Director of Communications
Communications
Oversee the Center's communication efforts
The Director of Communications at Torchlight is responsible for overseeing all of Torchlight's external communications and publications. Overseeing the Marketing Officer, Web Officer, Promotional Officer, and editing staff, the Director of Communications needs to be knowledgeable of formal writing, all social media platforms, graphic design, website development, and advertising techniques.
The Director of Communications is responsible for delegating and approving or completing all social media posts and publications, training and recruiting branch personnel, and setting a consistent standard for Torchlight's public image. They will be a main representative of Torchlight in communicating and forging/maintaining relationships with other RSOs and University entities.
This individual will preferably have experience as a within graphic design and organizational management for a previous organization, and possess past leadership and collaborative experience. Expected initial tasks for this position are developing a standardized template for all publications, supporting the Director of Operations in event development and public outreach, and improving Torchlight's reach on campus. In order to fulfill the responsibilities of this role, the individual must be able to solve complex problems, manage multiple projects at once, and be a team player. The expected time commitment for this position is 8-12 hours per week.
Primary Responsibilities
Taking ownership and creative direction of the Instagram and Facebook page to engage our audience in aherence to a strong brand identity
Delegating the task of producing media content and revising & approving products
Communicating with media content producers to establish expectations and guidelines for smooth operations
Using judgement to add content and trigger warnings to outputs with sensitive content
Serving as one of four voting memebrs on the Executive Board
Necessary Characteristics
An eye for design and creative ideas for user engagement
Proficiency with the Instagram and Facebook interfaces to learn analytics about content impact and usage
Proficiency with Canva, Adobe products, or any preferred content creator
Ability to delegate and follow up on tasks and work with multiple people in different branches to produce their content in a timely manner
Director of Policy Research
Policy Research
Drive Torchlight's efforts in policy research
The Director of Policy Research at Torchlight delegates and oversees the completion of evidence-based, original research. They supervise and support the Research Request Officer in their delegation of the completion of research requests, and support the Policy Assessment Officer and State Senate Legislative Officer in their duties.
While the Student Policy branch focuses on policy within the FSU environment, the Policy Research branch focuses on policy from the State and Federal legislatures, so some familiarity with those bodies is preferred. The Director of Policy Research approves all projects under their branch and maintains adherence to the Center's mission, values, and operating procedures. They are responsible for communicating with FSU's Office of Institutional Research to acquire data, and serve as a subject matter expert in the formation, writing, and editing of outputs. They may also choose to take on higher-level research projects of their own, setting the standards of expectations for all members.
Expected initial tasks for this position are learning Torchlight's standard operating procedures alongside their three Officers. Torchlight also maintains a knowledge base of research methods and techniques which the Director of Policy Research would preferably contribute to writing and revising once settled in.
This individual must possess experience engaging in undergraduate research, and preferably experience leading or cooperating with others in completing their research. To fulfill these responsibilities, this individual must be able to find the solutions to research problems, manage the delegation of multiple projects, and work under time-sensitive deadlines. The expected time commitment for this position is 8-12
Primary Responsibilities
Delegating and approving completed tasks to and from the Research Request Officer, State Senate Legislative Officer, and Policy Assessment Officer
Using strong discretion to guide research along organizational values, mission, and operating procedures
Serving as a resource on policy research and assessment for members
Serving as one of four voting members on the Executive Board
Necessary Characteristics
Discretion in approving and modifying project proposals to adhere to our mission, values, and operating guidelines
Experience in undergraduate research and project management
Knowledge of research methods and ability to judge research quality and how to improve the quality of writing for all policy audiences
Director of Student Policy
Student Policy
Drive Torchlight's efforts on FSU policy
The Director of Student Policy at Torchlight is responsible for overseeing all facets of Torchlight related to FSU level policy. Overseeing the Student Senate Legislative Officer, FSU Policy Officer, and Accountability Officer, the Director of Student Policy needs to be knowledgeable of Student Government, FSU administration, and the various decision-making bodies on-campus.
The Director of Student Policy is responsible for approving and editing publications their branch, writing advanced level pieces, producing the fall and spring Student Government election guides, remaining up to date on major FSU news and policy changes, and training all branch related personnel. This individual will preferably have experience working for Student Government or Florida State University, be familiar with both quantitative and qualitative research methods, and possess past leadership and collaborative experience.
Expected initial tasks for this position are reworking the legislative database, recruiting next year's branch personnel, developing standardized writing procedures, and building relationships with student and administrative leaders. In order to fulfill the responsibilities of this role, an individual must be able to solve complex problems, manage multiple projects at once, and work under time-sensitive deadlines. The expected time commitment for this position is 8-12 hours per week.
Primary Responsibilities
Assigning legislation to Fellows, Analysts, and Editors and inputting their products into the database
Following up on staff about assigned tasks
Deciding which legislation to refer to the Research branch
Overseeing the Student Senate Legislative Officer, FSU Policy Officer and Accountability Officer and approving their outputs
Attending Executive Branch meetings and serving as one of four voting members
Necessary Characteristics
A strong understanding of the legislative process and FSU environment
Strong attention to detail and work ethic
Ability to keep track of multiple pieces of legislation and their movements through the legislative process and, in turn, database items
Executive Director
Operations
Direct the Center according to our mission
The Executive Director of Torchlight is the key management leader of Torchlight. They are responsible for overseeing the administration, programs and strategic plan of the organization to further the vision and mission of the Torchlight Center. The Executive Director ensures smooth operation between all branches, supports branch directors through any issues that arise, and serve as the final approval on all outputs.
They chair all Board of Directors meetings and vote to break ties between the Board. The Executive Director simultaneously ensures continuity and sustainability of the Center while proactively working to explore new avenues of development with creative direction. Observing operational successes and failures, they work to revise and establish operating procedures and organizational documents such as the constitution and input-output guide.
The Executive Director ensures adherence of all actions within the organization to those governing documents. Above all, the Executive Director has a strong command of discretion and judgement in guiding the organization in accordance to its mission. Expected initial tasks include preparing Torchlight for a successful 2022-2023 academic year by working with the Executive Board to recruit and retain a team of members, setting a project management framework into motion, and addressing any matters not captured by the rest of the Board.
Primary Responsibilities
Leading the organization though the end of early-stage development and into healthy growth & development
Chairing Executive Board meetings
Approving, revising, and debating on organizational documents and standard operating procedures (Constitution, inputs and outputs)
Representing the organization to outside groups and stakeholders in search of funding and recognition
Necessary Characteristics
Discretion and ability to make large decisions based on adherence to established policies
Creativity in assessing changes to organization structure and function
Communication skills and ability to lead and manage a team, especially when problems arise
Experience with, or willingness to learn, our suite of platforms: Microsoft Office Sharepoint, Qualtrics, Wix
Web Officer
Communications
Maintain our most important platform using databases and dynamic webpage design.
The Web Officer is responsible for maintaining Torchlight’s website. This officer will be expected to update the website regularly, train members on how to navigate the website, and work with other members to constantly improve functionality and design.
This individual needs to be comfortable working independently, adapting to the needs of the organization, have a knowledge of Wix or a similar web design software, and be comfortable integrating data visualization tools into web design. In order to best fulfill the obligations of this position, the officer should have past experience in website management, computer programming, design, or another related field.
Knowledge
Website and user interface design principles
Experience with Wix preferred
Experience with simple relational databases preferred
Skills
Strong computer competency skills
Assessing user engagement using Google Analytics and the built-in Wix analytics platform
Abilities
Ability to work with multiple stakeholders within Torchlight to implement their desired ideas in a user-friendly and accessible way
Eye for design and user interface, including meeting accessibility guidelines
Accountability Officer
Student Policy
Uphold the our commitment to accountability.
The Accountability Officer increases the transparency and clarity of the Student Government Association and FSU administration. Primarily, this officer will work to improve transparency of the Student Government Executive Branch by making its powers, decisions, finances and overall impact more accessible and clearly explaining the impact decisions will have on the student body. Examples of responsibilities will include tracking the success of initiatives, recording relevant student calls to action, and producing an annual summary report on the progress of FSU initiatives.
This individual needs to be comfortable with both qualitative and quantitative research, have experience with Power BI, Microsoft Excel, or other formal data visualization software, possess an ability to manage small teams, and feel comfortable delegating tasks. In order to best fulfill the obligations of this position, the officer should be a skilled writer, have an ability to explain things in a clear and concisely, possess an understanding of/experience with Florida State University leadership, and be able to form professional networking relationships with others.
Knowledge
SGA Executive Branch and FSU administrative environment, structure, and organizational hierarchy
Microsoft Office suite and collaboration tools
Torchlight operating procedures and output definitions
Skills
Interpersonal skills in delegating and following up on tasks among a small team
Editing the work of a small team for style, conciseness, and adherence to organizational procedures
Abilities
Strong discretion in deciding whether policy and policy processes should be covered, balancing limited human resources
Strong discretion in delegating and approving checks on factual information and judgement of the completion of policy promises
Forming and maintaining professional relationships with stakeholders within FSU administration
Director of Operations
Operations
Ensure continuity and stability of the Center
The Director of Operations at Torchlight is responsible for overseeing all of Torchlight's internal operations and external events. Overseeing the Finance Officer and Event Officer, the Director of Operations needs to be knowledgeable of fundraising, grant writing, budgeting, event planning, formal writing, and Microsoft Suite. The Director of Operations is responsible for taking notes all major Torchlight meetings, overseeing the planning of all Torchlight related events, maintaining the Torchlight calendar and all internal records, and onboarding all new Torchlight staff.
This individual will preferably have experience as a secretary and/or treasurer of a previous organization, working for a nonprofit organization, be familiar with the Microsoft environment, and other organizational software, and possess past leadership and collaborative experience. Expected initial tasks for this position are transitioning the organization to a central internal Microsoft Teams communication system, developing a standardized interviewing procedure, and onboarding procedures, planning annual events for the organization, and improving communications within Torchlight.
In order to fulfill the responsibilities of this role, an individual must be able to solve complex problems, manage multiple projects at once, and be willing to support others. The expected time commitment for this position is 8-12 hours per week.
Primary Responsibilities
Acting as the Secretary and one of four voting members on the Executive Board
Ensuring thorough implementation and standardization of operational structures, guidelines, and documents
Maintaining an accurate roster of current and past members
Necessary Characteristics
Attention to detail and strong values of organizational stability and continuity
Communication skills in interacting with all members of the Torchlight team
Ability to keep track of multiple issues and projects at once, and follow up with members
Legislative Analyst
Policy Research
Tracks State Senate Legislation and assesses its impact
Reads, breaks down, and tracks State Senate Legislation and assesses the impact legislation will have on FSU students. Less than 5 hours of work per week.
Policy Analyst
Policy Research
Gathers information on campus policies composes fact-based analyses
Gathers information about proposed, ongoing, and completed campus policies and composes fact-based analyses on those policies impact, resource usage, and other relevant metrics. Less than 5 hours per week.
Research Fellow
Policy Research
Oversees research projects
Oversees research projects related to campus issues. Less than 5 hours per week.
Brief Writer
Student Policy
Track changes to FSU administrative policy
Track changes to FSU administrative policy, and simplify them into digestible articles for students. Less than 5 hours per week.
Legislative Analyst
Student Policy
Tracks Student Senate Legislation and assesses its impact
Reads, breaks down, and tracks Student Senate Legislation and assesses the impact it will have on FSU students, in addition to providing updates to the Senate on relevant Torchlight projects. Less than 5 hours per week.
Copy Editor
Communications
Proof and edit all Torchlight content
Copy Editors work with all members to proof and edit their content before final publication. Experience or interest in student government is a plus, but not required. A demonstrated competency and passion for good, accurate writing is needed. Less than 5 hours per week.
Data Analyst
Policy Research
Assists with advanced data analytics
Assists on research projects that require computer programming, statistical regressions, and other advanced data analytics. Less than 5 hours per week.
Research Assistant
Policy Research
Performs data cleaning, fact-checking, and summarizing
Assists Research Fellows, Policy Analysts, and Legislative Analysts in their work and performs data cleaning, fact-checking, and summarizing and when needed. Less than 5 hours per week.
Research Assistant
Student Policy
Performs data cleaning, fact-checking, and summarizing
Assists Blog Writers and Accountability officers in their work and performs data cleaning, fact-checking, and summarizing and when needed. Less than 5 hours per week.
Database Editor
Student Policy
Updates all Torchlight databases as needed
Updates the SGA Contact List, Student Senator page, Legislation Tracker, and all other Torchlight databases as needed. Less than 5 hours per week.
Resident Senator
Student Policy
Provides input on current SGA activities
Provides input to Torchlight on current Student Senate or SGA activities and ensures Torchlight’s analysis on Student Senate activities is timely and accurate. Less than 5 hours per week.