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Department:
School of Public Affairs
Time Type:
Full time
FLSA Status:
Non-Exempt
Job Description:
Summary:
SPA is hosting the 25th conference of the Public Management Research Association in June 2026. We are seeking a highly motivated and organized student to assist with the planning and execution of the conference. This is a part-time position (10 hours per week) offering valuable experience in event management, communication, and administrative support. During the conference, the first week of June 2026, the PMRA Conference Assistant should anticipate working fulltime (35 hours). The student will work closely with conference organizers, Profs. Khaldoun AbouAssi, Anna Amirkhanyan Jocelyn Johnston, and SPA’s Communication and Events teams to ensure a successful and well-coordinated event. The student will report directly to Prof. AbouAssi.
Essential Functions:
Communication & Correspondence:
- Assist with drafting and sending emails to potential speakers, attendees, and sponsors.
- Manage and update contact lists and databases.
- Respond to inquiries and provide information related to the conference.
- Provide assistance to develop, update, and maintain the conference website and social media if needed.
- Assist in developing and managing the conference portal.
Administrative Support:
- Maintain and organize conference-related documents and files.
- Conduct research on potential speakers, sponsors, and vendors.
- Assist with data entry.
- Assist with the creation of documents and materials, such as agendas, schedules, and promotional materials.
- Attend meetings (virtual and in-person).
Logistics and On-site support:
- Assist with venue research and coordination.
- Assist with the preparation of conference materials and signage.
- Help with the organization of conference activities and social events.
- Provide on-site assistance during the conference (in 2026), including registration, information desk support, and general assistance.
Knowledge, Skills, Abilities and Other Characteristics:
- Excellent organizational skills to manage multiple tasks, prioritize deadlines, and maintain accurate records.
- Excellent communication skills to communicate effectively (ability to draft professional emails and correspondence) and work collaboratively with a team.
- Attention to detail to ensure accuracy and completeness in all tasks.
- Ability to adapt to changing priorities and handle unexpected situations and last-minute requests.
Position Type/Expected Hours of Work:
- Part-time.
- Student.
- 10 Hours/wk.
- All AU students are eligible to apply for this position, with a preference for those st udents with a Federal Work Study award.
Salary Range:
- $18.50/hr.
Required Education and Experience:
- Currently enrolled in an Undergraduate or Graduate degree program in a related field.
Preferred Education and Experience:
- Prior experience with organizing events (workshops, conferences, etc.…) is preferred.
Other Details
- This position is available only to enrolled American University students.
- Please note this job announcement is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.
- American University is an E-Verify employer.
Current American University Employees
American University current employees (including those employed in student positions) must apply through their employee Workday account. If you are a current employee at American University, please log into Workday and select the Find Jobs report which will take you to our internal career listings.
Contact Us
For more information or assistance with the American University careers site, email theworkline@american.edu .
American University is an equal opportunity, affirmative action institution that operates in compliance with applicable laws and regulations. The university does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, sex (including pregnancy), age, sexual orientation, disability, marital status, personal appearance, gender identity and expression, family responsibilities, political affiliation, source of income, veteran status, an individual’s genetic information or any other bases under federal or local laws (collectively “Protected Bases”) in its programs and activities.