Freedom School Postdoctoral Associate

The final salary offer may be determined by several factors, including, but not limited to, the candidate's qualifications, experience, and expertise, and availability of department or grant funds to support the position. We also take into consideration market benchmarks, if and when appropriate, and internal equity to ensure fair compensation relative to the university's broader compensation structure. We are committed to offering competitive and flexible compensation packages to attract and retain top talent.

Rutgers provides a comprehensive benefits package to eligible employees. The specific benefits vary based on the position and may include:

The Joseph C. Cornwall Center for Metropolitan Studies, Rutgers University-Newark, seeks to hire a Postdoctoral Associate with a Freedom Schooling focus. The Associate position will be awarded for a one-year period beginning in September 2026. The position carries a stipend of $75,000 per year, health benefits, and $3,000 in research funds. Very strong consideration will be given to candidates with practice or research experience in a liberatory education context, e.g., Freedom Schools, Rites of Passage programs, especially with programs serving adolescents.

The Associate will lead and support efforts to implement and expand Freedom Schooling in urban New Jersey and support research to document and ensure the quality of the work. The latter will involve leading or supporting mixed-methods research and evaluation studies, as well as leading efforts in mutual learning among researchers, practitioners, advocates, community organizers, and policymakers. The Associate will conduct research in the context of research practice partnerships, learning hubs, and coalitions. Through this work, the Associate will advance the Center and the University's goals of producing socially impactful research and serving as an effective partner and anchor institution.

The selected hire will be operating in a very complex world that interfaces between school districts, social services agencies, faith-based organizations, and volunteer programs in New Jersey. Given this, a very high degree of flexibility, interpersonal skill, and tolerance of ambiguity is needed. The Associate may oversee and conduct research, often in partnership with stakeholder groups, on program implementation and outcomes, along with producing peer-reviewed publications and public reports. The Associate will also lead the coordination of statewide and local research and practice learning hubs, organize outreach activities, conferences, and events, and assist with securing funding for research and programming. Additionally, the Associate will support planning and implementation of programming as needed, including coordinating with Freedom Schools and community partners across the state and conducting professional development sessions.

As a major public university in New Jersey's largest city, Rutgers University-Newark provides students with the knowledge and preparation necessary for leadership roles in an increasingly complex society, with particular attention to its public mission and building a civic dialogue. The campus is the most diverse national university in the United States and is ranked twelfth among doctoral degree-granting small universities in the country. Total enrollment is more than 13,000 students. The Cornwall Center is one manifestation of the University's commitment to building, in partnership with local residents, a more vibrant community. Its specific mission is conducting research and demonstration projects that improve the quality of life in the metropolitan New Jersey, especially for the most vulnerable residents.

Candidates must hold a recently conferred (within 5 years) doctorate in public administration, education, sociology, or a related social science field.

Preferred experience includes a background in community organizing and research, or practice in liberatory education, e.g., Freedom Schools or Rites of Passage programs.

To ensure full consideration, candidates should submit: Cover Letter/Letter of Interest, Curriculum Vitae, a Research Statement, and a single-authored academic writing sample. Questions should be addressed to Kimaada Sills at kimaada@rutgers.edu. Please refer to the School and Campus websites for additional information. (http://www.newark.rutgers.edu; https:// www.cornwall.rutgers.edu/) Position contingent upon funding.