CIRCLE Job Opportunities

The Center for Information & Research on Civic Learning and Engagement (CIRCLE) is a research-based think tank studying how young people in the United States learn to become active participants in our democracy. CIRCLE studies a broad range of topics, including electoral engagement, K-12 civic education, youth organizing, youth and civic media, and community characteristics that promote civic development. The central focus of its work is expanding access to civic learning and engagement opportunities by illuminating and working with others to address systemic inequalities and marginalization. CIRCLE is part of the Jonathan M. Tisch College of Civic Life at Tufts University.

CIRCLE Research Assistant: MA Civic Education Research and Administrative Support

Position Description:

Start date: September 2024

End date: May 2025

Hours: 12-15 hours per week, with a maximum of 20 hours/week

The Center for Information and Research on Civic Learning and Engagement (CIRCLE) at Tufts University’s Jonathan M. Tisch College of Civic Life is looking for a graduate research assistant for the 2024-2025 school year to support a year-long curriculum implementation evaluation. This project is based in Massachusetts, and candidates should be local to Massachusetts and able to travel periodically to collect data from participating schools and districts.

The individual filling this position will work on the CIRCLE team to support both administrative and research processes related to a curriculum evaluation project. The best-suited candidate for this position will possess both an acute attention to detail and the ability to work on multiple streams of work simultaneously. Example tasks include, but are not limited to, the following:

Email outreach and scheduling for data collection activities,
Coordinating communication between project stakeholders and internally for the CIRCLE team,
Supporting the development of observation and interview protocols,
Conducting classroom observations and semi-structured interviews,
Coding, analyzing, and reviewing qualitative data related to the project,
Supporting the creation and editing of periodic reports and presentations of findings,
Creation of data visualizations as needed, and
Attendance at project team meetings.

For best consideration, please apply by August 16, 2024.

If you are Tufts student, please submit a cover letter and resume on Handshake (Job ID: 9156609). If you are a student at another university or college, you can apply by submitting your resume and cover letter through our Qualtrics form.

Desirable qualifications, experiences, and skills include, but are not limited to:

Knowledge of qualitative research methodology in education or related social sciences,
Experience with qualitative or mixed-methods data collection including interviews, classroom observations, and focus group facilitation,
Proficiency in Microsoft Office suite and experience with at least one qualitative data analysis software (Dedoose, MaxQDA, NVivo),
Ability to collaborate with colleagues from varied backgrounds and to interact with practitioners of diverse backgrounds, views, and positions,
Capacity to function well in a fast-paced, impact-driven workplace working on more than one task at one time,
Ability and willingness to work independently and in a team, including regular commitment to timely communication with colleagues who are in-person and remote, and
Ability to visit schools around Massachusetts.

Preferred Qualifications:

Interest in K-12 civic education,
Experience in a school or classroom setting, and
Ability to collaborate and communicate effectively with young people, practitioners, and other stakeholders in a variety of communities with racial and economic diversity.

Background Information

CIRCLE is a research-based think tank studying how young people in the United States learn to become active participants in our democracy. CIRCLE studies a broad range of topics, including K-12 civic education, youth organizing, youth and civic media, and community characteristics that promote civic development. The central focus of its work is expanding access to civic learning and engagement opportunities by illuminating and working with others to address systemic inequalities and marginalization.

The Jonathan M. Tisch College of Civic Life, where CIRCLE is based, prepares Tufts students in all fields of study for lifetimes of active citizenship, and conducts critical national research to build stronger communities and democracy. Tisch College promotes new knowledge in the field and applies evidence-based practices in its programs, community partnerships, and advocacy efforts. Central to the university’s mission, the college offers opportunities for students to engage in meaningful community building, gain civic and political experiences, and explore their commitments to civic participation.

Operating under the directorship of Dr. Kei Kawashima-Ginsberg, CIRCLE is a team of nineteen individuals representing diverse professional and academic backgrounds, perspectives, and lived experiences. In service of our goal to ultimately eliminate the systemic barriers that keep some young people marginalized from and underrepresented in civic life, we engage in impact-driven partnerships. By consistently seeking out opportunities to learn with and from people and organizations representing marginalized communities, we are able to intentionally iterate our approach to research and aim to achieve equal and just outcomes.

We take a systems-approach to understand and address barriers and widen pathways toward civic learning and engagement, which in turn drives a wide-ranging portfolio. CIRCLE focuses on the following major areas of inquiry through multidisciplinary lenses and a vision of equitable systems:

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