Application Guide
How to Apply for Subject Matter Expert on Credible Information
at Institute for Citizens & Scholars
🏢 About Institute for Citizens & Scholars
The Institute for Citizens & Scholars uniquely focuses on cultivating civic skills among young people to navigate today's polarized America through partnerships with higher education, workplaces, and communities. They stand out for their mission-driven approach to building a critical mass of civically engaged individuals committed to democracy and the common good, making it an ideal workplace for those passionate about strengthening civic education and information literacy.
About This Role
As a Subject Matter Expert on Credible Information, you'll collaborate with the CWI team to strengthen landscape reviews, develop cross-campus initiatives, and provide recommendations for advancing students' capacity to use credible information in civic problem-solving. This role is impactful because it directly shapes how higher education institutions equip students with the skills to navigate misinformation and engage in evidence-based civic discourse.
💡 A Day in the Life
A typical day might involve collaborating with the CWI Program Officer to refine a cross-campus initiative, analyzing data or research to inform recommendations for credible information resources, and providing feedback on campus action plans. You could also spend time preparing for a workshop or staying updated on higher education trends and emerging technologies to ensure your insights are current and impactful.
🚀 Application Tools
🎯 Who Institute for Citizens & Scholars Is Looking For
- Has active, up-to-date knowledge of the nationwide higher education landscape, including emerging trends, student concerns, and cultural shifts among campus communities.
- Can provide evidence-based insights into student motivation and skill levels related to credible information, drawing from research or direct experience.
- Demonstrates understanding of emerging technologies (especially AI) and their implications for information credibility, student learning, and campus initiatives.
- Possesses experience in developing, refining, or assessing educational programs or resources focused on information literacy or civic engagement.
📝 Tips for Applying to Institute for Citizens & Scholars
Tailor your resume to highlight specific projects or roles where you tracked higher education trends or developed credible information initiatives, using metrics or outcomes where possible.
In your application materials, explicitly mention how you stay updated on emerging technologies (like AI) and their impact on credible information in educational settings.
Reference the Institute's focus on 'civic problem-solving' and 'polarized America' to show alignment with their mission in your cover letter or responses.
Provide concrete examples of how you've informed landscape reviews, assessed programs, or led workshops related to credible information or civic skills.
If you have experience with cross-campus initiatives or cohort-based support in higher education, emphasize this to match the role's collaborative and scalable focus.
✉️ What to Emphasize in Your Cover Letter
["Explain how your expertise in tracking higher education trends and credible information aligns with the Institute's goal of building civic skills in a polarized America.", "Provide specific examples of evidence-based insights you've offered into student motivation or skill levels related to credible information.", 'Highlight your understanding of emerging technologies (e.g., AI) and their implications for credible information initiatives on campuses.', "Describe your experience in developing or assessing educational resources or programs, tying it to the role's responsibilities like reviewing campus action plans or leading workshops."]
Generate Cover Letter →🔍 Research Before Applying
To stand out, make sure you've researched:
- → Explore the Institute's website and publications to understand their specific programs, like CWI (Civic Well-being Initiative), and how they partner with higher education institutions.
- → Review recent news or reports on the Institute's work related to civic skills, polarization, and credible information to grasp their current priorities and impact.
- → Look into the higher education landscape for trends in information literacy, civic engagement, and technology use (e.g., AI in education) to align with the role's requirements.
- → Investigate the Institute's mission and values, focusing on phrases like 'common good' and 'democracy,' to tailor your application to their civic-minded culture.
💬 Prepare for These Interview Topics
Based on this role, you may be asked about:
⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Submitting generic application materials that don't reference the Institute's mission, the CWI team, or the specific focus on credible information in higher education.
- Failing to provide concrete examples of how you track higher education trends or understand emerging technologies' impact on credible information.
- Overlooking the collaborative aspects of the role—not highlighting experience in partnering with teams, reviewing plans, or leading workshops in educational settings.
📅 Application Timeline
This position is open until filled. However, we recommend applying as soon as possible as roles at mission-driven organizations tend to fill quickly.
Typical hiring timeline:
Application Review
1-2 weeks
Initial Screening
Phone call or written assessment
Interviews
1-2 rounds, usually virtual
Offer
Congratulations!
Ready to Apply?
Good luck with your application to Institute for Citizens & Scholars!