Research Associate, Visiting Research Program

Job Title: Research Associate, Visiting Research Program

Reports to:Distinguished Fellow in Political Economy & Visiting Research Fellow Program Director

Location:Great Barrington, MA

Employment Type:Part-time, non-exempt. This is an on-site, in-office position.

About the American Institute for Economic Research

The American Institute for Economic Research (AIER) educates Americans on the value of individual liberty, free markets, property rights, sound money, and limited government. AIER’s scientific research demonstrates the importance of these principles in advancing peace, prosperity, and human progress.

About the Role

The Research Associate supports the coordination, administration, and continued development of AIER's Visiting Research Fellow Program (VRFP). The position serves as a primary point of contact for prospective, current, and past visiting fellows and works across AIER departments to ensure a productive and engaging fellowship experience.

In addition to supporting the VRFP, the Research Associate will develop expertise in economics and public policy through research and writing on policy-relevant topics. With guidance from AIER's research leadership, the Research Associate will conduct background research and produce short-form commentary and other written content consistent with AIER's research interests and mission.

Responsibilities

Visiting Research Fellow Program:

• Hold online meetings with prospective fellows explaining the program and its advantages;
• Help to develop lists of potential fellow and speaker invitees;
• Coordinate and track the onboarding process of upcoming fellows using AIER’s administrative systems and tools;
• Serve as a point of contact for visiting fellows before, during, and following their time at AIER;
• Coordinate fellow arrival and departure logistics, including communications, scheduling, and in-person welcomes;
• Work with the Facilities & Hospitality Manager to coordinate travel, and housing assignments, and other logistical arrangements;
• Work with the HR Generalist to ensure that the visitors are assigned appropriate offices, and spaces are prepped and ready for their arrival;
• Create program-related promotional and informational content using tools such as Canva and email marketing platforms;
• Develop and distribute communications regarding upcoming fellowship opportunities to scholars, affiliates, and other prospective participants;
• Coordinate with other AIER staff/scholars to maximize the value of the fellowships, such as by connecting fellows to opportunities with The Daily Economy, Publications, and Harwood Salons;
• Assist fellows with promoting their research, publications, and fellowship activities using various social media platforms;
• Maintain relationships with past and prospective fellows through follow-up communications, program updates, invitations, and other engagement activities;
• Maintain accurate program records and assist with tracking participation and other information useful in evaluating and improving the Visiting Research Fellow Program.

Research and Writing

• Conduct research on economic, public policy, and other topics relevant to AIER's research agenda.
• Monitor current policy developments and identify potential topics for research and commentary.
• Prepare background research, summaries, and other materials to support AIER scholars and research initiatives.
• Produce short-form commentary and other written content for potential publication by AIER, with guidance and editorial input from research leadership.
• Participate in research discussions, seminars, and other intellectual programming to develop subject-matter expertise.
• Perform other research and program-related duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• Commitment to AIER's mission and an interest in free markets, individual liberty, and classical liberal ideas.
• Bachelor's degree in economics, political science, public policy, history, or a related field preferred; an equivalent combination of education and relevant experience will also be considered.
• Demonstrated interest in economics, public policy, political economy, or related fields.
• Strong research, analytical, and writing skills, with the ability to communicate complex topics clearly and concisely.
• Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple responsibilities, prioritize effectively, meet deadlines, and maintain accurate records.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills and the ability to interact professionally with scholars, fellows, staff, and external contacts.
• Initiative and sound judgment, including the ability to identify and resolve routine issues and adapt to changing priorities.
• Ability to work both independently and collaboratively, particularly with the Visiting Research Fellow Program Director, research staff, and Facilities & Hospitality Manager.
• Comfortable learning and using digital tools for program administration, communications, and content development.
• Ability to maintain professionalism and discretion when working with visiting scholars and external partners.

Pay Range

• This is a part-time hourly position. Expected hours per week to range approximately 15-20 hours.
• $20/hour - $30/hour – salary depending on experience.

Physical Demands and Work Environment

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an

employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable

accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential

functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee must be able to remain in a stationary

position for extended periods of time; frequently move around the office and between offices;

occasionally communicate with other employees in person and electronically; constantly

operate a computer and computer printer; frequently adjust focus for close vision work.

The employee works in a typical office environment, which is adequately lighted, heated, and

ventilated.