Fellow, Student Press and Campus Rights Advocacy

FIRE • Philadelphia, PA

5d • $50,000 - $60,000 • Hybrid

About The Position

This position is part of FIRE’s First Amendment Fellowship Program, a full-time, two-year termed program for graduating seniors and recent graduates looking to gain work experience before law school, graduate school, or another professional or educational opportunity. In addition to their core work with Campus Rights Advocacy and the Student Press Freedom Initiative, fellows receive hands-on training, work with a FIRE mentor, and complete a capstone project in their second year. 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.

Requirements

• 1-2 years of relevant post-undergraduate experience
• Familiarity with student press freedom issues, the First Amendment and/or media law
• Demonstrate a knowledge and passion for FIRE’s mission and an ability to articulate that passion
• Strong research, writing, and public speaking skills
• Strong attention to detail and organizational skills
• Proven problem-solving ability and ability to work with minimal supervision
• Exceptional conscientiousness
• Exceptional interpersonal skills
• Ability to work under tight deadlines, prioritize work and manage multiple projects
• Ability to understand current trends in student press, including organizational structure, common legal issues, and principles
• Ability to commit to the full two year term
• Ability to exercise sound judgement and discretion
• Hold a bachelor’s degree
• Must be legally authorized to work in the United States

Nice To Haves

• Journalism or student press background preferred
• Exceptional less experienced candidates will also be considered

Responsibilities

• Cultivating relationships with student journalists, their publications, and their advisers to establish long-lasting institutional connections
• Assisting the Student Press Program Manager and Counsel with case intake and responding to requests to SPFI’s 24-hour hotline, including after-hours emergency requests
• Responding to and managing free speech-related case submissions from students and faculty, with a focus on student press-related submissions
• Authoring and reviewing advocacy materials, such as letters to universities, on behalf of students, faculty, and student journalists
• Creating and executing training programs, resources, and conference presentations for student journalists and advisers
• Offering project management and logistical support for student press educational and advocacy projects
• Engaging in advocacy on behalf of student journalists, their publications, and their advisers
• Serving as primary press contact on designated cases, conducting interviews for television, radio, and print media as needed
• Authoring blogs, op-eds, and other communications related to SPFI and FIRE cases

Benefits

• Time to develop their interests, gain substantive professional experience, and better understand potential educational and career paths before pursuing their next step
• Exposure to FIRE’s work across litigation, campus advocacy, policy reform, education, legislative advocacy, research, and communications
• A FIRE staff mentor outside their department for regular conversations about professional development, educational opportunities, and long-term career goals
• Resources and support for admissions testing, applications, school selection, and other aspects of pursuing further education, including paid time off for testing and admissions-related activities
• Employer-paid health, dental, and life insurance for employees
• A Section 125 Flexible Spending Account option
• Matching retirement contributions
• A generous paid time-off plan

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level