Description
Data & Society is an NYC-based research institute focused on social, cultural, and ethical issues arising from data-centric technological development. Data & Society provides a space for researchers, entrepreneurs, activists, policy creators, journalists, geeks, and public intellectuals to gather, debate, and engage one another on the key issues introduced by the increasing availability of data in society. Our efforts include projects on civil rights, education, intelligence and automation, fair labor, privacy, and ethical use of data. We have a vibrant group of fellows whose interests and work range from finance and health to journalism and librarianship.
Data & Society is seeking a full-time project coordinator focused on data and civil rights to start immediately.
Data & Civil Rights is one of Data & Society’s signature initiatives. The goal of this initiative is to help technologists and researchers work with civil rights leaders to identify situations in which data-driven technologies create new opportunities and challenges for civil rights. We are part of a network of researchers, advocates, and technologists who collaborate to produce convenings, policy memos, research documents, and strategies that can help build and promote a coherent frame around data and civil rights. Our role in this broader ecosystem is to provide grounded research, translate technical expertise, and serve as a leader in hosting events and bringing together adjacent constituencies.
Our current team is particularly strong at producing research and understanding the technical dimensions of the issues at play, as well as their social implications. Our weaknesses stem from the fact that we don’t come from the civil rights community and aren’t well connected into advocacy networks. We are first and foremost researchers, not organizers, and we need someone who wants to help us grow and ground and advance this work.
Job Description
We are seeking an NYC-based full-time project coordinator to play a key role in the Data & Civil Rights initiative. This job will involve a mix of strategic engagement, network building, project management, event coordination, and research translation. This position will also include opportunities to conduct original research. Some of the key responsibilities for this job will include:
-- Build and maintain strong connections/relationships between Data & Society and those involved in the civil rights community in New York City, Washington DC, and beyond by attending community events, listening, given feedback, identifying gaps, and looking for common ground
-- Help design and produce workshops and conferences that facilitate connecting researchers, technologists, advocates, industry actors, government agencies, and philanthropists to explore issues of equity and justice in a technologically-mediated society
-- Envision and implement mechanisms to help information more effectively flow between researchers and practitioners, advocates and technologists, including using digital tools and other organizing tools
-- Work with technologists and computer science educators as an advocate for research stemming from this project; help technologists understand the various stakes and issues at play in civil rights so that they can advance technical research and engage computer scientists in civil rights issues through teaching and advocacy
-- Help track emergent debates and effectively engage researchers and technologists to speak to issues as they unfold
-- Maintain strong lines of communication with journalists, funders, and advocates; present at conferences; and generally be a vocal leaders on these issues
The ideal candidate will come directly from the civil rights community, know the various organizations who comprise the community, and have strong networks into the world of advocacy and organizing. While the ideal candidate will be interested in and curious about the role that technology can and will play in civil rights issues, understanding the technical mechanisms and familiarity with the technical debates is not a requirement; relevant technical knowledge can be learned on the job. The right person for this job may have a Master’s or JD, but may also have extensive experience working in community organizing. The right candidate will most likely have at least 5 years deeply engaged with civil rights organizations and have a wide network of existing relationships. Regardless of formal education experience, the ideal candidate will appreciate researchers’ efforts to ground debates and push for making certain that the path forward does not have unintended consequences.
We’re looking for someone with the following strengths:
-- Phenomenal communication and people skills, both in-person and online
-- Bright, positive attitude
-- Organized and meticulous
-- Team player who can bring others together even when opinions differ
-- Able to galvanize interest and help people see different perspectives
-- Experience with project management and event coordination
-- Relishes opportunities to bring diverse groups of people together to listen and learn
Practical Considerations
-- You are expected to be generally present in the NYC office to engage members of the Data & Society community and at events that take place that are related to the initiative. You will need to travel on occasion, primarily to DC. This is a full-time job and so you are expected to manage your time to be present where and when it makes the most sense to advance the project.
-- Annual salary range is $60,000-$70,000 depending on experience.
-- You will be offered a generous benefits package including health insurance, vacation time, & paid holidays.
-- You must be eligible to work in the United States; we are unable to sponsor visas.
HOW TO APPLY
Send your resume and a cover letter telling us why you would be perfect for the job to:
jobs@datasociety.net / Subject: Civil Rights Coordinator Application
We will begin reviewing applications on February 11, 2015 and will continue to do so until we find an appropriate candidate. Feel free to contact us should you have any questions about the position. Questions about the opportunity or process will not reflect negatively on your application.
The work and well-being of the Data & Society Research Institute is strengthened by the diversity of our network and our differences in background, culture, experience, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, and much more. We welcome applications from people of color, women, the LGBTQIA community, and persons with disabilities.
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