Principal Outreach Partner

American University is a student-centered research institution located in Washington, DC, with highly-ranked schools and colleges, internationally-renowned faculty, and a reputation for creating meaningful change in the world. Learn more about American University
** Department:
** Research Services & Communications
** Time Type:
** Full time
** Job Type:
** Regular
* * FLSA Status:
** Exempt
* * Work Modality:
** Hybrid 02 (On Campus 2 days/Week)
** Union:
** SEIU Local 500 - Provost & Enrollment Division This position is part of a collective bargaining unit represented by SEIU Local 500 - Provost & Enrollment Division. That means the terms and conditions of your employment are governed by university policy (including the Staff Personnel Policies Manual) and any collective bargaining agreement entered into between American University and SEIU Local 500 - Provost & Enrollment Division.
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* Job Description:

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* Summary:

** The Principal Outreach Partner serves as ORSA’s dedicated internal communicator, service partner, and campus connector for the AU research community. Reporting to the Director of Strategy and Communications, this position ensures that faculty, staff, and unit-based research teams can effectively access, navigate, and utilize the university’s research support services. The role is centered on internal communications, service delivery, and practical application—helping the research community understand how to apply institutional policies, procedures, and user guidance in real-world contexts, including those related to Institutional Review Board (IRB) protocols, animal welfare compliance, human subjects research protections, and data security requirements.  

A core function of this position is the development and production of internal research communications, including a monthly funding opportunities and research development newsletter, and maintaining the research administration website. The Principal Outreach Partner Research writes, formats, and packages content—along with research development resources and institutional updates—into clear, accessible communications for the campus research community.  The incumbent also serves as a hands-on resource for faculty and staff who need additional guidance beyond formal training and documentation.

Working in a consultative, tutorial capacity, the Principal Outreach Partner helps users interpret and apply the tools, systems, and resources produced by the ORSA team—providing one-on-one and small-group support through walkthroughs, Q&A sessions, and practical demonstrations. This role reinforces adoption by meeting users where they are and translating institutional requirements into clear, contextual guidance. The incumbent develops the canonical documentation, SOPs, and training materials, this position focuses on user-facing communications and direct engagement that help the research community put those resources into practice.  

Acting as a bridge between ORSA the Office of Research and schools, departments, centers, and institutes, the incumbent provides responsive support tailored to the needs of different disciplines and units. Through ongoing engagement across campus, the Principal Outreach Partner identifies service gaps, recurring challenges, and opportunities to improve how research support is delivered and communicated.  
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* Essential Functions:

** 1.) Internal Communications for Research Community
* Develop, write, and produce ORSA’s monthly funding opportunities and research development newsletter.
* Write and format newsletter content—drawing on funding opportunities identified and curated by graduate student assistant—to communicate upcoming deadlines, research development resources, institutional updates, and highlights of…