Research Assistant, Language Access Observatory

The Language Policy & Innovation Institute (LPI) is seeking volunteer research assistants to support the development of the Language Access Observatory, LPI’s flagship public knowledge initiative.

This role is a good fit for individuals interested in language access, public policy, multilingual governance, public-sector research, and institutional practice. Volunteers will help identify, review, and organize records for potential inclusion in the Observatory. These records may relate to a range of capacity domains, including governance and policy, service delivery, implementation and operations, workforce and quality, data and monitoring, accountability and redress, and language technology.

Volunteers may assist with tasks such as reviewing public documents, identifying relevant laws, policies, plans, reports, guidance materials, or related records, and helping assess how materials should be categorized for submission to the Observatory. This role is designed to support careful research, documentation, and public-interest knowledge building.

The expected commitment is at least 2 hours per week, with flexibility based on availability and project needs. We deeply appreciate volunteer support and welcome individuals who are thoughtful, detail-oriented, and interested in contributing to a growing public-interest initiative.

This role reports directly to the Executive Director. We also welcome volunteers who bring fresh ideas, curiosity, and a collaborative spirit to help strengthen this flagship initiative over time.

Ideal candidates may have an interest or background in public policy, law, language access, research, government, nonprofit work, education, communications, or related fields, but no single background is required. Strong organizational skills, careful reading, and interest in public-facing institutional research are especially valuable.

For some applicants, this volunteer opportunity may also serve as a pathway to a more structured internship experience as LPI grows and formal learning opportunities develop.

Please submit your current resume through the application form. In place of a formal cover letter, we ask that you include a brief statement of interest describing why this opportunity interests you, what you hope to contribute, and how it connects to your learning, experience, or professional goals.

Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until the closing date, and we encourage interested applicants to apply early.