Civic Education Graduate Assistant

The Annette Strauss Institute for Civic Life is seeking a motivated and detail-oriented Graduate Research Assistant to support its growing portfolio of civic engagement programming and research through grant research, writing, and tracking. This 20-hour-per-week position offers hands-on experience in the nonprofit and academic sectors, focusing on identifying funding opportunities that align with the Institute’s mission.

Key Responsibilities: 

• Conduct comprehensive research on local, state, and national grant opportunities relevant to civic education, youth voter engagement, leadership development, and nonpartisan outreach. (30%)
• Draft, edit, and organize grant proposals, letters of intent, and supporting documentation in coordination with Institute staff and faculty. (25%)
• Maintain an internal grant tracking system including deadlines, funder requirements, reporting obligations, and award outcomes. (15%)
• Assist with post-award management by compiling data and outcomes for reporting to funders. (10%)
• Support collaboration across programs by identifying funding needs, gaps, and prospects that align with strategic priorities. (10%)
• Attend team meetings to stay informed on programming updates and contribute insights for proposal development. (5%)
• Contribute to occasional communications and research tasks as needed to support overall Institute operations. (5%)

Qualifications: 

• Enrolled as a graduate student at the University of Texas at Austin.
• Strong research and writing skills, especially in persuasive or professional writing.
• High level of attention to detail and ability to manage multiple deadlines.
• Strong interpersonal and organizational skills; ability to work both independently and collaboratively.

Preferred Skills: 

• Experience with grant writing or fundraising for academic or nonprofit programs.
• Interest in civic education, youth engagement, or democratic research initiatives.