Date Submitted: February 2016
Reason for Submission: (Check One)
Update
Re-evaluation of Position
New Position, Initial Evaluation
on
POSITION DESCRIPTION
Position Title:
Department:
Position Status:
Employment Type:
Remuneration:
Summer Research Assistant
Student Services
Active
Full-Time (May – August)
$12.00 / per hour
POSITION OVERVIEW
The Research Assistant provides administrative, research, and analytical support on topical areas of
interest related to post-secondary education and student governance. Under the direction of the Policy
Analyst and Manager, External Communications, the Research Assistant provides meeting support and
contributes to the achievement of short- and long-term policy governance and advocacy goals.
The Summer Research Assistant also acts as front-line representative of the Students’ Union and is
responsible for providing information to students, members of the university community, and the general
public in a friendly and attentive manner.
Additionally, the Research Assistant provides the Policy Analyst and Manager, External Communications
with project-related assistance on various short-term assignments including the annual SU Survey.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
• Conduct research, gather, analyze, and summarize information from a variety of sources,
articulate alternatives, draw conclusions and make practical recommendations.
• Research and prepare briefing notes, backgrounders, reports, and correspondence on a variety
of issues.
• Locate sources of information and determine its value, reliability, and integrity. Seek additional
information or adjusts parameters where data does not meet requirements.
• Undertake various analyses where necessary, including trend analysis, historical reviews, and
comparative analysis, etc.
• Produce content for various communications purposes;
• Provide governance support by recording minutes at meetings as required;
• Serve as a receptionist/initial greeter and direct foot traffic for a variety of visitors including
students, university faculty and staff, tenants, off-campus customers and the general public.
• Provide assistance with other tasks and responsibilities as assigned.
REQUIRED SKILLS AND ATTRIBUTES
• Demonstrated ability to engage in data analysis (survey methodology and quantitative/qualitative
analysis)
• Ability to quickly learn about, understand, and analyze complex issues and identify possible
solutions
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Communication skills, including ability to clearly, concisely, and persuasively write well-supported
documents of various kinds.
Computer skills with ability to use full suite of MS Office software including Excel.
Demonstrated organizational and time-management skills, including the ability to prioritize and
differentiate between tasks of varying importance.
Able to work independently
EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE
Minimum Requirements: Current full- or part-time undergraduate student at the University of Calgary.
• Demonstrated experience with concisely written assignments – please include a brief writing
sample with your application.
• Practical experience designing, managing, and conducting research assignments.
• Experiencing coding and analyzing data sets in a university statistics course or equivalent.
• Direct practical experience conducting administrative tasks (filing & organizing data, labeling, etc.)
• Knowledge of student government and principles of governance, including the Students’ Union’s
structure, programs, and strategic plan is an asset.
• An understanding of post-secondary education issues in Alberta is an asset.