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Overview The Rutgers Democracy Lab (RDL) was established through a transformative gift received in November 2024. Its mission is to serve as a vibrant hub for civic engagement and a collaborative workshop for studying, analyzing, and addressing the challenges and opportunities of contemporary democracy. RDL embodies a bold commitment to equipping students with the tools and knowledge to engage with, strengthen, and sustain democracy for future generations. The Lab also seeks to examine emerging threats, such as the influence of social media, and explore their profound impact on democratic processes.
Posting Summary Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey is seeking a Public Relations Assistant for the Rutgers Democracy Lab.
Responsibilities
Furthers RDL’s mission by helping to coordinate strategic communication plans to highlight groundbreaking programs.
Connects RDL with students, faculty, staff, practitioners, and external stakeholders/partners.
Coordinates RDL’s public profile and relationships with key audiences through targeted outreach and strategic communications plans.
Assists both the Administrative and Academic Director with media for the RDL.
Helps directors build relationships across traditional and social media, both in New Jersey and nationally, to increase awareness of and engagement with RDL’s research, education, events, and resources.
Partners with leading democracy-focused organizations to promote shared content and messaging.
Partners with the RDL’s student digital content creators to disseminate engaging, student-led social media content.
Qualifications – Minimum Education and Experience
Bachelor’s degree in Communications, Journalism, Digital Communications, Political Science, or a related field as well as one year of work experience or volunteering in the political or communications field, including as a journalist or a communications specialist for a non-profit organization, elected official, or government entity.
Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
Excellent writing, editing, proofreading, and verbal communications skills.
Creativity and excellent organizational skills.
Demonstrated digital media marketing skills and the ability to identify and master new communications tools quickly.
Strong interpersonal skills and be comfortable meeting and working with a broad range of people – from high-level public officials to media representatives to vendor staff to students – in a variety of highly visible settings.
Ability to independently manage multiple tasks and short deadlines in high-stress situations.
Ability to be very organized, efficient, and detail oriented.
Must be comfortable working for an organization that is political yet non-partisan and straddles the worlds of politics and academia.
Proficient in MS Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Publisher), Photoshop, email marketing tools, social media, and desktop publishing.
Proficient in website management.
Preferred Qualifications
Microsoft Office Suite, Adobe Creative Suite, or other basic photo editing tools, CiviCRM, SurveyMonkey, social media platforms such as Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, etc.
Ability to use social media management tools like Hootsuite, and Buffer.
Physical Demands and Work Environment
Eagleton offices are located within a historic building with no elevator. The duties of this position regularly involve navigating stairs numerous times a day. An applicant may request a reasonable accommodation if they have a disability that restricts them in their ability to climb and/or navigate stairs.
Special Conditions
This position is paid from a five-year gift, and continuation is contingent upon available funds.
Must be available to work some evenings and weekends.
Benefits
Medical, prescription drug, and dental coverage
Paid vacation, holidays, and various leave programs
Competitive retirement benefits, including defined contribution plans and voluntary tax-deferred savings options
Employee and dependent educational benefits (when applicable)
Life insurance coverage
Employee discount programs
Position Details Position Status: Full Time
Working Hours: Standard Hours 37.50 daily; Work Arrangement: may be eligible for a hybrid work arrangement.
Union Description: URA-AFT Administrative
Payroll Designation: PeopleSoft
Seniority Unit:
Terms of Appointment: Staff - 12 month
Position Pension Eligibility: ABP
Posting Number: 26ST0313
Posting Open Date: 02/26/2026
Supplemental Questions Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).
* Do you have a bachelors degree in Communications, Journalism, Digital Communications, Political Science, or a related field as well as one year of work experience or volunteering in the political or communications field, including as a journalist or a communications specialist for a non-profit organization, elected official, or government entity?
Yes
No
* Are you a current member of URA-AFT Administration?
Yes
No
Required Documents
Resume/CV
Cover Letter/Letter of Application
List of Professional References (contact Info)
Optional Documents It is university policy to provide equal employment opportunity to all its employees and applicants for employment regardless of their race, creed, color, national origin, age, ancestry, nationality, marital or domestic partnership or civil union status, sex, pregnancy, gender identity or expression, disability status, liability for military service, protected veteran status, affectional or sexual orientation, atypical cellular or blood trait, genetic information (including the refusal to submit to genetic testing), or any other category protected by law. As an institution, we encourage all qualified applicants to apply. For additional information please see the Non-Discrimination Statement at the following web address: Non-Discrimination-Statement.
Equal Employment Opportunity Statement It is university policy to provide equal employment opportunity to all its employees and applicants for employment regardless of their race, creed, color, national origin, age, ancestry, nationality, marital or domestic partnership or civil union status, sex, pregnancy, gender identity or expression, disability status, liability for military service, protected veteran status, affectional or sexual orientation, atypical cellular or blood trait, genetic information (including the refusal to submit to genetic testing), or any other category protected by law. As an institution, we encourage all qualified applicants to apply. For additional information please see the Non-Discrimination Statement at the following web address: http://uhr.rutgers.edu/non-discrimination-statement
Additional Information All offers of employment are contingent upon successful completion of all pre-employment screenings. Immunization Requirements: Under Policy 100.3.1 Immunization Policy for Covered Individuals, if employment will commence during Flu Season, Rutgers University may require certain prospective employees to provide proof that they are vaccinated against Seasonal Influenza for the current Flu Season, unless the University has granted the individual a medical or religious exemption. Additional infection control and safety policies may apply. Prospective employees should speak with their hiring manager to determine which policies apply to the role or position for which they are applying. Failure to provide proof of vaccination for any required vaccines or obtain a medical or religious exemption from the University will result in rescission of a candidate’s offer of employment or disciplinary action up to and including termination.
In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and the New Jersey Law Against Discrimination (NJLAD), if you have a disability and would like to request an accommodation with regard to your access to and/or your participation in the application and selection processes (for example, the online application process or interviews), please call 848-932-3973 or e-mail us.
Rutgers University is an equal access/equal opportunity institution. If you have trouble accessing this page because of a disability, please contact us at 732.745.7378 or via email at OneSource@Rutgers.edu.
Rutgers University participates in the E-Verify program as required by law. Learn more about the E-Verify program.
For technical assistance with the applicant tracking system (login, filling out your application, resetting your password, etc.) please contact the ROCS Help Desk at 848-932-4444 or ROCS@hr.rutgers.edu. To learn more about Rutgers University’s commitment to diversity and inclusion on its campuses, click here.
#J-18808-Ljbffr
Apply for this Job
link/button.
If you would like to bookmark this position for later review, click on the
Bookmark
link. If you would like to print a copy of this position for your records, click on the
Print Preview
link.
Overview The Rutgers Democracy Lab (RDL) was established through a transformative gift received in November 2024. Its mission is to serve as a vibrant hub for civic engagement and a collaborative workshop for studying, analyzing, and addressing the challenges and opportunities of contemporary democracy. RDL embodies a bold commitment to equipping students with the tools and knowledge to engage with, strengthen, and sustain democracy for future generations. The Lab also seeks to examine emerging threats, such as the influence of social media, and explore their profound impact on democratic processes.
Posting Summary Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey is seeking a Public Relations Assistant for the Rutgers Democracy Lab.
Responsibilities
Furthers RDL’s mission by helping to coordinate strategic communication plans to highlight groundbreaking programs.
Connects RDL with students, faculty, staff, practitioners, and external stakeholders/partners.
Coordinates RDL’s public profile and relationships with key audiences through targeted outreach and strategic communications plans.
Assists both the Administrative and Academic Director with media for the RDL.
Helps directors build relationships across traditional and social media, both in New Jersey and nationally, to increase awareness of and engagement with RDL’s research, education, events, and resources.
Partners with leading democracy-focused organizations to promote shared content and messaging.
Partners with the RDL’s student digital content creators to disseminate engaging, student-led social media content.
Qualifications – Minimum Education and Experience
Bachelor’s degree in Communications, Journalism, Digital Communications, Political Science, or a related field as well as one year of work experience or volunteering in the political or communications field, including as a journalist or a communications specialist for a non-profit organization, elected official, or government entity.
Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
Excellent writing, editing, proofreading, and verbal communications skills.
Creativity and excellent organizational skills.
Demonstrated digital media marketing skills and the ability to identify and master new communications tools quickly.
Strong interpersonal skills and be comfortable meeting and working with a broad range of people – from high-level public officials to media representatives to vendor staff to students – in a variety of highly visible settings.
Ability to independently manage multiple tasks and short deadlines in high-stress situations.
Ability to be very organized, efficient, and detail oriented.
Must be comfortable working for an organization that is political yet non-partisan and straddles the worlds of politics and academia.
Proficient in MS Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Publisher), Photoshop, email marketing tools, social media, and desktop publishing.
Proficient in website management.
Preferred Qualifications
Microsoft Office Suite, Adobe Creative Suite, or other basic photo editing tools, CiviCRM, SurveyMonkey, social media platforms such as Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, etc.
Ability to use social media management tools like Hootsuite, and Buffer.
Physical Demands and Work Environment
Eagleton offices are located within a historic building with no elevator. The duties of this position regularly involve navigating stairs numerous times a day. An applicant may request a reasonable accommodation if they have a disability that restricts them in their ability to climb and/or navigate stairs.
Special Conditions
This position is paid from a five-year gift, and continuation is contingent upon available funds.
Must be available to work some evenings and weekends.
Benefits
Medical, prescription drug, and dental coverage
Paid vacation, holidays, and various leave programs
Competitive retirement benefits, including defined contribution plans and voluntary tax-deferred savings options
Employee and dependent educational benefits (when applicable)
Life insurance coverage
Employee discount programs
Position Details Position Status: Full Time
Working Hours: Standard Hours 37.50 daily; Work Arrangement: may be eligible for a hybrid work arrangement.
Union Description: URA-AFT Administrative
Payroll Designation: PeopleSoft
Seniority Unit:
Terms of Appointment: Staff - 12 month
Position Pension Eligibility: ABP
Posting Number: 26ST0313
Posting Open Date: 02/26/2026
Supplemental Questions Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).
* Do you have a bachelors degree in Communications, Journalism, Digital Communications, Political Science, or a related field as well as one year of work experience or volunteering in the political or communications field, including as a journalist or a communications specialist for a non-profit organization, elected official, or government entity?
Yes
No
* Are you a current member of URA-AFT Administration?
Yes
No
Required Documents
Resume/CV
Cover Letter/Letter of Application
List of Professional References (contact Info)
Optional Documents It is university policy to provide equal employment opportunity to all its employees and applicants for employment regardless of their race, creed, color, national origin, age, ancestry, nationality, marital or domestic partnership or civil union status, sex, pregnancy, gender identity or expression, disability status, liability for military service, protected veteran status, affectional or sexual orientation, atypical cellular or blood trait, genetic information (including the refusal to submit to genetic testing), or any other category protected by law. As an institution, we encourage all qualified applicants to apply. For additional information please see the Non-Discrimination Statement at the following web address: Non-Discrimination-Statement.
Equal Employment Opportunity Statement It is university policy to provide equal employment opportunity to all its employees and applicants for employment regardless of their race, creed, color, national origin, age, ancestry, nationality, marital or domestic partnership or civil union status, sex, pregnancy, gender identity or expression, disability status, liability for military service, protected veteran status, affectional or sexual orientation, atypical cellular or blood trait, genetic information (including the refusal to submit to genetic testing), or any other category protected by law. As an institution, we encourage all qualified applicants to apply. For additional information please see the Non-Discrimination Statement at the following web address: http://uhr.rutgers.edu/non-discrimination-statement
Additional Information All offers of employment are contingent upon successful completion of all pre-employment screenings. Immunization Requirements: Under Policy 100.3.1 Immunization Policy for Covered Individuals, if employment will commence during Flu Season, Rutgers University may require certain prospective employees to provide proof that they are vaccinated against Seasonal Influenza for the current Flu Season, unless the University has granted the individual a medical or religious exemption. Additional infection control and safety policies may apply. Prospective employees should speak with their hiring manager to determine which policies apply to the role or position for which they are applying. Failure to provide proof of vaccination for any required vaccines or obtain a medical or religious exemption from the University will result in rescission of a candidate’s offer of employment or disciplinary action up to and including termination.
In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and the New Jersey Law Against Discrimination (NJLAD), if you have a disability and would like to request an accommodation with regard to your access to and/or your participation in the application and selection processes (for example, the online application process or interviews), please call 848-932-3973 or e-mail us.
Rutgers University is an equal access/equal opportunity institution. If you have trouble accessing this page because of a disability, please contact us at 732.745.7378 or via email at OneSource@Rutgers.edu.
Rutgers University participates in the E-Verify program as required by law. Learn more about the E-Verify program.
For technical assistance with the applicant tracking system (login, filling out your application, resetting your password, etc.) please contact the ROCS Help Desk at 848-932-4444 or ROCS@hr.rutgers.edu. To learn more about Rutgers University’s commitment to diversity and inclusion on its campuses, click here.
#J-18808-Ljbffr