Digital Content Associate, MESA Academic Freedom Initiative

The part-time contractor — with the title Digital Content Associate (the “Associate”) — reports to the executive director of the Middle East Studies Association, which is headquartered in Washington DC.

This role primarily supports the MESA Task Force on Civil and Human Rights (the “MESA Task Force”), specifically the Academic Freedom Initiative (the “Initiative”), which is supported by a two-year grant from the Mellon Foundation. The Associate will be expected to support and collaborate regularly with the Research Coordinator for the Initiative (the “Coordinator”) and with the chair(s) of the Task Force. This is an hourly (average of 15 hours per week) contractor position. The expected duration of this position is for the duration of the grant.

The MESA Academic Freedom Initiative seeks data collection, organization, and analysis regarding campus climate and academic freedom issues since October 7, 2023.

MESA is a non-profit association that fosters the study of the Middle East and North Africa, promotes high standards of scholarship and teaching, and encourages public understanding of the region and its peoples through programs, publications and services that enhance education, further intellectual exchange, recognize professional distinction, and defend academic freedom in accordance with its status as a 501(c)(3) scientific, educational, literary, and charitable organization.

Digital Content Associate, Anticipated Duties

The work of this contractor position is expected to focus primarily on digital content, with strong writing, editing, and design skills required:

• Social media: drafting posts tailored to different platforms (LinkedIn, Bluesky/X, Instagram, Facebook) and monitoring activity across platforms
• Media kits and press releases: creating accessible and visually appealing content for reporters and the public, including user-friendly materials that convey information in a variety of textual and graphic formats
• Website: preparing and potentially posting content for the standalone Academic Freedom Initiative website

Software competencies should include Canva, WordPress, and Google Workspace.

A potential secondary focus of this position could be data checking, or potentially quantitative data analysis, based on skills and experience.

The Coordinator may direct the day-to-day work of the part-time Associate position.

The Associate may also be asked to assist as needed with other relevant tasks as assigned by the Coordinator or by the Executive Director.

This contractor position pays $30 an hour, for an average of 15 hours per week, not to exceed 1000 hours per year.

MESA’s DC headquarters is located at 3700 O St. NW, Washington DC 20057. The candidate may work on either a hybrid basis in the Washington-DC area or work remotely within the U.S.

Application Procedure:

To apply, please send a cover letter, a resume, and the contact information for three references in a combined PDF to dca@mesana.org

Incomplete applications will not be considered.

Review of applications is ongoing and will continue until the position is filled.

MESA is an equal-opportunity employer.