Researcher

The American Council of Trustees and Alumni (ACTA) is an independent, nonprofit organization committed to academic freedom, academic excellence, and accountability at America’s colleges and universities. Launched in 1995, we are the only organization that works with alumni, donors, trustees, policymakers, and education leaders across the United States to support liberal arts education, uphold high academic standards, safeguard the free exchange of ideas on campus, and ensure that the next generation receives a philosophically rich, high-quality college education at an affordable price.

The Campus Freedom Researcher advances ACTA’s mission of higher education reform by supporting efforts to help higher education leaders and the public understand the importance of free expression and viewpoint diversity in the academy; publish best-practices research, surveys, and other reports on issues related to academic freedom; and effect positive change to improve the conditions for free expression and viewpoint diversity on American campuses.

Specifically, the Campus Freedom Researcher will:

·        Conduct Research, undertake policy analysis, and assist with preparing reports and other materials for ACTA’s Campus Freedom Initiative, which aims to encourage colleges and universities to adopt policies and practices outlined in ACTA’s Gold Standard for Freedom of Expression.

·        Provide research and writing assistance to the Paul & Karen Levy Fellow in Campus Freedom for journalistic investigations, op-eds, essays, and other writing.

·        Assist the Paul & Karen Levy Fellow in Campus Freedom with major reports and best-practices guides related to academic freedom, free speech, and viewpoint diversity on campus.

·        Support rapid response research and outreach to university governing boards and others on campus freedom issues.

·        Be willing to travel occasionally to support outreach, presentations, and research for the Campus Freedom Initiative.

The Campus Freedom Researcher will report to ACTA’s Paul & Karen Levy Fellow in Campus Freedom. This is envisioned as a Washington, DC-based position but a hybrid arrangement is possible.

The Campus Freedom Researcher must approach these tasks as an entrepreneurial enterprise, requiring an understanding of and proactive approach to ACTA’s program activities. He or she is expected to be personable, dynamic, well organized, highly motivated, and principled. The highest degree of personal responsibility, accountability, and honesty is expected. A bachelor’s degree in a humanities or social science discipline, along with 2-3 years of experience in higher education, the legal sector, or public policy, is required. A J.D. and First Amendment background, or an M.A. in a social science discipline (with strong background statistical research methods), are preferred credentials for the position. Candidates with 5+ years of experience may apply for the position at the senior researcher level.