News & Notes
News 23/02 - 01/03
Feb 25, 2026
The Carter Center Shares New Job Openings
We would like to share that The Carter Center is currently seeking to fill several professional positions within its organization. Among the new opportunities they have announced are:
Program Associate, Democracy Program
Administrative Assistant, Major Gifts, Development
Senior Associate Director, Caregivers, Health Programs
Country Representative, Overseas Operations (Dominican Republic and Haiti)
For those interested in learning more about these roles, the responsibilities involved, or exploring other available positions within The Carter Center, please visit their official careers page at the following link: Career Opportunities - The Carter Center
Utrecht University Seeks PhD Candidates for ERC-Funded "SHADOW" Project
We would like to share that Utrecht University is recruiting two PhD candidates to join the ERC project "SHADOW," which investigates the migrants' social networks.
While research often highlights how support networks foster economic integration, this project explores a complementary question: when and how can these same networks create deficits—such as pressures, dependencies, and misinformation—that may undermine migrants' economic prospects?
The two positions are as follows:
- PhD 1 (Mixed methods): This project will examine the conditions under which migrants recognize network dynamics as harmful or justify them as normal, as well as the strategies they employ to navigate negative dynamics and avoid economic vulnerability.
- PhD 2 (Quantitative focus): Using a cross-national perspective, this project will explore whether restricted access to welfare programs increases reliance on informal ties in ways that intensify network deficits, and whether these dynamics ultimately reduce or exacerbate economic vulnerability.
Selected candidates will be embedded in the ICS Graduate School and the European Research Centre on Migration and Ethnic Relations (ERCOMER) at Utrecht University.
Key Details:
- Application Deadline: 8 March 2026
- Interviews: 13–14 April 2026
For extended project descriptions and to apply, please visit the official application page at the following link: https://ics-graduateschool.nl/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/Project-3-The-interplay-between-the-welfare-state-and-social-network-deficits-.pdf
Please note that applications via email cannot be considered.
James Madison University Seeks Associate Director for Civic Discourse Initiatives
We are pleased to share that James Madison University (JMU), through its Madison Center for Civic Engagement, is accepting applications for the position of Associate Director – Civic Discourse Initiatives. This is a grant-funded, full-time administrative and professional faculty role offering a unique opportunity to lead one of the nation's most comprehensive campus-based civic discourse programs.
About the Role
The Associate Director will spearhead the Madison Center's signature free-speech and deliberative dialogue initiative, Better Conversations Together, an immersive first-year program. This position is responsible for shaping campus-wide and nationwide dialogue opportunities, supporting faculty and student leadership development, and playing a key leadership role in managing two major civic discourse grants. The successful candidate will coordinate multi-institutional partners, faculty fellows, external organizations, and assessment teams to advance national work in deliberative pedagogy. This is a hands-on, student-centered, and deeply collaborative role for an individual who brings both vision and operational excellence.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead and Evolve Better Conversations Together: Oversee program components including orientation deliberations, workshops, and events; develop student learning objectives; coordinate assessment with JMU's Center for Assessment and Research Studies (CARS); and use data to strengthen program quality. Provide real-time facilitation coaching to Democracy Fellows and design new civic discourse programming.
- Supervise and Train Democracy Fellows: Provide leadership, mentorship, and professional development to 10–15 undergraduate student facilitators. Deliver ongoing facilitation training, hold weekly team meetings, and support student success.
- Coordinate Nationally Recognized Grant Initiatives: Support the Madison Center's national faculty fellows for deliberation program; manage logistics for meetings, workshops, and convenings; align higher education and K–12 civic discourse projects with national grant partners; and coordinate assessment efforts with JMU CARS and the Center for Advancement Research in Education (CARE).
Qualifications
The ideal candidate will possess deep expertise in civic discourse, dialogue facilitation, and democratic engagement, with the ability to lead both people and programs with clarity and creativity.
- Master's degree required.
- Expertise in constructive dialogue, debate, and/or deliberation, including facilitating and teaching others.
- Experience teaching college-level civic discourse, leadership, or related coursework.
- Demonstrated ability to design deliberative forums, dialogue experiences, and assessment strategies.
- Strong project management skills and experience overseeing complex, multi-partner initiatives.
- Experience supervising staff or students and designing professional development programs.
- Capacity to create innovative workshops, curriculum, and tools for navigating difficult conversations.
- Proficiency with Excel, Qualtrics/QuestionPro, MS Teams, BeInvolved, Canva, or comparable platforms.
- Exceptional communication, relationship-building, problem-solving, and organizational skills.
Application Information
- Position Title: Associate Director – Civic Discourse Initiatives
- Beginning Review Date: 28 March 2026
- Department: Office of the President / Madison Center for Civic Engagement
Employment is contingent upon the successful completion of a criminal background check. JMU uses the E-Verify system to confirm identity and work authorization.
James Madison University is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive work and educational community. The university is interested in candidates whose experience and qualifications support an ongoing commitment to this core quality.
For more information about JMU's Dual Career and Community Resources Program, please visit: https://jobs.jmu.edu/jobs/associate-director-civic-discourse-initiatives-harrisonburg-virginia-united-states
Interested individuals may learn more about the position and application procedures by contacting JMU's Human Resource Office at (540) 568-3597 or jobs@jmu.edu
The National Institute of Economic and Social Research (NIESR) Seeks Associate Social Researcher
We are pleased to share that the National Institute of Economic and Social Research (NIESR), Britain's oldest and one of its most prestigious independent research institutions, is accepting applications for the position of Associate Social Researcher to join its Public Policy team.
About NIESR: NIESR specialises in applied social and economic research, combining high academic standards with relevance to policymaking. Its reputation for quality and independence, outstanding networks, and unrivalled location at the heart of Westminster make it an ideal base for building a national profile in academic or policy research that delivers real impact.
About the Role
The Associate Social Researcher will work with colleagues to carry out research on specific areas and workstreams as directed by Senior Researchers. With guidance and support, the successful candidate will contribute to the activities of the Public Policy team, employing mixed methods—both qualitative and quantitative approaches—to contribute to research projects and policy evaluations. Interest and some experience in economic analysis is also desirable.
Key Details
- Working Hours: 35 hours per week with hybrid working (up to three days per week from home)
- Contract Type: Permanent
- Location: 2 Dean Trench Street, London, SW1P 3HE
- Salary: £33,500.00 plus pending cost of living increase
- Benefits: 30 days holiday, USS pension, hybrid working, Perkbox, cycle to work scheme
- Closing Date for Applications: Sunday 15 March 2026
- Interviews: Week commencing 23 March 2026
The essential requirements for the successful candidate include:
Experience:
- Working with qualitative and quantitative datasets.
- Analysing and interpreting data to generate evidence-based conclusions.
- Managing multiple competing priorities to meet strict deadlines.
- Working independently and as part of a team to achieve specific outcomes.
Skills, Knowledge and Abilities:
- MSc/MA degree in sociology or another relevant quantitative or qualitative social science, or equivalent.
- Awareness and understanding of a range of research techniques and methodologies, particularly quantitative and qualitative approaches.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to present complex ideas and information to different audiences.
- High level of attention to detail, with the ability to ensure accuracy of complex reports and datasets.
- Ability to build and maintain strong internal and external relationships.
- Strong interest in real-world social policy and policy developments.
Application Process
To apply for this role, candidates should submit:
- A full CV
- A supporting statement of no more than 1,000 words setting out how they meet the essential requirements outlined above. Applicants are asked to address each requirement one by one, numbering each point as listed, to ensure full consideration of their experience, skills, and abilities.
Applications should include confirmation of the applicant's right to work in the United Kingdom and their approximate available start date.
Please send applications to: The HR Manager, via email at hr@niesr.ac.uk