position can have no more than one other job on campus and can work no more than ten hours per week in that position. Applicants are asked to send a copy of your transcript, your resume, a cover letter documenting both your interest in this position as well as your effectiveness communicating through the social media platforms of interest, and a writing to sample to Prof. Georgic at wcgeorgic@owu.edu. Applicants are urged to apply quickly so interviews and work can begin soon.

Potential Future Career Benefit:

The fellows will gain research experience in marketing and economic development under the guidance of the Community Research Fellows Program at OWU as well as the City of Delaware's Economic Development Department.

NOTE: Employment sponsorship is not available for this position. Applicants must be currently authorized to work in the United States.

Application Instructions:

Complete the ADP application by selecting "Apply" button and answer all questions.

Supervisor: Will Georgic

Commitment: 5 - hours per week

Term: Fall 2026 & Spring 2027