Program Associate

Outrider Foundation is hiring a Program Associate to coordinate events and build fundraising infrastructure. You will plan media training sessions and conferences, manage communications, and seek new partners and co-funders to expand our impact.

We are in the early phases of building a formal fund development program to expand our work supporting journalism and storytelling about nuclear threats and climate change. The Program Associate will be key to helping Outrider thrive by building strong relationships with sponsors, funding partners, like-minded foundations, and major-gift donors.

Event Coordinator

Event planning and project management are big parts of this job. Each year, we organize conferences and training for journalists in our issue areas. The Program Associate helps run these programs, handles outreach and communication with speakers and guests, and works with our team and partners to manage logistics. Duties include managing catering and hotel logistics, preparing event spaces, setting up and taking down event materials, and coordinating programs in collaboration with the CEO and Chief Climate Officer.

Development Associate

Another important part of this job is researching and finding foundations that could help fund journalism projects and reporting fellowships. Outrider’s fellowship program partners with organizations such as The New York Times, TIME magazine, Science Friday, The Guardian, Inside Climate News, Vox, CNN, and the Associated Press to support investigative reporting and analysis. Duties include researching and identifying prospective donors, engaging new and existing funders, and working closely with the CEO to secure partnerships and co-funding for Outrider programs.

We want someone self-motivated, creative, and able to manage multiple projects simultaneously. You should be organized, comfortable using cloud-based project management tools, and able to work well both remotely and in person. We value team players who can also work independently.

The ideal candidate cares about Outrider’s mission, understands philanthropy, and is experienced in event planning. Familiarity with advancement programming, alum/donor relations, stewardship, and engagement would be a plus.

Specific duties include:

Programmatic

• Event training, coordination, and materials preparation
• Event coordination and management, including negotiating vendor rates
• Events development and project planning (virtual and in-person)
• Scheduling meetings/travel for Outrider events and programs

Fundraising

• Identifying prospective donors and developing ways to engage future funders
• Outreach and engagement with co-funders and prospects to secure funding
• Coordinating advancement meetings for the CEO and Chief Climate Officer
• Managing and maintaining a database and CRM management

Administrative

• Board meeting planning and materials preparations
• Preparing grant reports and proposals, and annual impact reports
• Coordinating payments and documentation with the front office

Role Requirements

• Background in event planning, philanthropy, journalism, communications, public relations, public policy, science communications, or related fields.
• Experience in planning and executing various communications initiatives that meet or exceed goals and impact an organization.
• Excellent project management skills and experience overseeing/collaborating with vendors and partners.
• Communication and content skills, including writing, editing, proofreading, and verbal skills, with the ability to articulate complex topics into easily understandable content and messaging for various audiences.
• Proficient knowledge of Google Workspace, Microsoft Office Suite, social media, CRM and CMS, and email marketing platforms.

Featured benefits

• Medical insurance
• Vision insurance
• Dental insurance
• 401(k)

Although Outrider is based in Madison, Wisconsin, we are open to remote employment for the right person.