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Department

SINE Institute of Policy & Politics

Time Type

Full time

Job Type

Regular

FLSA Status

Non-Exempt

Work Modality

Hybrid 01 (On Campus 3-4 Days/Week)

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.

Summary

Job Description:

The Engagement Coordinator supports the Sine Institute’s mission by executing and maintaining a range of public engagement initiatives that elevate the Institute’s visibility, audience interaction, and impact. This role is responsible for coordinating day-to-day engagement activities across digital platforms, publications, media relations, and events. The ideal candidate is detail-oriented, creative, and highly organized, with strong writing and design skills and the ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously. This position does not include supervisory responsibilities and reports to the Executive Director.

The position will work closely with members of the University Communications team and liaise with members of comms teams for each school and institute/ center.

Essential Functions

Press Outreach and Media Relations Tracking
The Coordinator assists in organizing and administering press outreach efforts. Responsibilities include drafting media advisories and press releases, maintaining media lists, tracking outreach efforts, and monitoring media coverage. The role also involves compiling reports on press performance and identifying opportunities to expand media engagement.
Social Media Marketing and Design
The Engagement Coordinator is accountable for the development and execution of social media content across the Institute’s platforms. This includes designing graphics, drafting copy, scheduling posts, and monitoring engagement to ensure alignment with the Institute’s brand and strategic priorities. The Coordinator tracks performance metrics and adjusts strategies to support increased audience reach and engagement, while staying current with trends and best practices in digital communications.
Newsletter Management
This role is responsible for producing the Institute’s regular newsletter. Duties include content planning, writing and editing articles, coordinating contributions from staff, formatting and design, and managing distribution. The Coordinator ensures consistency in tone and branding while analyzing open rates and engagement to improve future editions.
Annual Report Production
The Engagement Coordinator supports the development of the Institute’s annual report. This includes gathering content and data from across the organization, drafting and editing sections, coordinating design and layout, and ensuring timely production. The Coordinator ensures the report accurately reflects the Institute’s achievements and aligns with its messaging and branding.
Event Support
The Engagement Coordinator provides planning and on-the-ground support for Institute programs and events. This includes promoting events through digital channels, preparing materials such as programs and signage, coordinating live coverage (e.g., social media updates), and assisting with post-event communications, including recaps and audience follow-up.
Other Duties
Other duties as assigned by Supervisor.

Competencies

Serving Customers.
Displaying Creativity.
Acquiring and Analyzing Information.
Prioritizing and Organizing.
Supporting Coworkers.
Acting Ethically and With Integrity.
Supporting a Diverse and Inclusive Community.

Position Type/Expected Hours Of Work

Full-time.
35 hours per week.
Union eligible position.
Continuation of the program/position is contingent upon external funding.

Salary Range

$27.47 - $30.22 per hour.

Required Education And Experience

Bachelor’s Degree or equivalent.
1 - 3 years of relevant experience.

Preferred Education And Experience

Bachelor’s Degree.
2 - 4 years of relevant experience.

Additional Eligibility Qualifications

Strong organization, time management and professional communication skills are required.
Ability to communicate and manage relationships with diverse academic audiences.
Ability to work collaboratively and possess effective customer service skills.
Command of the web environment with the ability to enhance and maintain branding and accessibility compliance.
Experience with Canva and other Adobe products.
Strong aesthetic skills with the ability to combine various colors, fonts and layouts adhering to design best practices.
Ability to scale photos, marking them for proper screen values for print reproduction.
Experience with e-newsletter systems such as Mailchimp.
Experience using web platforms and Microsoft Office Suite.
Knowledge of design software and contact management software a plus.
Demonstrate ability to maintain confidentiality.

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

AU offers a competitive benefits package. 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.

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