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Bridge Builder Research Assistants (7-10 hours/week, $18-23/hour) This paid role is open to all Ford School undergraduate and graduate students. The Director of Community Engagement is recruiting Bridge Builder Research
Assistants (RAs) to support the Ford School’s work preparing students to engage in conversations across difference (CAD). This role combines facilitation, applied research, and program implementation.
RAs contribute to clearly defined projects with concrete deliverables across the academic year, including workshop design, targeted research, and support for school-wide engagement initiatives. This role is best suited for students who can manage timelines, follow through on responsibilities, and produce high-quality work independently and in collaboration with others.
RAs will receive training in constructive dialogue and apply these skills in practice across Ford School co-curricular programming and community engagement initiatives.
About the Bridge Builders
The Bridge Builder team is a collaborative group of students who design, implement, and strengthen programming that supports conversations across difference at the Ford School. We uplift the importance of a range of viewpoints, backgrounds, and experiences in order to cultivate the best environments for policy dialogue and educational inquiry.
Work is organized around team-based projects with clear goals, timelines, and deliverables. RAs are expected to take ownership of assigned workstreams, contribute consistently in team settings, and complete tasks between meetings. Projects include workshop development, facilitation planning, research briefs, and engagement initiatives aligned with the academic calendar. Students should expect a mix of collaboration, independent work, and ongoing feedback to refine and improve programming.
The Bridge Builders have received attention from the Big 10 Democracy Summit, Constructive Dialogue Institute, The Volcker Alliance, and The U-M Year of Democracy, Civic Empowerment, and Global Engagement for their work.
Responsibilities
Working under the direction of the Director of Community Engagement, RAs contribute to defined projects with clear timelines and deliverables: Program Design and Facilitation - Complete required training in constructive dialogue and apply skills in practice
- Design, prepare, and co-facilitate workshops and structured dialogue sessions
- Support programming tied to key moments in the academic year (e.g., orientation, Community Read, Peer-led dinners, Policy Talks, special events)
Research and Content Development - Conduct targeted research to inform program design, case studies, and engagement strategies
- Produce concise outputs (briefs, summaries, toolkits, facilitation guides) that support Ford School student organizations.
- Support development of case studies focused on skill development, crisis response, and polarization
- Identify organizations, frameworks, and models that strengthen Bridge Builder programming
- Contribute to internal reports, memos and materials for key interest groups.
Engagement and Program Support - Support planning and execution of the Community Read and other engagement initiatives
- Assist in developing communication materials about programs and opportunities
- Support coordination with students, faculty, and partners as needed
Bridge Builder RAs are expected to meet established performance standards, including timely completion of work, professional conduct, and consistent contribution to team projects. Continued appointment is contingent upon meeting these expectations. Application Process Applicants must submit the following by Wednesday, July 22 - A resume
- A brief cover letter describing interest in the role and relevant experience
Submit materials to: evandeve@umich.edu Selected candidates will be invited to interview in early August, with final hiring
decisions made shortly thereafter. Applicants are encouraged to apply promptly for full consideration. |
