Staff Employment Opportunities
We are currently accepting applications for the following administrative staff positions within the Information School. To see full job descriptions and apply please visit the University of Washington's UWHires site and search by either requisition number or keyword iSchool.
Commitment to Diversity
Committed to attracting and retaining a diverse faculty and staff, the University of Washington will honor your experiences, perspectives and unique identity. Together, our community strives to create and maintain working and learning environments that are inclusive, equitable and welcoming.
The University of Washington articulates its commitment in the UW Diversity Blueprint.
Research-to-Policy Fellow
The University of Washington’s Center for an Informed Public is seeking a Research-To-Policy Fellow responsible for identifying, synthesizing, packaging, and communicating policy-relevant research at the CIP and our campus partners. This position is a full-time translator for our policy work, working closely with the CIP’s co-founders and faculty associates to build and nurture relationships in Washington, D.C. and at the Washington State Capitol in Olympia; ascertain and identify our policy-relevant research; and translate that research in a way that is timely and accessible. They are a force multiplier in elevating the salience, visibility and utility of our research for policy audiences in government and the private sector.
The Research-to-Policy Fellow works collaboratively with faculty, researchers, and staff in the CIP. Duties include identifying CIP work product that bears on policy discussions; creating whitepapers, one-pagers, or other documents that distill the work into a digestible format; cultivating relationships with national, state, and local policymakers; and planning/executing strategic CIP visits to Washington, D.C.
The CIP is a collaborative research center that brings together faculty, staff, students, and community partners in service of a core mission to resist strategic misinformation, promote an informed society, and strengthen democratic discourse. Located at the University of Washington, a world-class research university and embedded within the local community in the Pacific Northwest, the CIP leads programs that span research, education, policy, and outreach.
In the iSchool there is an expectation that all faculty and staff will step up where they see an opportunity to apply their special expertise or talents, speak up when they identify opportunities or concerns, and lead by taking actions that exemplify the iSchool’s core values. Leadership within the iSchool is expressed in diverse ways reflecting the variety of styles and cultures that are represented by our faculty and staff.
What You’ll Be Doing:
Program Strategy:
- Help researchers better understand the ever-evolving policy environment–both in government and in industry–so that research can be increasingly impactful on policy-relevant topics.
- Guide and support the CIP in fully maximizing our efforts to translate our research into operational insights for policymakers; build capacity of researchers to engage beyond existing channels and partnerships.
- Regularly assess policy initiatives and partnerships and identify opportunities for strategic expansion.
- Help develop and guide CIP’s policy-related strategy and efforts, informed by policymakers’ needs, concerns, and goals.
Research Analysis and Communication:
- Engage with CIP researchers and academic partners to identify policy-relevant research opportunities.
- Collaborate closely with CIP researchers to translate complex research findings into clear and actionable insights for policymakers and industry leaders, ensuring the information is both timely and accessible.
- Develop strategic communication plans to effectively disseminate research outcomes through various channels, including policy briefs, reports, presentations, and digital media.
- Generate original content to educate policy audiences on key issues relating to CIP-generated research and scholarship.
- Guide and mentor junior team members in best practices for translating and communicating research to non-technical audiences.
Engagement and Partnerships:
- Engage with academic partners and the broader field of study; keep abreast of academic and research developments across the field and engage with peers and colleagues to strategically and collectively advance the field’s impact more broadly.
- Engage and support researchers in working directly with policymakers and partners in industry to develop/nurture relationships, understand their needs, and identify new opportunities.
- Design and execute strategic events locally and in Washington, D.C. to increase impact of relevant scholarship and provide opportunities for researchers and policymakers to more meaningfully engage on these topics.
- Foster strong relationships with national, state, and local policymakers in Washington, D.C. and at the Washington State Capitol in Olympia to enhance the impact of reach and research initiatives.
- Provide strategic leadership to the CIP’s role in the Public Technology Leadership Collaborative, a peer learning collective of scholars, researchers, and government leaders committed to addressing the social and cultural implications of data and technology.
Participate in Service:
- Participate in CIP-wide meetings, seminars, and other activities.
- Provide training and mentorship (formally and informally) on the policy space to students, postdoctoral scholars, and other researchers at the CIP.
- Engage in professional development activities.
Minimum Qualifications
- Bachelors degree in Education, Public Affairs or Public Policy, Political Science, Computer Science, or related field; equivalent combination of comparable knowledge and skills may substitute for education and/or experience.
- Five years of professional experience, preferably in policy development or related field.
Additional Requirements
- Expertise in developing relationships with communities of interest (e.g., government, private sector, regulators, think tanks).
- Demonstrated experience in working with persons of diverse backgrounds.
- Excellent written and oral communication skills, including demonstrated ability to write for policy audiences (particularly on technical and complex topics).
- Ability to work independently and as a team member.
Equivalent education/experience will substitute for all minimum qualifications except when there are legal requirements, such as a license/certification/registration.
Desired Qualifications
- Excellent interpersonal skills, including effective networking experience to build and sustain relationships with diverse partners.
- Familiarity with academic research process.
- Entrepreneurial approach focused on identifying and delivering impact and strategic output with minimal oversight.
What’s in it for you
- Full benefits, including medical and dental insurance, and retirement plan.
- Paid vacation and sick leave, as well as 10 paid holidays a year and one personal day.
- Fully-subsidized transit pass.
- Work for an exciting, cutting-edge research center within the University of Washington.
- In-person or hybrid work arrangement.
Conditions of Employment
- Travel between Seattle and Washington, D.C. at least once per quarter is expected.
- Hybrid work arrangement.
Associate Director for Academic HR
The University of Washington’s Information School (iSchool) is seeking an Associate Director for Academic HR. The Associate Director for Academics HR oversees human resources (including recruiting, payroll, onboarding, training and engagement, and records management) for the iSchool’s academic student employees (ASEs) and guest faculty, and serves as the primary individual responsible for coordination of annual TA assignments for the iSchool’s PhD students. Working with a high-level of independence and autonomy, the Associate Director collaborates regularly with iSchool administration, faculty, students, and staff, as well as coordinating with other offices on campus to ensure compliant policies and procedures, proper records management, and that all functions and activities support the teaching and research mission of the school.
The Associate Director for Academics HR is responsible for interpreting and implementing University human resources and payroll policies, procedures, and best practices, working directly with UW Human Resources, UW Employee Relations, the UW Employee Workday Help and other campus units and colleagues. This position advises iSchool supervisors, academic student employees, and guest faculty, as well as provides advice and recommendations to iSchool Leadership regarding recruitment, guest faculty engagement, compensation and other human resources policies, procedures, best practices, and actions. The individual in this position must show exceptionally good judgment in dealing with issues of a sensitive nature. iSchool Academics Human Resources consistently supports approximately 65 guest faculty and 225 academic student employee positions each quarter.
In the iSchool there is an expectation that all faculty and staff will step up where they see an opportunity to apply their special expertise or talents, speak up when they identify opportunities or concerns, and lead by taking actions that exemplify the iSchool’s core values. Leadership within the iSchool is expressed in diverse ways reflecting the variety of styles and cultures that are represented by our faculty and staff. Human Resources staff hold very visible roles within the School and as such are expected to step into leadership roles within the School on a regular basis.
DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
Planning and Leadership (50%)
- Collaborate with the Executive Director for Academics, Associate Dean for Academics, and other leaders in implementing strategic and operational plans, providing expertise in Academics HR matters and guest faculty recruiting and engagement.
- Oversee, review, and approve Guest Faculty and Academic Student Employee recruitment, engagement, and hiring actions, advising on onboarding and retention of these populations.
- Network and build relationships and engagement opportunities with prospective and current guest faculty, partnering with internal and external partners. Collaborate on guest faculty orientations, training programs, and guest faculty resources.
- Prepare reports on academic HR hiring for internal and external audiences; supervise planning and data-gathering; respond to external surveys.
- Interpret, implement, and resolve problems related to human resources and contractual employment policies, procedures and regulations, ensuring appropriate compliance with UW, union, and external requirements (including such areas as benefits eligibility, compensation, and employee relations).
- Continuously assess, research, develop and implement effective recruitment practices and onboarding and engagement approaches and tools.
- Conduct payroll audits to ensure employees are paid correctly each 2-week pay cycle.
- Investigate circumstances, advise supervisors, and recommend a course of action to be taken regarding employment related disciplinary issues, grievances or complaints (may include coordination with other iSchool HR personnel and serving as liaison to UWHR, Labor Relations or other UW offices).
- Directly hire, supervise, train, direct work assignments, conduct performance evaluations, approve leave requests, and make recommendations for disciplinary action as needed for five full-time staff: the Guest Faculty Coordinator, and four HR Assistant Seniors (5.0 FTE total).
Management of the Teaching Assistant Assignment Process (25%)
- Collaborate with the Academics HR team and the PhD program on student eligibility for TA work and work with the Informatics and PhD Program Chairs to develop an annual assignment plan for Graduate TAs.
- Synthesize survey data to collect course preferences and funding needs from PhD students and faculty, developing assignment recommendations.
- Manage quarterly shifts to PhD TA assignments and course support needs.
Financial Administration (15%)
- Prepare annual Academics HR budget proposal and provide compensation analysis and recommendations to the Assistant Dean for Finance & Operations for the guest faculty pay scale.
- Manage and monitor budget allocations for teaching materials and supplies, honoraria for guest speakers, academic events, PhD student appointments, and guest faculty recruitment and engagement initiatives.
Other (10%)
- Work in partnership with the Teaching and Learning and Program teams to review quarterly and annual teaching needs for each of the Information School’s five programs.
- Respond to human resources related questions from guest faculty, student employees, iSchool faculty and UW administrative offices.
- Attend All-School, Staff meetings, and committee meetings, iSchool events and activities as appropriate.
- Perform other related duties as needed.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
- Bachelor’s degree in Human Resource Management (HRM), Business, Communications or other related field.
- Minimum 5 years’ experience in a business or academic office setting, including at least 2 years human resources experience.
ADDITIONAL MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS
- Knowledge of general human resources and payroll policies, procedures and principles.
- Demonstrated data analysis skills.
- Must be process and detail oriented.
- Must have excellent communication skills, both written and oral.
- Demonstrated ability to work independently and as part of a team.
- Excellent time management and organization skills to meet crucial deadlines.
- Must be fluent in MS Office Suite.
- Demonstrated success in working with diverse populations.
- Equivalent education/experience may substitute for all minimum qualifications.
DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS
- Master’s degree in higher education, technology, or related field.
- At least one year of direct recruiting experience and at least one year of work experience in a higher education setting.
- Fluency with a learning management system, such as Canvas.
- Experience with a Human Resources Information System (HRIS).
- Prior supervisory experience.
- Comfort with technology and learning new technology skills.
- Experience using Microsoft SharePoint.
- Experience using professional and social media networks for the purposes of recruitment.
WORKING CONDITIONS
Requires a flexible work schedule to meet critical deadlines. Must be able to work in multiple locations on or around the Seattle Campus. Hybrid work schedule possible (some in-office work required).
Informatics Program Manager
The University of Washington’s Information School (iSchool) is seeking an Informatics Program Manager (Info PM) to provide leadership and support for the administration and operations of the Information School’s largest academic program. This position reports to and collaborates with the Informatics Program Chair (a faculty appointment) to ensure student success and support. Whereas the faculty Program Chairs set program vision and negotiate curriculum, policy, and changes with the broader iSchool faculty, the Info PM serves as a thought partner and consultant in these areas, and is responsible for developing goals and strategy, implementing, operationalizing, and managing all of these changes: coordinating internal and external partners, implementing curriculum, scheduling, policy, and enrollment changes. The Info PM leads the Informatics staff team, which includes multiple academic advisors and a program coordinator. They collaborate across the school with Career Services, Admissions, Communications, the Associate Dean and Executive Director for Academics, and relevant university-level units such as Undergraduate Academic Affairs, Undergraduate Admissions, and UW IT.
The Informatics Program Manager must be an exceptionally professional individual who works well in a highly confidential environment, has outstanding initiative, and can deliver effective results working independently. This position contributes to iSchool decision making and strategic planning processes and is responsible for developing and implementing program offerings, policies, and evaluating success of these initiatives.
In the iSchool there is an expectation that all faculty and staff will step up where they see an opportunity to apply their special expertise or talents, speak up when they identify opportunities or concerns, and lead by taking actions that exemplify the iSchool’s core values. Leadership within the iSchool is expressed in diverse ways reflecting the variety of styles and cultures that are represented by our faculty and staff. Human Resources staff hold very visible roles within the School and as such are expected to step into leadership roles within the School on a regular basis.
DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
Informatics Program Leadership and Management (40%)
- Plan, schedule, and manage all the administrative functions required for the Informatics program. This responsibility requires coordinating effectively with multiple iSchool units. Specific tasks include: program-specific communication and digital authorship and maintenance for program websites, leading the planning for program-specific events, establishing and maintaining annual calendars, and consult on internal and external academic reports.
- Assist the Program Chair in assessing strategic program development and developing key performance indicators to assess outcomes for the Informatics program. Elicit proposals for change and consult on the program’s capacity for change.
- Manage the degree program budget on behalf of the Program Chair, including development of quarterly reports, updating the budget in response to quarterly program changes, and overseeing the processing of all program expenses.
- Monitor and report on additional metrics of program health (enrollment, student progress to degree, faculty engagement, etc.), advising the Program Chair on areas needing specific attention or adjustment.
- Participate in the Informatics Program Committee, including coordinating reviews of curriculum with the iSchool’s Curriculum Manager.
- Interpret and implement UW policy, developing and adjusting processes and procedures in response to policy changes.
- Serve as the key liaison for the Informatics Program, developing and facilitating partnerships with other academic programs, iSchool and UW partners including iSchool Alumni Relations, Undergraduate Academic Affairs Division, Office of Minority Affairs & Diversity, Registrar, Financial Aid, and International Student Services.
- Collaborate with the Associate Dean in the onboarding of Program Chairs as they transition into the role.
- Hire, supervise, train, and evaluate two full-time staff, including 1 Lead Academic Adviser (who supervises 2 full-time Academic Advisers) and 1 Program Coordinator, providing appropriate direction, career guidance, and professional development.
Course Planning & FAculty Support (25%)
- Plan the initial course offerings each academic year in collaboration with the Program Chair, and consult on the initial assignment of faculty to courses.
- Support the Program Chair and Data Analyst in the course scheduling process; duties include scheduling classes, reserving classroom space, and regularly communicating with faculty and students.
- Collaborate with Academics HR and the Teaching & Learning team to hire, train, and coordinate support and onboarding needs for part-time Faculty, Tutors, Teaching Assistants, and other student employees that serve the Informatics program.
- Liaise with and train iSchool faculty on changes in UW policy and procedure.
Student Support (15%)
- Identify and resolve systemic registration difficulties arising from scheduling and curriculum constraints. Review degree planning to ensure feasibility of student progress.
- Partner with First Year Programs and Informatics Lead Advisor to plan and execute Informatics orientation and first student advising sessions, ensuring that these activities and offerings will effectively support students’ transition to the program and help them navigate program supports and resources.
- Collaborate with iSchool Career Services to coordinate and sustain career advising activities and opportunities for students.
- Develop an approach to working with student organizations (RSOs, governance groups, etc.) to ensure adequate support for these student groups in their carrying out of their mission. This will involve regular consultation with various student organizations regarding their requests and needs, and offering and facilitating connection to appropriate resources as needed.
Recruiting, Admissions, and Outreach (15%)
- Coordinate with the Admissions team on outreach, recruitment, and admissions activities and processes for the Informatics program, and toidentify and train reviewers for the admissions process.
- Represent the Informatics program at external events, such as visits to local high schools, community service activities, DEI workshops, or site visits for service-learning partners.
- Collaborate with iSchool Communications on the creation, writing, editing, and dissemination of promotional material (to include print collateral and other media).
Other (5%)
- Participate in the iSchool Program Manager Community of Practice.
- Assist in planning or supporting school-wide activities such as iSchool Welcome and iWelcome Week, and Convocation.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
- Master's Degree in Higher Education Administration, Business Administration, Information Management or related field.
- Minimum of 2 years experience in program management, student counseling, academic administration or related area.
ADDITIONAL MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS
- Experience in program planning and management, preferably in higher education.
- Must demonstrate excellent communications, planning and information technology skills.
- Must be able to work independently, as part of a team, and to lead others.
- Must be articulate and able to present well in writing, verbally, and via technology.
- Demonstrated success in working with diverse populations.
- Experience supervising or leading the work of full-time staff or student staff.
DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS
- Experience using UW systems such as Student Database (SDB).
- Knowledge of Microsoft Office products including SharePoint and Access.
- Familiarity with Canvas or equivalent learning management systems.
- Familiarity with video/web conferencing technology such as Zoom, Adobe Connect or Skype for Business.
- Experience in program data management (e.g., collecting, storing, analysing, reporting)
- Experience working with international students.
WORKING CONDITIONS
Local travel and/or evening and weekend may sometimes be necessary. Hybrid work arrangement (2-3 days/week in-office likely).
Questions regarding openings at the Information School should be directed to ihrhelp@uw.edu. We will do our best to respond to your inquiry within 2 business days.
The University of Washington is an affirmative action and equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, protected veteran or disabled status, or genetic information.