• Job Type: Officer of Administration
• Regular/Temporary: Regular
• Hours Per Week: 35
• Salary Range: $65,981 - $74,263

Position Summary

The Knight First Amendment Institute defends the freedoms of speech and the press in the digital age through strategic litigation, research, policy advocacy, and public education. Through our work, we promote a system of free expression that is open and inclusive; that broadens and elevates public discourse; and that fosters creativity, accountability, and effective self-government.

Since its establishment in 2016, the Institute has filed precedent-setting litigation, undertaken major interdisciplinary research initiatives, and become an influential voice in debates about the freedoms of speech and the press in the digital age. Its active litigation docket includes cutting-edge cases relating to transparency, surveillance, and social media. Through its research program, the Institute has hosted leading thinkers as visiting scholars and published influential essays focused on emerging threats to the system of free expression. It has also hosted public events on algorithmic amplification and society, AI and public discourse, lies and the law, and the future of press freedom, among others.

Reporting to the Communications Director, the Coordinator will carry out a broad range of communications and operational responsibilities, including maintaining the Institute’s website and communications databases, helping to plan and execute events both inside and outside the university, and coordinating and contributing to a range of research and communications projects, including publications and multimedia productions. The Communications Coordinator must be organized, resourceful, detail-oriented, willing to learn new skills, able to work both independently and collaboratively, and enthusiastic about the Institute’s mission. 

Responsibilities

• Schedule and coordinate meetings for the Communications Team.
• Assist with posting content to the Institute’s website and social media platforms, manage online content production, and maintain the Institute’s growing online document and image archives, including its Digital Asset Management account.
• Recruit and manage up to three Research & Communications Interns per term.
• Maintain and update the Communications Team’s project management tracker and ensure that projects are on track to meet deadlines.
• Work closely with Research Program staff to coordinate the production and publication of scholarly essays.
• Track the Communications Team’s expenses to ensure budget compliance.
• Develop and maintain press databases, track press clips and media reach, prepare coverage and analytic reports, and analyze website, social media, research, and other communications data for funder reports.
• Work with the Media & Social Media Manager to assist with the dissemination of Institute press releases and other press materials.
• Draft social media posts and other online documents as needed.
• Work with the Deputy Director of Communications & Digital Strategy, supporting multimedia projects.
• Working with the Communications Director and Research Team, ensure that the Institute’s style guide is applied consistently across all written material.
• Liaise with vendors, including printers, designers, caterers, and developers.
• Perform related duties and responsibilities as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent and 0-2 years of relevant experience are required.
• Excellent interpersonal skills, judgment, and tact in dealing with confidential information.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Strong computer skills, including proficiency with Microsoft Office and Outlook.
• Flexibility and ability to manage multiple tasks efficiently while working proactively and cooperatively in a team-oriented, start-up environment.

Preferred Qualifications

• Facility with Microsoft Word and Excel.
• Experience with Mailchimp, Eventbrite, InDesign, Canva, and Notion is a plus.

Other Requirements

To apply, please submit the following materials:

• Cover letter explaining your interest in the position, including a description of any relevant life or work experience
• Resume
• Two writing samples

Additional information may be requested during the application process. Incomplete applications will not be considered.

Equal Opportunity Employer / Disability / Veteran

Columbia University is committed to the hiring of qualified local residents.