Student Research Fellow - Dr. Lin Ong - Tarkington Business Future Institute #738648071

Cal Poly Pomona Enterprises Employment Services

ANNOUNCEMENT OF POSITION VACANCY

Position Title: Student Research Fellow

Department: Tarkington Business Futures Institute College of Business Administration Cal Poly Pomona

Reports To: Professor L. Lin Ong, Tarkington Endowed Faculty Fellow

About the Tarkington Business Futures Institute

The Tarkington Business Futures Institute (TBFI) is a think-and-do tank housed within Cal Poly Pomona's College of Business Administration. The Institute bridges rigorous faculty research with the business leaders, policymakers, and communities shaping Southern California's future through applied research, public engagement, strategic convenings, and multimedia communications.

Student Fellows are integral members of the lnstitute's team, working alongside Faculty Fellows to translate research into meaningful public dialogue while helping build the lnstitute's operational infrastructure and long-term capacity.

SUMMARY: The Student Research Fellow will help to produce the lnstitute's podcast, develop public-facing communications, support policy development, and research that will support the lnstitute's continued growth.

As part of an early-stage institute, this fellowship offers a unique opportunity to help create processes and systems. The Student Fellow will collaborate with the Faculty Fellow to establish priorities, implement priority projects, and contribute to the lnstitute's strategic public engagement efforts.

Students pursuing degrees in communications, journalism, public policy, political science, business administration, marketing, economics, media studies, or related discipline should apply.

SOME OF THE THINGS THAT YOU WILL GET TO DO (this is just a small sampling of work variety):

Podcast Production

Under the direction of the Faculty Fellow, this position will be required to help implement the lnstitute's podcast strategy, editorial direction, and production schedule which will include:

· Responsible for all phases of podcast production, including:

· Equipment setup and maintenance

· Recording sessions

· Audio and video editing

· Quality assurance

· Publishing and distribution

· Coordinate guest communications, including outreach, scheduling, preparation materials, technical guidance, and post-episode follow-up.

· Produce transcripts, episode descriptions, show notes, and search-optimized metadata.

· Publish episodes and facilitate distribution across Spotify, Apple Podcasts, YouTube, and other podcast platforms.

Content Development and Digital Media

· Create engaging digital content derived from podcast episodes, research publications, Institute events, and faculty scholarship.

· Produce short-form video content for Linkedln, YouTube, and other emerging digital platforms.

· Maintain an editorial content calendar coordinating:

· Podcast releases

· Research publications

· Roundtables

· Public events

· Relevant policy and business news

· Monitor podcast and social media analytics and prepare performance reports with recommendations for future content strategies.

Communications

· Conduct background research supporting Institute initiatives and podcast development.

· Research prospective podcast guests aligned with Institute priorities.

· Assist in creating materials for business leaders, policymakers, and the broader public based on faculty research.

· Support development of policy briefs, summaries, presentations, and related communications.

Operations

· Participate in regular planning meetings with the Faculty Fellow.

· Maintain database of podcast guests, stakeholders, media contacts, and Institute partners.

· Assist with planning and logistical support for Institute roundtables, public forums, and special events.

Learning Outcomes

The Student Research Fellow will gain practical experience in:

· Individual mentorship from a Tarkington Faculty Fellow

· End-to-end podcast and multimedia production

· Research and public policy communications

· Project and workflow management

· Professional networking with business executives, policymakers, nonprofit leaders, and academic experts

· Experience supporting the development of an inaugural university research institute

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

Applicants are required to have:

· Strong written and verbal communication skills

· Excellent organizational and time-management abilities

· Ability to manage multiple assignments while meeting deadlines

· Demonstrated Initiative and ability to work independently with minimal supervision

· Strong critical thinking and problem-solving skills

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

Preference will be given to applicants with experience in one or more of the following:

· Audio and video production

· Podcast production or editing

· Adobe Premiere Pro, Adobe Audition, Descript, or comparable editing software

· Canva or similar graphic design platforms

· Microsoft Office Suite

· LinkedIn and YouTube content creation

· Podcast hosting and distribution platforms

· Database or CRM software

· Search engine optimization (SEO) and digital content metadata

· Research, journalism, public affairs, or policy communications

TIME COMMITMENT:

10-15 hours per week during the Fall and Spring semesters.

Additional hours (not to exceed 20 total hours per week) may be required to support approximately one Institute event each month.

Appointment Period: Fall 2026 through Spring 2027

APPLICATION PROCESS:

Interested students should submit:

· Resume

· Optional Portfolio of relevant work

Question regarding the position should be emailed to: tbfi@cpp.edu

Career Readiness Competencies

The Tarkington Business Futures Institute intentionally develops the National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE) Career Readiness Competencies through meaningful experiential learning. Student Fellows will strengthen competencies in:

· Career & Self-Development

· Communication

· Critical Thinking

· Equity & Inclusion

· Leadership

· Professionalism

· Teamwork

· Technology

CSU along with Cal Poly Pomona Enterprises strongly recommend faculty, staff, and students who are accessing campus facilities to be immunized against COVID-19 or declare an exemption from doing so. The systemwide policy can be found at COVID-19 Vaccination Interim Policy and any questions may be sent to [email protected].

Cal Poly Pomona Enterprises is an Equal Opportunity Employer.  In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, Cal Poly Pomona Enterprises may provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities and encourages both prospective and current employees to discuss potential accommodation with the employer.