Note: The job is a remote job and is open to candidates in USA. Open Technology Fund is an organization focused on internet freedom, and they are seeking a Program Manager to develop and implement funding strategies supporting their mission. The role involves managing a portfolio of projects, conducting application reviews, and promoting community engagement in the field of internet freedom.
Responsibilities
- Support OTF’s application review and funding process by reviewing applications, participating in regular OTF application review calls, and conducting application due diligence
- Lead application review rounds, including delegating and facilitating coordination among team members to ensure the successful completion of all tasks necessary to reach a final determination for all applications
- Work collaboratively with other team members to develop, define, and implement improved review workflows
- Independently manage, monitor and coordinate a portfolio of OTF supported projects, internal initiatives, and fund or fellowship programs
- Support and work with new projects to issue contracts, ensure adequate onboarding, refine goals and activities as needed, amend budgets and contracts as needed, perform end-of-project tasks, and respond to any questions
- Conduct and oversee project assessments and compliance by undertaking periodic progress reviews, reviewing and approving payment requests against progress reports, and ensuring adherence to contract terms
- Archive and communicate the details of a project portfolio through written materials such as project status reports, presentations, and agendas for clear understanding and facilitation by OTF team and the public
- Actively shape the planning, development, and implementation of OTF’s internal efforts, proposing new funds or fellowships as the need presents
- Work collaboratively with team members to improve project management workflows and monitoring and evaluation methodologies
- Promote engagement between supported projects and our engaged communities to review opportunities, challenges and advances and encourage collaboration, learning, exchange and strategic partnerships
- Represent OTF at events and meetings relevant to OTF’s mission
- Conduct outreach to gather insight on community needs and how OTF can help
- Follow key developments and debates related to Internet freedom; identify new opportunities and challenges; keep abreast of the academic and popular literature relevant to OTF’s mission; and share key findings and lessons among colleagues and the field
- In coordination with other members of the Program Team, work to develop specialized expertise and knowledge related to OTF’s work
- Lead and/or assist in the planning and implementation of OTF sponsored events
- Identify and promote opportunities for team members and projects to be involved in the larger community
- Identify and recruit potential Internet freedom projects that should apply to OTF
- Continually learn new skills and share knowledge to help improve team practices; and
- Fulfill other duties as discussed and assigned by the OTF leadership staff
Skills
- Commitment to OTF's mission and core values of equity, fairness and diversity
- Passion for social change with knowledge of philanthropy, and interest in the field of human rights and Internet freedom, including nonprofit organizations, entrepreneurship, racial and gender equity, civic engagement, etc
- Personal qualities of humility, capacity for self-reflection, and a sense of humor
- Discretion and ability to handle confidential issues
- Action-orientated and entrepreneurial self-starter who can work well independently and in teams
- A level of education that, when combined with your professional experience, will adequately show you have the capability to contribute meaningfully to OTF
- Experience conducting or supporting the research, development, and/or implementation of Internet freedom technologies, including circumvention and security technologies
- Strong technical understanding of the digital threats faced by journalists and human rights defenders, and the digital security tools and tactics that can be used to address those threats
- Ability to explain complex technical subjects clearly and respectfully to audiences in non-technical fields
- Ability to simultaneously handle multiple projects effectively and adjust to changing priorities
- Strong critical thinking, analytical skills and creativity in approaching challenges and finding solutions
- A drive for quality and excellence in your work
- Detail-oriented and organized, experience with project management
- Exceptional professionalism, follow-through and people skills
- Excellent ability to work collaboratively and respectfully with others in multicultural teams, across organizational boundaries and multiple time zones, and with team members at all levels
- Confidence and enthusiasm when communicating to both external partners and the internal project team in both formal and informal presentations
- A flexible, responsive, and enthusiastic approach to work, including the humility and grace to work effectively with others in a collaborative, fast-paced team, a 'can do' attitude
- Experience from work in donor or intermediary organizations
- Documented experience of work in or with stakeholders in the Eurasia region
- Knowledge of the Russian language is preferred
Company Overview
Company H1B Sponsorship