Location:Remote with one possible in-person workshop

Contractor Timeframe:

Phase I: April 2026-September 2026, (15-20 hrs/mo) with the possibility to continue to Phase II

Phase II: October 2026-June 2027, (5-10 hrs/mo) with the possibility to extend

Compensation: $150 per hour, with flexibility to negotiate based on experience and scope

Introduction:

The Subject Matter Expert (SME) on Credible Information will partner with Citizens & Scholars’Campuswide Immersion (CWI)team to strengthen and advance its Credible Information initiatives. Working as part of a collaborative CWI team, the SME will bring strategic insight, national field awareness, and a record of recognized contributions to the field, along with thought partnership, to inform pilot development, resource creation, and cohort support efforts aligned with CWIs broader strategic priorities.

In this advisory capacity, the SME will contribute expertise that enhances program design, engagement, and field relevance. External representation of CWIs Credible Information initiatives will be coordinated with CWI leadership, with the SME participating as appropriate.

The SMEs contributions will strengthen and extend CWIs strategic priorities under the direction of CWI leadership. This work is planned in two phases, with continuation determined through ongoing assessment and mutual agreement.

Timeline

• RFP Release Date: February 20, 2026
• Deadline to submit proposals:March 2, 2026
• Proposal Review Begins: March 2, 2026
• Anticipated Start Date: Beginning of April 2026, potential for earlier start date if mutually amenable

Key Responsibilities:

Phase I: April 2026-September 2026, (15-20 hrs/mo) with the possibility to continue to Phase II

• • Collaborate with CWI to inform and strengthen a landscape review of the current approaches to navigating credible information within higher ed.
  • Partner with CWI Program Officer to support the development, refinement, and assessment of a cross-campus initiative advancing students’ capacity to use credible information in evidence-based civic problem-solving .
  • Provide recommendations to CWI regarding resources and approaches for potential campus distribution.

Phase II: October 2026-June 2027, (5-10 hrs/mo) with the possibility to extend

• • Review campus action plans and provide feedback to inform CWIs cohort support on a semi-annual basis.
  • Lead a workshop, in person or virtual (TBD), for staff and/or faculty at CWI schools.
  • Provide subject-matter input into the development of strategies and resources for expanding, enhancing, and measuring this work across campuses.

Ideal characteristics:

• • Actively track/know the evolving nationwide higher education landscape to understand emerging ideas, concerns, and cultural shifts among students, staff, and faculty
  • Offer evidence-based insight into student interest, motivation, and skill levels to inform credible information initiatives that resonate
  • Demonstrate understanding of emerging technologies (including AI) and their implications for credible information, student learning, and campus culture.
  • Identify and synthesize emerging models and effective practices across institutions nationwide and translate insights for CWIs work with campuses
  • Collaborate with CWI staff to build peer review processes and shared resource collections review processes and shared resource collections review processes and shared resource collections
  • Demonstrated expertise and contribution to the field through scholarship, public engagement, or field-shaping initiatives in credible information or closely related fields

Budget:

Compensation is $150 per hour, with flexibility to negotiate based on experience and scope.The number of hours will vary by phase, as outlined above. The SME will collaborate closely with the CWI team, with contracting and administrative oversight managed by Cathy Copeland, Director of CWI.

Proposal Requirements:

Proposal submission is due on Idealist by March 2nd.

Proposals should include in pdf format:

• • resume/CV, including a list of relevant publications, public engagement, or field-shaping initiatives
  • one page statement outlining relevant experience and evidence of influence in the field
  • one page statement outlining your professional approach to credible information and civic learning within higher education

About the Institute for Citizens & Scholars

Since our founding in 1945 originally as the Woodrow Wilson National Fellowship Foundation, the

Applications must be submitted through the official careers portal. Female candidates and candidates from underrepresented groups are strongly encouraged to apply.