The Social Media Collective is looking for a Research Assistant to work with us at Microsoft Research New England in Cambridge, Massachusetts.

Starting in July 2016 the MSR Social Media Collective will consist of Nancy Baym, Tarleton Gillespie, Mary L. Gray, Dan Greene, and Dylan Mulvey in Cambridge, Kate Crawford and danah boyd in New York City, as well as faculty visitors and Ph.D. interns affiliated with the MSR New England. The RA will work directly with Nancy Baym, Kate Crawford, Tarleton Gillespie, and Mary L. Gray.

An appropriate candidate will be a self-starter who is passionate and knowledgeable about the social and cultural implications of technology. Strong skills in writing, organization and academic research are essential, as are time-management and multi-tasking. Minimal qualifications are a BA or equivalent degree in a humanities or social science discipline and some qualitative research training. A Masters degree is preferred.

Job responsibilities will include:

– Sourcing and curating relevant literature and research materials
– Developing literature reviews and/or annotated bibliographies
– Coding ethnographic and interview data
– Copyediting manuscripts
– Working with academic journals on themed sections
– Assisting with research project data management and event organization

The RA will also have opportunities to collaborate on ongoing projects. While publication is not a guarantee, the RA will be encouraged to co-author papers while at MSR. The RAship will require 40 hours per week on site in Cambridge, MA, and remote coordination with New York. It is a 12 month contractor position, with the opportunity to extend the contract an additional 6 months. The position pays hourly with flexible daytime hours. The start date will ideally be July 25, although flexibility is possible for the right candidate.

This position is perfect for emerging scholars planning to apply to PhD programs in Communication, Media Studies, Sociology, Anthropology, Information Studies, History, Philosophy, STS and Critical Data Studies, and related fields who want to develop their research skills and area expertise before entering a graduate program. Current New England-based MA/PhD students are welcome to apply provided they can commit to 40 hours of on-site work per week.

To apply, please send an email to Nancy Baym (baym@microsoft.com) with the subject “RA Application” and include the following attachments:

– One-page (single-spaced) personal statement, including a description of research experience and training, interests, and professional goals
– CV or resume
– Writing sample (preferably a literature review or a scholarly-styled article)
– Links to online presence (e.g., blog, homepage, Twitter, journalistic endeavors, etc.)
– The names and email addresses of two recommenders

We will begin reviewing applications on May 15 and will continue to do so until we find an appropriate candidate. We will post to the blog when the position is filled.

We regret that because this is a time-limited contract position, we can only consider candidates who are already legally authorized to work in the United States.

These posts come from the Atlanta ColorComm chapter.

Atlanta Communication Job Openings:

Coordinator, Division Event Support – American Cancer Society

The Coordinator, Division Event Support role will provide support services to Distinguished and/or Community Event staff in the Division.  Responsibilities include but are not limited to:  document/materials/product management, program event support, income processing support, and standard reporting.

• Responsible to create, prepare, proof-read, and review content and format for all events and related materials including but not limited to:  invitations, RSVP’s brochures, posters, letters, programs, certificates, and name tags.
• Provides distinguished and community event and material product support.  Maintains, records of orders ensuring appropriate accounting.  Setup/compile information on high end events including bid forms, bid paddles, and accurate seat assignments &charts within Greater Giving. Order event related supplies including but not limited to:  awards, brochures, apparel (as applicable), supplies, invitations, promotional products (gifts giveaways, etc), t-shirts, luminaria, and incentive prizes.

• Prepares event correspondence, sends invitations for kickoffs, registration nights, committee meetings and other events.  Manages RSVP process for event and event related meetings.  Maintains contact list for events.  Prepares mailings (lists, labels, stuffing, and sealing), bulk mail, mail merge, etc.

• Provides general event support: maintain schedule of locations, dates and times for events. Assist with event participant registration/ticket purchasing as needed, maintain insurance process (certificates of insurance), act as point of contact for event related inquires (SRs, phone, walk-ins), manage auction process (entering auction items, coordinate auction Item Prizes; not to include soliciting auction items).

Apply here: http://bit.ly/1rqg7cG

PR Specialist – SearchLogic Recruiting

A highly successful supply chain management company is looking for a PR Specialist to join the team. The Public Relations Specialist will help develop and deliver programs to promote and help maintain the favorable image of the organization with trade press, industry analysts, customers and prospects. Ideal candidates will have 2-3 years experience in a PR, Marketing, or Communications role.

Position specifics include but not limited to:

• Coordinate day-to-day public relations activities including the development and management of editorial calendars, article opportunities and identification of relevant press articles
• Identify opportunities and help expand company’s presence across multiple social networks
• Draft and execute social media programs across multiple services * Draft and assist in the distribution of news releases
• Coordinate and execute our digital and print advertising program; working closely with team members to develop creative and online assets
• Identify and draft opportunities to promote company blog
• Assist with public relations reporting, keeping record of key placements, monitoring updates and measuring effectiveness as required

Apply here: http://bit.ly/1SyQuyS

Social Media Specialist – Rooms To Go

Rooms To Go is looking for a self-starter to manage their online reputation management platforms and social platforms. This person will work closely with both the media team and customer service team to build out strategies for both increasing positive feedback at the local level, and creating processes for efficiently managing feedback.
Responsibilities include:

• Day-to-day management of Rooms To Go’s Reputation management platforms and social platforms
• Conceptualize and execute strategies for increasing positive reviews for local store pages found on Yelp, Google Reviews, City Search, etc.
• Establish KPIs to measure success, and develop reporting framework and cadence
• Assist customer service in the moderation of all user-generated content in line with the moderation policy for each community
• Directly interact with customers to maximize community engagement and drive positive perception and word-of-mouth for our brand and products
• Generate, edit, publish, and share daily content (original text, images, and video) that builds meaningful connections and encourages engagement and interaction across RTG social properties
• Optimize and manage company pages within each platform to increase the visibility of company’s social content
• Leverage reporting and analytics to make informed decisions regarding community management efforts
• Collaborate with Digital Media Team to develop and execute a brand strategy that aligns with company goals and business objectives
• Identify and amplify opportunities for positive brand engagement

Apply here: http://bit.ly/1T3qLfp

Marketing/Social Media Specialist – Delta Airlines

As a Marketing-Social Media Specialist you’ll be responsible for developing exciting social content, promotions, and communities that share the Delta story around the world. You’ll use your social media and digital expertise to identify innovative reactive and proactive content opportunities, foster relationships with internal and external key influencers, and provide regular reports to ensure performance and quality of social media content.

RESPONSIBILITIES:
Work with external agencies on the development of social campaign ideation, execution, and reporting.
Partner with agency and interdepartmental teams to create a holistic content calendar that incorporates campaigns, product announcements, retail initiatives, and partner activations.
Assist in planning and executing paid social media campaigns.
Develop weekly, and monthly content performance reports for executive leadership.
Brainstorm new ideas for each brand that break through social media clutter and project manage social media initiatives that drive business objectives.
Develop copy and occasional imagery to be used in social media posts and promotions.
Serve as the primary social listening arm to monitor and flag brand conversations and trends.
Monitor and engage with online communities across all social platforms.
Identify social media opportunities and issues in real-time while coordinating content, assets and approvals.
Stay current with industry trends and best practices in both social and digital spheres.
Regularly audit and evaluate competitors’ social media efforts.

Apply here: http://bit.ly/26jJsVJ

Communications Representative – Lockheed Martin

While duties reflect those of a communications generalist, primary focus of the position is community relations and community outreach for the Lockheed Martin Aeronautics site in Marietta, GA. Scope of outreach is mainly the 10-county Metro Atlanta area, with some efforts across the State of Georgia and beyond. Additionally, responsible for managing the Marietta site’s philanthropy, contributions and sponsorship budgets; and leading the site’s LM AERO Club employee-giving program and budget. Routinely gives tours of various site operations and production lines for visiting community and educational groups. Serves as the primary liaison/interface with educational institutions at all levels in support of the company’s STEM programs and outreach. Requires personal attendance at numerous community activities, including many after-hours evening and weekend events. Plans, organizes and executes numerous employee volunteer events in local communities. Incumbent in this position is often the “face of Lockheed Martin” at many community and volunteer events, and is called upon to speak on behalf of the company. Serves as a backup to other Communications staff members to support line of business activities in the areas of media relations, employee communications, executive communications, and branding, marketing and advertising. Apply here:http://bit.ly/1WKpteK

Health Communications Specialist – Karna

Karna is accepting applications for a Health Communications Specialist who has experience in multi-media techniques, particularly those skills related to producing and editing communications through videography. This includes experience designing and producing communication materials, videos, communication plans, fact sheets, brochures, and PowerPoint presentations. The following tasks will be performed by the Health Communications Specialist:

• Develop communication (audiovisual and written) materials
• Experience scripting, filming and editing videos to tell stories (videographer)
• Capacity to evaluate communication materials from an audiovisual perspective and incorporate improvements
• Develop questions and answers (Q/As), talking points, interview scripts, and guidance documents
• Work with SMEs to transform complex information into audiovisual and/or written products that easily understood by partners and the general public
• Support public health emergency response operations and health communication activities related to some or all of the following:

1. Communicate daily updates and status of documents that have entered the clearance process
2. Coordinate tasks and strategy for the development of health communication and education materials
3. Organize and implement external communication
4. Provide consultation and guidance on communication inquiries
5. Assist with review and clearance of relevant communications materials
6. Assist with the development of emergency communications content for the general public, and special populations
7. Ensure the timeliness, consistency, and accuracy of information
8. Follow appropriate clearance guidance
9. Participate in situation updates and operational debriefings
10. Participate in Scientific Response Section (SRS) and Joint Information Center meetings as needed

Apply here: http://bit.ly/214nhPs

Note: I am a recent convert to dogfooding assignments. The modest proposal outlined by the Cult of Pedagogy calls for professors to test their assignments and see if they have realistic expectations, clear instructions, and what assumptions about time, content, critical thinking, and creativity are embedded in the assignments.

The students in my Foundations of Media Research class are tasked with creating listicles about their learning experiences in the class. (Psst: It’s also a way for them to reflect on the semester, obtain experience with another type of article writing, and get content for their portfolios. Win-win-win.) Here is my attempt at writing a 500-word listicle. It’s not about my class, but enjoy! 

The end of the semester is upon us. Although many of us will be neck deep in grading, some of us have the additional burden (or delight) in switching positions. It is a burden if you didn’t choose to leave and were asked to go. It is a delight if you are moving to a “better place” or a dream position.

The tricky part of this separation is the resignation letter. Here are some tips for writing the academic resignation letter:

1. Make sure you have another job (or something else lined up.) 

Triple check the mailbox to make sure the formal letter is in hand. Make sure you have a job or plan before you resign from the current gig.

2. Check your faculty handbook and your contract about when your contract ends and if you are requested/required/ruthlessly forced to submit your letter.

Some schools like Pitt make this explicit and easy to find. Others do not.  If you can’t find any guidelines, consider the AAUP’s statement on appointment ethics. Section 3, Part C reads:

An offer of appointment to a faculty member serving at another institution should be made no later than May 1, consistent with the faculty member’s obligation to resign, in order to accept other employment, no later than May 15. It is recognized that, in special cases, it might be appropriate to make an offer after May 1, but in such cases there should be an agreement by all concerned parties.

Use the AAUP statement as a guardrail during the resignation process.

3. Think about your professional reputation when you sit down to draft your letter.

Reputation management is important in all jobs, but it is critical when you are in a field that counts collegiality as a value and a tenure metric. Reputation is an intangible entity, but it is based on your behavior, others’ perceptions of your trustworthiness, and your (real and perceived) performance.

Given that, how much of your reputation do you want to shed in this resignation process? Questions to ponder before you start writing any resignation letter: Do you want to burn bridges? Do you want to keep connections and ties between you and your colleagues? Do you want to come back? Do you want the department to collapse into itself like a black hole? Will this letter be forwarded out to those in my professional field? Do I give a damn? The answers will guide you in the next steps.

4a. Write a succinct letter.

“Deuces, baby” may not be the most appropriate email resignation. (But thank you, NeNe Leakes, for a great gif.) You should have a bit more substance in the letter, but not too much. Fresno State offers a letter template that is 3 sentences long.  

I am writing to inform you that I am resigning my position as <classification title/job title> in <name of department> effective <insert date>.  I am resigning my position because <state reason why resigning position>.  Thank you for the opportunity to work at California State University, Fresno.

Use that. Note: If you don’t have a job secured, don’t send this just yet. Put that in a Word Document, Google Doc, or the draft folder.

4b. Or, give them the business in your letter.

This professor went in on his administration. You can do the same.

Open the door to the reading room, and read them for shade, filth, and heat, honey. Tell them how you really feel. Lay out your grievances. Tell your story and get it off your chest. Explain and justify. Detail and point out flaws. Let them that you did not come to play but to slay them (with metaphors, juxtapositions, praxis, or epistemology). Do what floats your boat. Just know that the university (a) may not care and (b) may not respond (see the professor’s example above).

5. Inform those who are closest to you and those who are your mentees/proteges in person.

Your work friends will appreciate the heads up. Your students deserve the advance notice so they can plan accordingly. Bring tissues, doughnuts, and/or wine just in case.

6. Above all, be gracious about the good, the bad, and the ugly of the whole process.

Not only is Beyonce always on beat, she is sage wisdom personified in “Formation.” Being kind and pleasant in the aftermath is a good strategy. Even better: The best revenge in academia is always your paper (be it conference papers or banknotes).

What do you think? What are some other tips and strategies that people should know when resigning from their academic jobs? Drop a note in the comments.

Ethos Pathos Logos video:

Using the Rhetorical Triangle and Rhetorical Appeals:

Are you a Department of Communication student who is in the PR area?

If so, you should apply for the Vickie York Fair Scholarship.

The application deadline has been extended. Here are links to the applications:

• Communication Scholarship Form: https://www.dropbox.com/s/hdtoor016mj1d5p/Comm%20Scholarship%20Form%20%282015-16%29.pdf?dl=0
• Vickie York Fair Scholarship Application: https://www.dropbox.com/s/xn9wm2nsua646py/Vickie%20York%20Fair%20Award%20application%202015.pdf?dl=0

Rising juniors, and seniors in the college were recently invited to apply for membership to the 2016-17 College of Arts and Sciences Undergraduate Advisory Board. The purpose of this board is to bring together a cadre of students that will support and inform the retention and achievement efforts of the college.

We encourage you to pass this opportunity along to any student that you think may be well suited for service on the board.  Our goal is to ensure that the advisory board represents the curricular diversity of the college.

More information about the application process can be found here on the Arts & Sciences Undergraduate Blog. Students interested in applying for the advisory board should submit all materials by 5:00 PM Sunday, May 1, 2016. A recommendation form from a faculty member in the applicant’s major is required and can be submitted online here.

Please contact Laura Castelli at 404-413-5120 or lcastelli@gsu.edu with any additional questions.

Thank you in advance to all of you for your help, and especially to those whom students will seek recommendations.