Job Description

Position Type: Grant-Funded | Temporary

Duration: June 1 – September 30, 2026

Center: Mary Ann Swetland Center for Environmental Health, Case Western Reserve University, School of Medicine

Location: CWRU Institute for Population and Community Health, Warren E. Anderson MidTown Collaboration Center, 1974 E. 66th Street, Suite 300, Cleveland, Ohio 44103-4888

Hours: 40 hours per week during summer term, 20 hours per week during Fall Semester.

Compensation:Based on experience and CWRU student employment rate available here

Number of Positions: 1

Project Background

The Mary Ann Swetland Center for Environmental Health at Case Western Reserve University is supporting implementation of Policy, Systems, and Environmental (PSE) change efforts to increase healthy food choices and active living among Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) consumers across Ohio. A core initiative within this work focuses on enhancing capacity to implement PSE strategies that increase access to healthy foods and promote healthy food choices among SNAP consumers through a statewide mini grant program and enhanced marketing efforts.The Research Assistant (GRA) will provide critical support across all four project objectives, working with statewide, regional, and local networks across Ohio.

Under the direction of a Project Manager, the Research Assistant will support the coordination, implementation, and evaluation of a statewide PSE mini grant program targeting farmers markets, food pantries, early childcare centers, and K-12 school sites serving SNAP and SNAP-eligible consumers. This position offers hands-on experience in program coordination, grant administration, program evaluation, success story development, and community nutrition marketing. The RA will collaborate with statewide, regional, and local partner networks across Ohio.

Key Responsibilities

Mini Grant Site Selection & Coordination (Objective 1)

• Assist with outreach to statewide, regional, and local networks to identify and recruit eligible sites

• Support the review and selection process for up to 125 mini grant sites across Ohio serving SNAP and SNAP-eligible consumers

• Help coordinate mini grant awards (up to $1,500 per award) across farmers market, food pantry, early childcare, and K-12 school settings

• Maintain organized records of applicant and awardee information, ensuring geographic variability and diversity of PSE interventions represented

• Communicate with site contacts regarding award status, requirements, and timelines

Evaluation Planning & Implementation (Objective 2)

• Assist with developing and implementing a comprehensive evaluation plan for the mini grant program

• Support creation of data collection tools (e.g., surveys, tracking forms, reporting templates) for mini grant recipients

• Maintain and organize evaluation data across all funded sites

• Track progress toward success metrics, including:

• Number of mini grant awards

• Number of organizations reached

• Geographic variability of awards

• Variety of PSE interventions supported

Success Story Development & Dissemination (Objective 3)

• Conduct outreach to mini grant recipients to gather information for 5 success stories highlighting community-level benefits of PSE mini grants

• Draft compelling, accessible success stories based on evaluation data and site feedback

• Support dissemination of success stories through appropriate channels (e.g., newsletters, websites, social media, partner networks)

• Ensure success stories reflect diverse geographies, settings, and populations served

General Project Coordination

• Attend regular team meetings and provide updates on task progress

• Maintain organized project files, timelines, and communication logs

• Assist with preparation of project reports, presentations, and other deliverables as needed

Working Conditions

• Hybrid work environment (combination of in-person activities (3 days per week) and remote work (2 days per week).

• Some travel within Ohio may be required to support site visits or partner engagement. All travel costs will be compensated.

• Occasional evening or weekend availability may be needed to accommodate partner schedules.

Compensation

Compensation is commensurate with experience and consistent with Case Western Reserve University graduate research assistant pay scales ($13.31-$22.14). This is a grant-funded position for the duration of the project period (June 1, 2026 – September 30, 2026)

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications

• Currently enrolled in a degree program at CWRU in Public Health, Nutrition, Social Work, Community Health, Health Promotion, Urban Studies, Communications, or a related field

• Strong interest in community nutrition, community-engaged research, or technology interventions

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills

• Strong organizational skills and ability to manage multiple tasks within tight timelines

• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) and/or Google Workspace

• Ability to work both independently and collaboratively in a team environment

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with program evaluation, grant coordination, or program administration

• Familiarity with SNAP programming, food insecurity issues, or PSE intervention models

• Experience working with diverse and underserved communities, particularly low-income populations

• Strong writing skills, including experience with narrative or success story writing

• Experience with marketing, communications, or social media for public health or community programs

• Knowledge of farmers markets, food pantries, early childcare, or K-12 school wellness settings

Application Instructions

Interested candidates apply through interfolio by uploading the following:

1. Cover letter describing your interest in the position and relevant experience

2. Current CV or resume

3. Contact information for two references

Review of applications will begin immediately. The position will remain open until filled.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

Case Western Reserve University is an equal opportunity employer. All applicants are protected under federal and state laws and university policy from discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national or ethnic origin, protected veteran status, disability, age and genetic information.

Reasonable Accommodation Statement:

Case Western Reserve University complies with the Americans with Disabilities Act regarding reasonable accommodations for applicants with disabilities. Applicants requiring a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application and hiring process should contact the Office of Equity by phone at 216.368.3066 or by email at equity@case.edu Determinations as to granting reasonable accommodations for any applicant will be made on a case-by-case basis.