Research Assistant

Information about the organization

The United States Holocaust Memorial Museum is a federally chartered, nonpartisan institution that was created by the US Congress to serve as America’s national memorial to the victims of the Holocaust and an educational institution dedicated to the history and lessons of the Holocaust. The Museum seeks to educate Americans from all 50 states and all walks of life as well as international audiences. The Museum has three areas of expertise: Holocaust remembrance, Holocaust scholarship and education, and genocide prevention. 

In carrying out its important memorial and educational mission, the Museum is guided by its institutional values for our workplace: Honor the memory of the victims; carry out our work with dignity, humility, integrity and respect for others; and strive for excellence through teamwork, rigor, and a culture of continuous learning. Consistent respect for others is the foundation for trust, collegiality and inclusion.

Information about the role

The Simon-Skjodt Center for the Prevention of Genocide (Simon-Skjodt Center) at the US Holocaust Memorial Museum (USHMM) is seeking to hire a Research Assistant. The person who fills this position will be responsible for performing research and conducting public and policy outreach in support of the Museum’s work to foster the field of genocide prevention and to educate policy makers and the public about the need and possibilities for preventing genocide and mass atrocities in at-risk places in the world today. The incumbent performs research in support of the Simon-Skjodt Center Research Director and other Simon-Skjodt Center staff and fellows. The incumbent performs research on specific countries at risk of or experiencing mass atrocities, on policies to prevent and mitigate mass atrocities, and on thematic issues related to atrocity prevention.

This is a full-time donated position (non-Federal) paid with the Museum’s private funds. Salary is commensurate with experience.

This position is located in Washington, DC and is hybrid telework eligible, within the local commuting area of the Museum worksite.

Duties, and Responsibilities for the role

• Prepares and edits a range of written products, including memos, reports, articles, papers, presentations, proposals, correspondence, and talking points.
• Assists the Research Director and research associates in developing new research projects, including identifying potential partners and developing operational plans.
• Supports a systematic review of research knowledge on atrocity prevention policies/strategies/tools.
• Liaises and coordinates with the Simon-Skjodt Center, other Museum staff, contractors and external entities to develop contracting and fellowship agreements, plan and execute events, and facilitate publication of research reports.
•  Provides assistance to multiple research projects to include monitoring and summarizing developments in countries at high risk of mass atrocities, preparing short summaries of scholarly literature, coding qualitative information into structured data, and preparing detailed notes from interviews and other meetings.
• Prepares project timelines, cost estimates, and contact databases. Coordinates logistics, prepares correspondence, and monitors progress of work to help ensure deadlines are met.
• Attends, participates in, and reports on meetings, conferences, symposia, and other convenings on behalf of the Simon-Skjodt Center.
• Presents the work of the Simon-Skjodt Center and related issues to public, policy, and academic audiences, and interacts with Museum visitors and others interested in the Simon-Skjodt Center’s work.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications for the role

• Familiarity with qualitative and quantitative social science research methods, techniques and sources relevant for conducting research related to genocide and genocide prevention.
• Strong organizational skills, including the ability to break down complex tasks into component parts; identify resources and assistance needed; set deadlines; and coordinate with a variety of parties to ensure deadlines are met.
• Ability to communicate research results and other complex subject matter clearly, concisely, and accurately, both in writing and verbally, for both general and expert audiences.
• Ability to work both independently and as part of a team.
• Initiative and Critical Thinking: Demonstrates ongoing interest in learning and contributes to organizational goals by taking greater responsibility than expected. Gathers, evaluates, and synthesizes information from observation and experience, to identify issues, recognize opportunities, and produce innovative solutions.
• Delivery Excellence and Flexibility: Displays high productivity and delivers quality work, while maintaining a professional attitude, to meet stakeholder needs and advance Museum goals. Maintains flexibility amid new information, and adapts to changing priorities to carry out duties.
• Teamwork: Works cooperatively with others, inside and outside the team/Branch/Division/Office, to accomplish shared objectives. Actively listens to others and presents own ideas clearly, concisely, and accurately in written and oral form.
• Bachelor’s degree in international relations, public policy, history or a social science required

Preferred Qualifications for the role

• 3 years of professional experience.
• Quantitative data analysis experience.
• Knowledge of and interest in genocide and mass atrocities and their prevention, as evidenced by study and/or work experience in relevant fields or issues

Interested applicants must send their resume and cover letter; applications without a cover letter will not be considered.

The application deadline for this position is August 25, 2024 

The Museum is committed to cultivating and maintaining a culture of diversity, equity, accessibility and inclusion (DEAI). Please click here to view the Museum Statement on Diversity, Equity, Accessibility and Inclusion (PDF).

Benefits Highlights:

The U.S. Holocaust Memorial Museum values employee wellness, work-life balance and the diversity of what this means for individual employees in life and work. We are proud to offer a comprehensive benefits package for benefits-eligible employees that includes generous paid leave benefits, health, dental, and vision insurance, flexible spending accounts, a health savings account with an employer contribution, 403(b) retirement plan with a generous employer match and contribution, group term and supplemental life insurance, short and long-term disability, commuter subsidy, access to two employee assistance programs, as well as voluntary critical illness and accident insurance coverage, long-term care and pet insurance options. Our policies also support telework and other flexible schedule options based on the job, work and team collaboration requirements.