Program Manager, Alumni Outreach

This position will be based in 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.

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:

The Foundation for Individual Rights and Expression (FIRE) is seeking a full-time Program Manager for Alumni Outreach to join our Campus Advocacy team. 

The Program Manager for Alumni Outreach will support FIRE’s higher education work by empowering alumni efforts to drive free speech-related reform at their alma maters. FIRE works to develop strong relationships with alumni, helping them build their own independent, nonpartisan alumni groups, then partnering with these groups to achieve lasting results on campus. 

The Program Manager for Alumni Outreach will report directly to FIRE’s Campus Advocacy Chief of Staff and will work closely with the Engagement & Mobilization, Policy Reform, Campus Rights Advocacy, and Communications teams.

Duties include, but are not limited to:

• Finding and developing new, enthusiastic alumni advocates willing to advance FIRE’s mission and goals at their alma mater.
• Growing and maintaining communication with FIRE’s Alumni Network email list by updating members about FIRE’s work and alumni advocacy opportunities. 
• Acting as the point of contact between FIRE and the Alumni Free Speech Alliance, a growing network of independent alumni organizations across the country.
• Consulting with existing alumni groups and providing strategic advice as they advocate for free speech at their alma mater.
• Establishing and maintaining both national and school-specific networks of college and university alumni interested in and concerned about free speech in higher education and supportive of FIRE’s mission.
• Engaging with prominent university alumni, donors, or trustees regarding new or ongoing cases at their institutions to encourage them to assist FIRE. 
• Creating easy-to-digest resources for alumni to help them make meaningful change within their campus community.
• Overseeing the ongoing development and maintenance of an alumni-specific area on FIRE’s website.
• Working with other departments to integrate alumni outreach efforts into FIRE’s overall outreach model.

• Assisting with additional department tasks as needed. 

This position has an immediate start date. Expected travel for this position is 0-10%. Occasional work on weekends and evenings should be expected.

Qualifications: 

A successful candidate will have a good work ethic, be a self-starter, and have the ability to independently connect with key alumni from targeted schools. Most importantly, the 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 networking skills and an ability to foster personal relationships with key individuals at targeted schools.
• A strong, clear vision for executing the duties of the position and a willingness to assume a leadership role when executing projects.
• Creative thinking skills with the ability and willingness to explore new platforms and models for reaching key audiences.
• Accountability and the ability to exercise sound judgment
• Exceptional writing and copy editing skills.
• Keen attention to detail, time constraints, and deadlines.
• The ability to work efficiently and independently while managing multiple projects simultaneously.

Preferred but not required:

• A four-year undergraduate degree.
• 2-4 years of development or communications experience.

Salary and Compensation

Starting salary is negotiable and depends on 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, 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.

FIRE is an equal opportunity employer.