IRWG Graduate Fellow for Exhibits and Communications

The Institute for Research on Women and Gender (IRWG) announces a paid position for a University of Michigan (U-M) graduate student (at any level or program) to serve as the IRWG Graduate Fellow for Exhibits and Communications. The Fellow will help curate and manage Lane Hall’s rotating gallery space that focuses on feminist, gender, and sexuality-related art and media exhibits, while also supporting marketing and communications efforts for IRWG programs, events, and initiatives. Through this role, the Fellow will gain experience translating research and creative work for public audiences, developing marketing content, managing projects, and building professional communication skills.

About IRWG

Established in 1995, the Institute for Research on Women & Gender (IRWG) is an interdisciplinary unit of the Office of the Vice President for Research. IRWG's mission is to support and encourage research on women, gender and sexuality at U-M. We do this by providing direct research funds, extramural grant support, and public programming for the campus community and public.

Position Overview

Exhibits & Public Programming

• Assist with coordinating the exhibit selection processes.

• Communicate with artists, faculty, and community partners throughout the planning process to facilitate connections between exhibits and teaching, research, and engagement opportunities.

• Coordinate exhibit installation and deinstallation, including shipping artwork, preparing displays, adjusting lighting, drafting exhibit materials, and preparing and maintaining gallery space (i.e. minor painting, spackling, etc.)

• Help plan and execute events, including planning the opening receptions, artist talks, and educational programming and monitoring event budgets.

Marketing & Communications 

• Develop promotional materials, in collaboration with IRWG staff, for exhibits, events, and IRWG initiatives, including digital flyers, social media graphics, email content, and website updates.

• Assist with communications planning and outreach for IRWG programs and public events. 

• Write short news stories, feature articles, and program highlights for the IRWG website and newsletter, including press releases and promotional copy for exhibits and IRWG activities.

Qualifications Required

• Enrollment in a graduate program at the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor.

• Ability to work in person in Ann Arbor.

• Excellent organizational skills and ability to manage multiple projects and deadlines.

• Experience creating digital content using Canva, Adobe Creative Suite, or similar design tools.

• Interest in research, public scholarship, gender and sexuality studies, or community engagement.

Qualifications Preferred

• Strong writing and storytelling skills, including experience writing for public audiences, newsletters, websites, blogs, or promotional materials.

• Experience with event planning, communications, marketing, public humanities, arts administration, museums, galleries, or related fields.

Additional Information

• The Fellow will participate in exhibit installation, deinstallation, and event setup activities. These responsibilities may involve handling exhibit materials, arranging displays, and accessing exhibit areas using step stools or ladders and some basic tools, with accommodations available as needed.

• The position is expected to continue throughout the academic year, with the possibility of summer work and renewal based on performance and organizational needs.

• Learn more about Lane Hall Exhibits

Compensation & Schedule

• Approximately 10 hours per week during the academic year.

• Additional hours may be required during exhibit installation and major events.

• Summer hours may be available for exhibit planning and communications projects.

• Hourly, part-time temporary position (Research Assistant classification).

• Pay rate: $25/hour.

• Workspace available within the IRWG suite. 

How to Apply

Please send the following materials via email to IRWG Communications and Engagement Manager Stephen Gonzalez at sgonzal@umich.edu by Friday, July 31, 2026, at 11:59pm ET:

• A cover letter describing your interest in the position, your current stage of training, any exhibit experience and technical skills, and a short resume/CV with relevant experience

• A list of all other employment obligations such as GSI positions, major deadlines such as qualifying exams, and travel plans that may impact your ability to fulfill the duties over the academic year;

• Provide the name and email address of a faculty member who has supervised your work recently (preferably a paid RA position, but it could be a committee member who has not supervised paid work)

IRWG staff will review applications and make a decision by mid-August.

Qualifications Required

• Enrollment in a graduate program at the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor.

• Ability to work in person in Ann Arbor.

• Excellent organizational skills and ability to manage multiple projects and deadlines.

• Experience creating digital content using Canva, Adobe Creative Suite, or similar design tools.

• Interest in research, public scholarship, gender and sexuality studies, or community engagement.

Qualifications Preferred

• Strong writing and storytelling skills, including experience writing for public audiences, newsletters, websites, blogs, or promotional materials.

• Experience with event planning, communications, marketing, public humanities, arts administration, museums, galleries, or related fields.