Program Officer for Off-Campus Mobilization

This position is for an immediate opening and will be based in Philadelphia or Washington, D.C. FIRE operates on a hybrid work schedule that allows for a mix of in-the-office and remote work 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.

Position Description
FIRE is seeking a full-time Program Officer to join our Engagement and Mobilization team. 

At FIRE, we believe that free speech makes free people. The right of the individual to speak their mind is fundamental for a free society. So we're on a mission to promote and defend free speech — and we need an entrepreneurial and enthusiastic individual who can develop and deploy strategies to empower our supporters to join FIRE in this effort. 

The Program Officer for Off-Campus Mobilization will support FIRE’s public advocacy efforts through developing targeted campaigns that leverage FIRE’s current supporter base and encourage new enthusiastic advocates to help advance our mission and goals. 

The Program Officer for Off-Campus Mobilization must have the entrepreneurial mindset necessary for growing a new program and will report directly to FIRE’s Director of Engagement and Mobilization. This position will work closely with FIRE’s Public Advocacy, Communications, Strategic Partnerships, and Development teams.

The duties for this position include, but are not limited to: 

• Coordinating with FIRE’s off-campus programs to develop and implement engagement and mobilization activities to achieve strategic goals on the local, state, and national level.

• Identifying and developing a nationwide body of enthusiastic advocates willing to help advance FIRE’s mission and goals.

• Effectively communicating the value and urgency of FIRE policy positions as well as providing unique opportunities for FIRE supporters to help advance FIRE’s positions and goals.
• Writing and disseminating action alerts and other materials used to educate and motivate FIRE supporters to build a free speech culture.
• Ensuring FIRE supporters are aware of opportunities to take action in support of FIRE’s goals and are aware of the positive impact of their actions on the success of FIRE’s campaigns.
• Overseeing the development and execution of FIRE’s texting (SMS) program.
• Serving on interdepartmental teams and completing other duties as assigned.

This position will also perform other support functions for the day-to-day operation of FIRE and will frequently collaborate with other staff members and departments on general duties and specialized projects, including but not limited to contributing to FIRE’s blog, Newsdesk.

This position involves a limited amount of travel. Occasional work on weekends and evenings should be expected.

The expected start date for this position is as soon as possible.

Qualifications
A successful candidate will be ambitious, resourceful, organized, and creative. Most importantly, the candidate must exercise superb judgment and 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:

• 2-3 years of strong, substantive work experience in volunteer engagement, grassroots advocacy, or political organizing/campaigning.
• A proactive, self-starting attitude.
• The ability to communicate clearly and precisely, verbally, in writing, and through digital media, with a diverse audience.
• The ability to manage competing deadlines and multiple projects at various stages of development using effective organization skills and attention to detail.
• The ability to exercise sound judgment, often quickly, while balancing risks and tradeoffs, sometimes with incomplete information.

• Keen instincts for analyzing the news and upcoming FIRE projects to develop clever strategies to activate our supporters around organizational goals.

• The ability to work well independently and in a collaborative team environment.
• Flexibility and creativity during the planning and implementation of new projects.

Candidates must have a bachelor’s degree or equivalent substantial relevant work experience. Special consideration will be given to candidates with experience in First Amendment/free speech policy or grassroots advocacy.

Salary and Compensation
Starting salary is negotiable and depends upon experience and education level. 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 comprehensive health, dental, and life insurance; 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, and writing sample or other demonstration of work. They should also provide salary requirements and contact information for at least two professional references. All applications are confidential. Please address applications to Cait Scanlan, Director of People Operations.

FIRE is an equal opportunity employer