Fellow, Student Press and Campus Rights Advocacy

Fellow, Student Press and Campus Rights Advocacy

This position will ideally be based in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. However, candidates who prefer Washington, D.C. will be considered. FIRE operates on a hybrid work schedule that allows for a mix of in-the-office and remote work days for eligible employees. Fully remote work will not be considered for this position. 

 About FIRE 

 The Foundation for Individual Rights and Expression’s mission is to defend and sustain the individual rights of all Americans to free speech and free thought — the most essential qualities of liberty. FIRE educates Americans about the importance of these inalienable rights, promotes a culture of respect for these rights, and provides the means to preserve them. 

 The Fellow, Student Press and Campus Rights Advocacy will report to FIRE’s Student Press Program Manager and Counsel. The duties for this position include, but are not limited to:

• Cultivating relationships with student journalists, their publications, and their advisers to establish long-lasting institutional connections;
• Assisting the Student Press Program Manager and Counsel with case intake and responding to requests to SPFI’s 24-hour hotline, including after-hours emergency requests;
• Responding to and managing free speech-related case submissions from students and faculty, with a focus on student press-related submissions;
• Authoring and reviewing advocacy materials, such as letters to universities, on behalf of students, faculty, and student journalists;
• Creating and executing training programs, resources, and conference presentations for student journalists and advisers;
• Offering project management and logistical support for student press educational and advocacy projects; 
• Engaging in advocacy on behalf of student journalists, their publications, and their advisers;
• Serving as primary press contact on designated cases, conducting interviews for television, radio, and print media as needed;
• Authoring blogs, op-eds, and other communications related to SPFI and FIRE cases.

This position involves a moderate amount of travel, approximately 20-25%. Occasional work on weekends and evenings should be expected. This position assists with SPFI’s 24-hour hotline, which involves answering calls outside of normal business hours. Infrequent late night and weekend calls are expected.

FIRE’s First Amendment Fellowship Program Benefits

In addition to the experience gained through their day-to-day work, fellows will have access to:

• Time to develop their interests, gain substantive professional experience, and better understand potential educational and career paths before pursuing their next step.
• Exposure to FIRE’s work across litigation, campus advocacy, policy reform, education, legislative advocacy, research, and communications.
• A FIRE staff mentor outside their department for regular conversations about professional development, educational opportunities, and long-term career goals.
• Resources and support for admissions testing, applications, school selection, and other aspects of pursuing further education, including paid time off for testing and admissions-related activities.

The ideal candidate will have 1-2 years of relevant post-undergraduate experience and a familiarity with student press freedom issues, the First Amendment and/or media law, but exceptional less experienced candidates will also be considered. Most importantly, a successful candidate must demonstrate a knowledge and passion for FIRE’s mission and an ability to articulate that passion in a way that will make others enthusiastic about our cause. A candidate must also be able to demonstrate:

• Strong research, writing, and public speaking skills.
• Strong attention to detail and organizational skills.
• Proven problem-solving ability and ability to work with minimal supervision.
• Exceptional conscientiousness.
• Exceptional interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work under tight deadlines, prioritize work and manage multiple projects.
• Ability to understand current trends in student press, including organizational structure, common legal issues, and principles preferred.
• Journalism or student press background preferred. 
• Ability to commit to the full two year term.
• Ability to exercise sound judgement and discretion. 

Candidates must hold a bachelor’s degree.

Salary and Compensation

The projected salary range for this position is $50,000-$60,000. FIRE conducts periodic evaluations where employees may receive raises or bonuses for outstanding and excellent work. FIRE also offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes employer-paid health, dental, and life insurance for employees; a Section 125 Flexible Spending Account option; matching retirement contributions; and a generous paid time-off plan.

Applications

Applicants should provide a resume, cover letter, a writing sample, salary requirements, and contact information for at least two professional references. All applications are confidential. Please address applications to Cait Scanlan, Chief People Officer.