Project Director - Civic Information Pilot

Build the Newsroom of the Future : Be part of creating an entirely new model for how journalism serves communities in the digital age and that is scalable to other rural and underserved communities

Groundbreaking Work : Address one of journalism's most pressing challenges — serving news deserts with sustainable, community-centered information systems

Learn from the Best : Collaborate directly with award-winning journalists who are thought leaders in civic media innovation

Career-Defining Experience : Gain hands-on experience with an innovative model at the cutting edge of journalism's evolution

Long-Term Opportunity : Strong potential to transition into a permanent role as the project expands

Manage day-to-day execution of the pilot from initial research through implementation

Develop and maintain detailed project timelines and deliverable schedules

Coordinate across internal teams including journalists, community engagement staff, and content creators

Ensure all project components meet quality standards and grant deadlines

Apply journalistic judgment to ensure content meets standards for accuracy, relevance, and community alignment

Draft content themes based on community input and identified information gaps

Establish quality control processes for video-based community information delivery

Balance journalistic integrity with modern distribution approaches

Build relationships with local stakeholders, including community organizations, educators, and potential content partners to establish community information needs and preferences

Work with Director of Audience Engagement and Digital Strategy to: 1) identify and document how information currently flows through the community and 2) where technology gaps exist and how to solve them

Design and oversee the community research and listening sessions, including interview protocols for residents, civic groups, and community institutions

Map community connectors and assess partnership feasibility

Document findings, lessons learned and conditions necessary for sustained implementation

Lead the identification and vetting process for community messengers with authentic local reach

Conduct interviews with prospective content creators and assess alignment with local needs

Develop content calendars that reflect residents' information priorities

Bachelor's degree in journalism, communications, or related field (or equivalent experience) (Masters preferred)

3-5 years of journalism experience, preferably including local or community reporting

Strong project management and organizational skills with ability to juggle multiple priorities

Excellent written and verbal communication skills

Self-starter mentality with ability to work independently and figure things out as you go

Commitment to community-centered approaches and listening to local voices

Ability to work efficiently within a defined contract timeline

Passion for the future of journalism and civic engagement

Experience working in or with rural communities

Familiarity with social media content creation and the creator economy

Knowledge of civic engagement or community organizing

Understanding of news desert challenges and innovative journalism models

Highly Organized : Creates systems to track complex projects with multiple moving parts and keeps everything on schedule

Journalistic Integrity : Applies news judgment and editorial standards while adapting to new information delivery models

Entrepreneurial Spirit : Comfortable with ambiguity and building something new; resourceful problem-solver who can work with limited resources

Relationship Builder : Establishes trust with diverse stakeholders including community members, creators, and institutional partners

Adaptable & Scrappy : Rolls up sleeves, pivots when needed, and finds creative solutions to unexpected challenges