Position Overview

Cultural Studies Fellow Supporting the Houston Arts Ecosystem will focus the majority of their time on a set of projects focused on the Houston arts ecosystem, including work to advance arts vibrancy across Houston, a survey of Houston artists, and the development of systems to support greater collaboration across arts research initiatives. The fellow will contribute substantively to the full arc of research activities, including instrument design, survey programming and testing, data collection, convening advisors and stakeholders, analysis, reporting, and presentations. In addition to the core work in Houston, the fellow will contribute to DataArts' research projects with opportunities to grow their qualitative and/or quantitative analysis expertise, work directly with DataArts' clients in a consultative capacity, and build skills managing complex research initiatives.

This position is contingent on gift/grant funding.

Salary Range: $70k - $75k

Location: Remote with an option to be on campus in Dallas, TX.

Essential Functions:

• Help shape and guide the integration of community stakeholders deeply throughout the research process by managing an advisory group, working with partners in the community, and collaborating with community members on meaning making and research activation.

• Contribute substantively to the design of research materials, including survey instruments, interview guides, and sampling approaches for research projects.

• Develop written communications materials, including recruitment messages, biweekly updates on research, blogs, and conference submissions.  

• Lead the analysis of quantitative survey data using methods including descriptive statistics, chi squares/t-tests to compare groups, and regression analysis.

• Conduct or moderate convenings, synthesize notes, and lead debrief discussions to identify key themes and findings from qualitative research.

• Draft reports that synthesize key findings, coordinate feedback, and make revisions that prioritize insights that are direct, meaningful, and actionable for readers.

• Support research projects through coordination tasks such as scheduling meetings or interviews, working with institutional partners, documenting meetings, updating project timelines, and tracking invoices.

• Support presentations and discussions of research through webinars, conference presentations, blog posts, etc.

• Support the development of systems and structures to increase collaboration opportunities across researchers and to share and document data collection tools, reports, and resources.

About SMU DataArts: SMU DataArts, the National Center for Arts Research, is a project of the Meadows School of the Arts at Southern Methodist University. DataArts’ mission is to provide and engage organizations and individuals with the evidence-based insights needed to collectively build strong, vibrant, and equitable arts communities. SMU DataArts compiles and analyzes data on arts organizations and their communities nationwide and develops research articles and reports on important issues in arts management, arts ecosystems, patronage, and equitable access and inclusion. Its findings are available free of charge to arts leaders, funders, policymakers, researchers, and the general public. SMU DataArts researchers employ a range of methodological techniques and high-powered computing to test hypotheses, build theory, and increase understanding of the arts and culture sector.

About SMU: SMU’s more than 12,000 diverse, high-achieving students come from all 50 states and over 80 countries to take advantage of the University’s small classes, meaningful research opportunities, leadership development, community service, international study and innovative programs.

SMU serves approximately 7,000 undergraduates and 5,000 graduate students through eight degree-granting schools: Dedman College of Humanities and Sciences, Cox School of Business, Lyle School of Engineering, Meadows School of the Arts, Simmons School of Education and Human Development, Dedman School of Law, Perkins School of Theology and Moody School of Graduate and Advanced Studies.

SMU is data driven, and its powerful supercomputing ecosystem – paired with entrepreneurial drive – creates an unrivaled environment for the University to deliver research excellence.

Now in its second century of achievement, SMU is recognized for the ways it supports students, faculty and alumni as they become ethical, enterprising leaders in their professions and communities. SMU’s relationship with Dallas – the dynamic center of one of the nation’s fastest-growing regions – offers unique learning, research, social and career opportunities that provide a launch pad for global impact.

SMU is nonsectarian in its teaching and committed to academic freedom and open inquiry.

Qualifications

Bachelor's degree and five (5) years of experience or Master's degree and a year of work experience is required. 

The fellow should have a stated interest in the arts and culture sector. Candidates with a wide range of degrees would be considered for this could include arts & culture management, economics, statistics, data science, public policy, urban policy, African American studies, gender studies, or related field.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities: Candidate with a blend of research, arts sector, and consulting experience is desired. Candidate must demonstrate strong interpersonal and verbal communication skills, with the ability to communicate broadly with all of Data Arts connections and develop and maintain effective relationships with a wide range of constituencies. Must also demonstrate strong written communication skills. 

Candidate must possess strong problem-solving skills with the ability to identify and analyze problems, as well as devise solutions. Must also have strong organizational, planning and time management skills.  

Experience with a statistical software package such as SAS, SPSS, or Python is preferred.

Application Instructions

Apply Online

SMU is an inclusive and intellectually vibrant community of teachers and scholars that value diverse research agendas. SMU is in the culturally dynamic city of Dallas. Explore Virtual SMU at www.smu.edu. SMU offers excellent benefits including full same-sex domestic partner benefits, for further information see: www.smu.edu/hr/total_comp/benefits/Docs

SMU will not discriminate in any program or activity on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, age, disability, genetic information, veteran status, sexual orientation, or gender identity and expression. The Executive Director for Access and Equity/Title IX Coordinator is designated to handle inquiries regarding nondiscrimination policies and may be reached at the Perkins Administration Building, Room 204, 6425 Boaz Lane, Dallas, TX 75205, 214-768-3601, accessequity@smu.edu.