Job Description Summary
The Or Initiative at Chapman University is a cross-disciplinary program committed to fostering civil discourse among middle school high school and college studentsparticularly around politically sensitive topics such as the Middle East conflict antisemitism and other contentious societal issues. Through rigorous research curriculum development and community engagement the initiative seeks to equip educators and students with the tools to engage in inclusive and constructive dialogue. We are seeking a highly capable and independent Research Coordinator (Advanced Projects) to support and co-lead the execution of a qualitative research study that will inform future educational programming. This temporary part-time position involves high-level coordination of research activities including participant outreach and logistics data management thematic coding and analysis in Dedoose and drafting of research findings for both academic and applied audiences. The coordinator will work closely with faculty leads curriculum developers and remote collaborators. The ideal candidate will have advanced training in communication or a related field strong experience in qualitative research methods and platforms and excellent communication writing and organizational skills. This role requires autonomy attention to detail and cross-functional collaboration.
Responsibilities
Interview Scheduling & Logistics Coordinate outreach to schools and schedule interviews Send and track consent and demographic forms Manage the calendar of confirmed interviews including times interviewers and locations Communicate with students parents and staff to confirm logistics Prepare materials for interviewers Purchase and organize participant gift cards IAudio Transcription Upload audio files for transcription Review transcripts for accuracy and completeness Finalize and organize transcripts Upload transcripts into Dedoose and link with demographic data Data Analysis in Dedoose Develop an initial codebook aligned with research questions and emerging themes Calibrate coding approach with doctoral student Crystal Nguyen Participate in regular check-ins to refine the codebook and ensure coding consistency Code transcripts and identify key themes representative quotes and participant group patterns Cross-Coast Coordination Coordinate with Barry Joseph on East Coast interview project via weekly check-ins Review and support Barrys interview plans and materials Elevate questions and concerns to the project supervisor Dr. Vikki Katz as needed Report Development & Refinement Draft study report summarizing key findings and practical implications Participate in virtual meetings with curriculum development staff Finalize the study report to inform the Or Initiatives curriculum tools Possible involvement in future research projects to be determined on an as-needed basis.
Required Qualifications
Education and Experience PhD or MA in communication or an allied field (e.g. media studies sociology education human development public policy) At least 2-3 years of experience in research program development or a related field preferably within an academic or nonprofit setting. Experience with qualitative research and the Dedoose platform for analysis Strong communication and organizational skills Strong academic writing capabilities and editorial abilities
Required Experience:
IC