Description
Open Technology Fund (OTF) is a shared program of Media Democracy Fund and Radio Free Asia (RFA), that strives to strengthen every citizen’s right to communicate and organize without fear of repressive censorship or surveillance. The Media Democracy Fund (MDF) seeks a skilled manager and strategic thought partner experienced with solving Internet freedom, digital and, human rights challenges with technology development to fulfill its OTF Program Manager position. A new position, the Program Manager is responsible for management of OTF grants, contracts and fundraising operations within MDF, and for serving as the liaison between all OTF partners, including Radio Free Asia (RFA). This position will help to administer and manage the aspect of OTF’s work supported by private funders, including foundations, companies and individual donors. The Program Manager works collaboratively with the MDF and RFA teams. This is a full time position with occasional travel. Residency or willingness to reside in Washington, DC is preferred.
Key Responsibilities
MDF’s OTF Liaison
-- Serve as the primary MDF liaison with the other OTF team members, key RFA staff, and the OTF advisory council;
-- Manage communications and meetings between OTF partners, including agenda development and project management;
-- Attend, co-plan, manage team meetings, retreats, etc. as a core member of the OTF team;
-- Maintain files, documents, and shared communications systems in partnership with OTF; and,
-- Fulfill other duties as requested by the MDF Deputy Director, MDF Founding Director, and OTF Principal Director.
Fundraising Management and Support
Provide support to the OTF Principal Director, MDF’s Founding Director and MDF Deputy
Director with regard to OTF fundraising, including but not limited to:
-- prospect and funder tracking;
-- management of follow up; and,
-- proposal writing and preparation of promotional materials.
-- As needed or requested, represent the work of MDF-OTF to funding partners and prospects.
Grants and Contract Management
-- In alignment with OTF review process, design a process for OTF grants and contracts issued by MDF, including due diligence, grant and contractor oversight and reporting;
-- Conduct due diligence and oversight on OTF grants and contracts;
-- Present grant and contract recommendations as needed to the OTF team: including the OTF Principal Director, MDF Founding Director or Deputy Director, OTF Advisory Council, and MDF steering committee; -- Prepare grantee and contractor summaries, materials, and recommendations to the above as needed; -- Communicate grantmaking and contract decisions to grantees/contractors and on the project’s designated communications platform(s)
-- Supervise and evaluate program consultants engaged to support the project’s work;
-- Monitor grantees and contractors regularly and provide updates on grantee/contractor performance, activities, needs and opportunities; and,
-- Develop and organize the OTF-MDF grantee and contractor portfolio dashboard;
-- In turn, lead a general OTF concept note round;
-- Lead the triage, coordination, and all things required to turn a concept note into a proposal, and either reject it or hand it off as a project.
--Participate in OTF application and proposal reviews;
-- Write reviews as assigned and contribute during all team proposal review sessions.
Program Related Tracking and Reporting
-- Distill and share program related information in a clear and compelling manner; and,
-- Provide program related updates and new content for communications platforms and development materials.
This job description will evolve over time and is subject to periodic updating. At management’s discretion, the employee may be assigned different or additional duties of similar complexity
Required skills and qualifications
-- Bachelor’s degree preferred, but not required. Minimum of 5-7 years experience in program management or administration;
-- Proven ability to think analytically, strategically and with agility to translate ideas and insights into action through coherent and viable program work;
-- Extensive past experience managing a collection of multiple independent projects;
-- Demonstrated organizational skills, and the ability to manage multiple tasks simultaneously, while meeting deadlines;
-- Experience working with a range of individuals in nonprofit organizations, government, foundations, and private sectors;
-- Sophisticated knowledge and use of technology and varying digital platforms;
-- Facility and working knowledge of a range of communications platforms including Trello, Slack, and Google Apps;
-- Commitment to the MDF and OTF’s mission, vision, core values, theory of change, and unique positioning in the field;
-- Demonstrated experience working effectively as part of a team and with colleagues of diverse backgrounds and perspectives;
-- Proven self starter, organizer and evaluator;
-- Excellent oral presentation, writing, and interpersonal skills;
-- Fluent in English.
Preferred skills and qualifications
-- Grant making experience;
-- Experience advocating for startups and innovation;
-- Facility and working knowledge of secure communications protocols;
-- Strong facilitation skills – the ability to listen and learn from diverse perspectives;
-- Experience with program evaluation;
-- Strong time management proficiency;
-- Personable, with clear integrity and capacity for self-reflection and constructive evaluation;
-- Proficiency or better in one or more languages other than English, such as Spanish, Arabic, Farsi,
Chinese, Russian, and/or French. How to Apply
All inquiries and interests regarding this position should be directed to Amber French at jobs@opentech.fund. Please send a cover letter summarizing your qualifications for MDF’s Program Manager position and minimum compensation requirements. Include your resume or curriculum vitae.
About Media Democracy Fund and Open Technology Fund
The Media Democracy Fund (MDF) works with foundations, companies, philanthropic advisors, and individual donors to award grants that protect the public’s rights in a digital age. MDF’s deep expertise in media and technology and our partnerships with public interest and civil society organizations around the world enable us to guide our funding partners through a rapidly changing set of issues and develop strategies that support equity in the digital age. The Fund is a US-based 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization housed at the New Venture Fund.
Open Technology Fund (OTF) is a shared program of Media Democracy Fund and Radio Free Asia (RFA). Open Technology Fund believes every citizen in the world has the right to communicate and organize without fear of repressive censorship or surveillance. OTF funds the development of innovative and emerging technologies as well as cutting-edge technologists with forward-thinking ideas.
Since its launch in 2012, OTF has been wholly supported by public funds in order to fulfill the US Congressional mandate to increase global internet freedom. In 2015, OTF partnered with MDF to facilitate engagement with private funders.
Media Democracy Fund is a project of the New Venture Fund, a 501(c)(3) public charity that incubates new and innovative public-interest projects and grant-making programs. The New Venture Fund is committed to attracting, developing and retaining exceptional people, and to creating a work environment that is dynamic, rewarding and enables each of us to realize our potential. The New Venture Fund's work environment is safe and open to all employees and partners, respecting the full spectrum of races, ethnicities, national origins, ages, sexual orientations, gender identities, beliefs, religions, faiths and ideologies, cultures, socio-economic backgrounds and levels of physical ability.
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