The First Amendment Coalition (FAC) is looking for a full-time Programs Coordinator to support our journalist education initiatives and other programs work. This is a chance to play an essential operational role in an established and growing nonprofit organization in California that is doing meaningful work to ensure journalists can develop skills and access the support they need to keep their communities informed.
The newly created position is ideal for an early-career professional with experience providing operational support for an organization or who has a background or experience in journalism who wants to help scale and improve educational initiatives.
The Programs Coordinator will report to FAC Advocacy Director Ginny LaRoe and work with other staff, including a new Press Education Manager (see job ad), to support the growth of the organization’s educational programs that focus on public access to information and press rights. FAC is expanding the types of educational offerings and growing its reach to more journalists who work in or cover California, and the Programs Coordinator will be a core part of that effort.
We recognize that people from a range of professional backgrounds and work experiences can thrive in this position. You may have a background in the news business, journalism education, nonprofits, or doing project management work in the private sector. We welcome candidates from a range of professional backgrounds who can demonstrate an interest in working with a mission-driven organization with a dedication to supporting journalists.
Core responsibilities
- Provide administrative support to the Press Education Manager and Advocacy Director.
- Carry out logistical and operational aspects of virtual and in-person educational events, including journalist training sessions and other educational initiatives.
- Participate in development of new and improved educational offerings.
- Help manage and curate FAC’s online training library, which includes videos and written materials designed for journalists and others.
- Support the education team’s collection and analysis of constituent feedback through surveys and other tools.
- Keep accurate records on educational efforts and prepare internal reports.
- Own end-to-end execution of webinars and large-scale meetings in Zoom, including managing guest registration, ensuring audio and video quality, managing audience engagement, and handling post-event tasks.
Qualifications
- A bachelor’s degree.
- At least three years of professional working experience including internships or other collegiate experience in a relevant field or industry.
- Project management skills with the ability to manage multiple tasks and deadlines.
- A love of local journalism or dedication to supporting journalists.
- Familiarity or interest in freedom of information and press freedom topics.
- Strong writing and communication skills.
- Experience with or ability to quickly become proficient in online communication and workplace tools (e.g. Zoom, Slack, Google Workspace, Asana).
Pay and benefits
- The salary is up to $75,000, depending on experience.
- FAC pays 85% of health insurance and offers a 401(k) retirement plan with a 5% employer match.
- Paid time off includes four weeks of vacation time per year, plus the week between Christmas and New Year’s Day, when FAC’s offices are closed, 10 paid holidays, and 10 sick days per year.
- Employees choose a computer and related office equipment of their preference and receive a monthly stipend for cell phone reimbursement.
- Program staff can also receive budget and time for professional development opportunities (conferences, training).
About FAC
Nonpartisan and nonprofit, FAC believes that the broadest range of engaged and informed communities is essential to the health of our democracy – that the values expressed by the First Amendment provide a blueprint for an inclusive, equitable society and a responsive, accountable government. To that end, FAC educates, advocates and litigates to protect and promote government transparency and First Amendment protections for all.
FAC is a small but growing organization with a 37-year history working across California to stand up for free speech, a free press and public participation in civic affairs. FAC is committed to a diverse and inclusive staff, one that reflects the state and country we serve. Freedom of information, expression, and of the press are universal ideals but diversity of life experiences can make a big difference in how FAC identifies and litigates legal issues, serves our varied constituencies, and arrives at policy positions on the rights and ideals we care about. To that end, we deliberately seek applicants who can bring different perspectives and experiences to better inform our work promoting and defending free expression, a free press and the public’s right to know.
Read more about our commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion in this summary of our Strategic Plan, and about our work across California in our latest Impact Report.
Location
We welcome candidates who will work remotely but require this position to be based in California. Candidates who want to work from the San Francisco Bay Area will have access to a FAC office in San Rafael (Marin County). Our fully remote team meets multiple times a year, and all employees are expected to attend those gatherings, with costs covered by FAC.
Application deadline
Applications will be accepted through April 14, but we encourage you to apply as soon as possible.
How to apply
To apply, submit a resume, cover letter and response to the two questions through Bamboo HR. The cover letter should describe how you meet the qualifications for the position and your interest in working for the First Amendment Coalition. Address your cover letter to Advocacy Director Ginny LaRoe. Only complete applications will be reviewed.
Questions
If you have questions regarding the position or the application process, please email glaroe [@] firstamendmentcoalition.org. Inquiries will be treated as confidential.