Communications and Outreach Assistant

Department: The AbuSulayman Center for Global Islamic Studies

Job Category: Part-Time / Hourly Wage

Job Type: Part-Time

Work Schedule: 20 hours per week

Location: Fairfax

Telework Friendly: On Site Required

Salary:  Salary commensurate with education and experience

Criminal Background Check: Yes

About the Center:

The AbuSulayman Center for Global Islamic Studies works to advance a sound and nuanced understanding of Muslim societies and the Islamic faith, its role in world history, and its current patterns of globalization. The Center recognizes that Islam is a universal faith and a world civilization with a global community. Thus, the Center provides a global, rather than regional, framework for exploring Islam. The Center for Global Islamic Studies supports research, interdisciplinary academic programs, and community outreach. By providing educational and research opportunities for students, faculty, and visiting scholars, it is helping develop 21st century leaders with a sophisticated understanding of the complex dynamics that shape Muslim communities worldwide.

Position Responsibilities:

The AbuSulayman Center for Global Islamic Studies seeks a part-time (20 hrs/wk) Communications and Outreach Assistant who will be responsible for maintaining and updating the Center website in coordination with the College of Humanities and Social Sciences web team; managing the Center’s social media presence and listserv; handling publicity for Center activities; and video recording and video editing Center events and programs. The Communications and Outreach Assistant will work with Center leadership and staff to develop public outreach and communications strategies for Center activities using various media, and design and create digital and print promotional materials for the Center and its programs, projects, and events. The Communications and Outreach Assistant will also provide logistical support and assistance to Center staff during in-person and virtual events, and he/she is expected to be present for in-person events to videorecord the proceedings. This position will also assist with other Center work as needed. Please note that this is an in-person position. While some meetings and work can be conducted remotely, the candidate must be able to work regularly on George Mason University’s Fairfax campus.

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree, or equivalent combination of education and experience;
• At least 1 year of relevant training or experience in website, social media, and publicity management;
• Experience with video recording and editing;
• Strong written and oral communication skills;
• Ability to work independently and efficiently to ensure the Center’s many events are well-publicized and promoted effectively;
• Flexibility and time-management skills to adapt working hours to the Center’s programming needs;
• Knowledge of relevant applications and programs, including Wordpress or similar web management tools, iMovie or other digital editing tools, Mail Chimp, and Constant Contact;
• Self-starter, highly motivated and detail-oriented; and
• Ability to work on-site (not remotely).

Preferred Qualifications:

• 2 or more years of relevant training or experience in web and social media management, publicity, and video recording/editing;
• Familiarity with George Mason University or another higher education work environment;
• Some interest in Islamic Studies or Muslim-majority regions; and
• Previous event experience.

Instructions to Applicants: 

For full consideration, applicants must apply for the Communications and Outreach Assistant at https://jobs.gmu.edu/; complete and submit the online application; and provide a cover letter, resume, and list of three professional references with contact information.  Applicants also have the option to upload publication/materials and a letter of recommendation if applicable in addition to the required documents.

Posting Open Date: December 7, 2023

For Full Consideration, Apply by: January 15, 2024

Open Until Filled?: Yes