Research Project Specialist


Position Overview

The University of Kansas, Center on Disability (KUCD) is recognized as a leading research center in the field of disability. The Transition Coalition, part of KUCD) creates, implements, and conducts research on professional development initiatives (print, face-to-face, online and blended) for secondary special educators, and is a partner in a national training and technical assistance center (NTACT:C). This position will support staff on all activities, in particular assisting in preparation of professional development initiatives, supporting evaluation methods, data collection and organization, and maintaining/updating project materials (online and print) using a variety of software and web applications. In addition, this position will organize small events, update WordPress-based websites, and provide some clerical support. The ideal candidate will be highly reliable, detail-oriented, write and edit competently for multiple purposes/audiences, and be adept at problem-solving. This position is contingent upon funding, with possibility of increasing FTE.

Job Description

  • 50% - Update and maintain project websites by developing webpages, updating and posting media content to websites, by writing text, developing/obtaining images, editing video, attaching documents, organizing captioning, etc.
  • 20% - Coordinate direct communication with project stakeholders by managing contact lists and writing messages regarding project updates, resources and requests, and organizing project meetings.
  • 15% - Coordinate training and TA events and meetings including: inviting/managing participants, setting up Zoom meetings, reserving space for in-person meetings, coordinating catering and other materials, and collecting and reporting evaluations.
  • 10% - Assist in the development of project documents and reports.
  • 5% - Additional activities as assigned.

Position Requirements

This position will be fully on-site at JRP, Lawrence, Ks

Required Qualifications

  1. Bachelor’s degree in education, journalism, public relations, marketing, communications or related field and one year related professional experience.
  2. Excellent oral and written communication skills as demonstrated by application materials, sample written work, interview, and previous employment.
  3. Demonstrated experience working independently on multiple tasks within specified timelines and attention to detail.
  4. Two (2) or more years of experience using multiple types of computer software and web applications such as Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint), Sharepoint/OneDrive, Acrobat, Adobe CS, Google Drive, Zoom, Basecamp, Youtube, website content development apps, etc. as demonstrated by application materials and work experience.
  5. Experience writing, paraphrasing, and editing for a variety of audiences and purposes, including summarizing academic content. (e.g., writing for website, social media, academic writing, technical writing, scripts, etc.).

Preferred Qualifications

  1. Experience updating websites using WordPress or similar platform.
  2. Strong organization, detail-oriented, and problem-solving skills.
  3. Experience supporting professional development research initiatives or providing adult education, training, etc.
  4. Experience organizing and/or scheduling events, meetings, and/or training seminars.
  5. Marketing, media relations or communications experience or expertise.
  6. Experience working with people with disabilities or their families.

Additional Candidate Instructions

In addition to the online application, the following documents are required to be considered for this position:
  • Cover letter describing how you meet the required and preferred qualifications.
  • Resume
  • List of three (3) professional references
Only complete applications will be considered.

Application review begins Tuesday, December 3rd, 2024, and will continue until a qualified pool of applicants are identified.

Contact Information to Applicants

Advertised Salary Range

$20-$24/per hour, based on previous experience

Work Schedule

M-F; 24 hrs per week, to be determined upon hire

Application Review Begins

Tuesday December 3, 2024

Anticipated Start Date

Thursday January 2, 2025

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Posting Information

  • Posting ID:  29382BR
  • Department:  Bureau of Child Research
  • Primary Campus:  University of Kansas Lawrence Campus
  • Assignment:  On-Site
  • Reg/Temp:  Regular
  • Employee Class:  U-Unclassified Professional Staff
  • Review Begins:  03-Dec-2024

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