Associate Program Manager - Narrative and Culture Change

Competitive salary + excellent benefits 

New York or Washington, D.C.

Do you want to help make the world a better place with your understanding of how the interplay of narrative advocacy is pivotal to building momentum, fostering public support, winning campaigns and shaping long-term open society values? We’re seeking an Associate Program Manager based in New York or Washington D.C. who will be undertaking and developing, in collaboration with the Director, a dynamic range of strategic interventions (grant making, programming, potential investments and advocacy) to foster long-term and immediate efforts that work towards building and protecting an inclusive multiracial democracy.

The Open Society Foundations works to build vibrant and inclusive democracies whose governments are accountable and open to the participation of all people. We are active in more than 120 countries, making us the world’s largest private funder of independent groups working for justice, democratic governance, and human rights.

The Narrative and Culture Change Program is dedicated towards winning the battle of narratives, ideas and expressions in the public sphere in order to stimulate understanding, foster engagement with broad audiences, and establish new cultural norms to inspire attitudes and values to promote an inclusive multiracial democracy. Through strategic grant making, programmatic initiative and explorative investments the Narrative and Culture Change Program will focus on the areas of racial justice (belonging), democracy and the economy to scale long-term social justice impact by working with movement leaders, creatives, advocacy organizations narrative strategists and thought leaders to advance open society values. The program will collaborate with internal OS-US efforts and the broader Open Society Foundations Network to seek shared alignment on opportunities that are intersectional and have the potential to create a greater influence through coordination of efforts.

As an Associate Program Manager at Open Society, you will:

• Curate programmatic, research and related organizational capacities to increase efficiency and external impact of the overall program. The role requires collaborative work through a variety of approaches including monitoring narrative trends and assessing cultural interventions that reflects the need of the social justice narrative ‘ecosystem’ and work at OSUS; Manage knowledge and information on grants and programmatic initiatives focused on advancing narrative and messaging strategies; Participate in the ongoing support of the Soros Equality Fellowship that supports a diverse network of racial justice leaders advancing innovation in the United States; Contribute to the preparation of documents, presentations and coordination of multi-narrative issues and the collective thinking, influence, and collaborative work of colleagues within OSUS and the broader OSF network; Work on assigned projects with dedicated administrative duties that includes planning, research, reporting, related operations and engagement with OSF systems and platforms; Collaborate with the overall Narrative and Culture Change Team to reach goals and outcomes.

What we are looking for:

• Over 2-4 years professional experience in either social justice movements, narrative strategy, research and development, media arts or other relevant expertise; Working knowledge or familiarity of systemic social change and the interplay of laws, narratives, public policy reform and community organizing; Professional experience and aptitude of the intersection of racial justice advancement, protecting democratic values, and multi-issue area fields; Ability to work independently and within team-led projects. Significant time management skills and ability to work in multiple projects as needed; Excellent organizational, analytical, project management, interpersonal, and proactive problem-solving skills; Ability to effectively communicate with others verbally and in writing in a clear, concise and compelling manner; Commitment to continuous learning and growth in the areas of diversity, equity, inclusion, antiracism, and social justice; Commitment to listening and working with humility and ways of working that are respectful to all people and that support space and voice for all diverse perspectives in our workplace.

What we offer:

• Ample opportunities to learn and grow, from annual professional development allowances to onsite trainings and learning conversations with visiting experts. Top-notch benefits and perks designed for your well-being and a healthy work-life balance. With some variability according to location, this includes generous time off, flexible work arrangements, employer-paid health insurance, generous retirement savings plan, progressive paid parental leave, reproductive and family planning support, sabbatical opportunities, and much more. A commitment to creating a diverse and inclusive workplace that enables everyone to bring their full self to work and make a positive impact on the world.

If this sounds like the position you have been looking for, please submit your cover letter and CV; we look forward to learning more about you.

https://osfglobal.wd5.myworkdayjobs.com/en-US/OSF/job/Associate-Program-Manager--Narrative-and-Culture-Change--OpenSociety-US--OSUS-_JR-0002654

Closing date: 4 September 2022.

Work Authorization – Please note, this position is not eligible for work authorization sponsorship.

Open Society requires all US employees to be fully vaccinated for COVID-19 unless an employee requires a reasonable accommodation for medical reasons or for a sincerely held religious belief. If you may require an accommodation, please apply for any roles that interest you and if hired, you will receive information on how to request a reasonable accommodation related to Open Society’s vaccination requirement.

We aim to build an inclusive workforce that is reflective of the populations we support, and actively seek applications from those who are marginalized and underrepresented. We are committed to providing reasonable accommodations to applicants and colleagues with disabilities.