How to Apply

A cover letter and resume are required; the cover letter must be PAGE 1 of your resume. The letter should:

• Specifically outline the reasons for your interest in the position.
• Outline your skills and experience that directly relate to this position.

Visa sponsorship is not available for this position.

PLEASE NOTE: This is a term-limited part-time position (20 hours per week), with an anticipated end date of 9/30/2025. The hourly rate is $35.00/hr.

Summary

Merit Network, Inc., a non-profit corporation governed by Michigan’s public universities, operates America’s longest-running regional research and education network. Since 1966, Merit has been providing performance-driven networking solutions to Michigan’s educational communities, including universities, colleges, K-12 schools, libraries, state government, healthcare, and other non-profit organizations.

Merit is undertaking an extension of current projects that focus on broadband and capacity building in local communities and seeks to enhance digital equity throughout the state, particularly in areas with covered populations. This project will leverage existing frameworks, such as the Digital Opportunities Compass, to develop digital equity strategies, conduct research, create community education plans, and facilitate community engagement and organizational structures that holistically address digital equity challenges in Michigan communities.

The Digital Equity Research Strategist and Outreach Coordinator will be responsible for coordinating and supporting implementation of Project Compass. This individual will be responsible for interacting with local stakeholders and coordinating efforts to impact digital equity in the state.

Top candidates will be high-energy individuals with a passion for helping others. They should also be organized and detail-oriented, with the ability to manage multiple tasks and priorities at once.

We are excited to bring on a passionate and dedicated individual to join our team and help solve the digital divide in Michigan. If you are interested in making a real difference in Michigan, we encourage you to apply for this position.

Read the Digital Opportunities Compass working paper here: https://quello.msu.edu/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/Digital-Opportunites-Compass-Paper-20220223.pdf

Responsibilities*

Essential Functions for this position are followed by an (E).

As the Digital Equity Strategist and Outreach Coordinator, this position’s key responsibilities include, but are not limited to, the following:

Writing, Reporting, and Research (20%):

• Support Digital Equity Manager in deploying surveys, coding data, and developing quarterly reports (E)

Community Engagement and Outreach (35%):

• Support and coordinate monthly task force meetings (E)
• Support listening sessions within communities (E)
• Assist Digital Equity Manager at Digital Opportunities Compass workshops with task forces (E)

Program Coordination (45%):

• Lead the Digital Opportunities Compass framework engagement process within 8 Michigan communities (E)
• Coordinate with vendors, when necessary, to conduct work such as feasibility studies (E)
• Support Digital Equity Manager in the development of community education programs (E)
• Other duties as assigned

Required Qualifications*

• High school graduate or GED equivalent
• Strong organizational skills
• Emotional intelligence and excellent communication skills
• Strong written, verbal, and presentation skills
• Ability to manage multiple projects
• Enthusiasm to work independently and collaboratively

Desired Qualifications*

Undergraduate coursework in digital equity, equity and inclusion, or technology

2+ years of experience in community outreach, program management, or research

Experience working with government entities or nonprofit organizations

Familiarity with Qualtrics and other research platforms

Additional Information

Supervisory Responsibility:

No supervisory responsibilities.

Work Environment:

This job operates in a professional office environment. This role routinely uses standard office equipment such as computers, phones, photocopiers, cloud-based systems, and AV/teleconferencing software & equipment.

Physical Demands:

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee (with or without accommodations) to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.
Employees must frequently work at computer stations, answer telephone calls, emails, and/or other forms of customer/client communication. Employees may on occasion be required to move items of various sizes and weights throughout the office or building.

Position Type/Expected Hours of Work:

This is a part-time term-limited position, work schedule will be determined by supervisor and may change if necessary. This is a hybrid position. Flexible work agreements are reviewed annually and are subject to change dependent on the business needs of the hiring department, throughout the course of employment.

There may be some occasional work required outside of the established schedule, which may include weekends and holidays. Typical work schedule is 8am – 5pm, Monday through Friday for most staff.

Travel:

Some local and state-wide travel is required.

Background Screening

The University of Michigan/Merit Network conducts background checks on all job candidates upon acceptance of a contingent offer and may use a third party administrator to conduct background checks. Background checks will be performed in compliance with the Fair Credit Reporting Act.

Contact Information

If you have any questions regarding this job, please contact: hr@merit.edu

If you need assistance completing this application, please call (734) 615-2000, option 1

Application Deadline

Job openings are posted for a minimum of seven calendar days. This job may be removed from posting boards and filled any time after the minimum posting period has ended.

U-M EEO/AA Statement

The University of Michigan is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer.