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. We aim to 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. The Institute’s research program engages leading scholars and researchers to explore pressing questions at the intersection of free expression, First Amendment law, and new technologies; convenes symposiums and other important events to cultivate scholarship and advance public understanding of important research questions; and publishes influential and widely-read scholarship and other essays in the field. Major research projects have focused on subjects including emerging threats to freedom of expression, the impact of large-scale data collection on self-government, the effects of algorithmic amplification on the online speech environment, and how the law should respond to lies and disinformation. The Institute’s recently-launched policy program engages with policymakers on issues including privacy and surveillance, press freedom, AI governance, and platform accountability and transparency; deepens the Institute’s internal understanding of the current and emerging regulatory landscape with respect to speech and privacy online; and cultivates policy-focused partnerships within the broader Columbia community.

Reporting to the Research Director as well as the Policy Director, and working closely with the Institute’s research program staff, visiting research scholars, and other contributors, the Research and Policy Program Coordinator will lead or assist with a broad range of activities in support of our research and policy priorities. The coordinator must be creative, resourceful, proactive, able to work both independently and collaboratively, and enthusiastic about the mission of the Institute. 

Responsibilities

1. Coordinate production and publication processes for all Institute publications, including blog posts, white papers, essays, reports, event programs and posters, and other materials as needed. These processes include:

  • Working with a team of external contractors and interns to ensure that all research and policy publications are thoroughly fact-checked, formatted, and proofread before publication.
  • Reviewing and correcting the work of the team as needed to ensure all written material is typo- and error-free prior to publication.
  • Compiling event materials including participant bios, agendas, paper abstracts, and event programs.
  • Ensuring that the Institute’s style guide is applied consistently across all written material.
  • Posting finished products on the Institute’s website.
  • Working with outside vendors, including graphic designers and printers.
  • Drafting social media copy to promote new projects and publications.

2. Coordinate the research and policy programs’ short- and medium-term planning for upcoming projects and events, including:

  • Maintaining the program calendar.
  • Organizing meetings and compiling agendas for editorial and project planning and review.
  • Keeping track of current year program budgets and assembling proposed future program budgets.

3. Assist in monitoring, viewing, and summarizing for the Institute relevant Congressional hearings, press conferences, bill introductions, and executive branch actions.

4. Assist in preparing materials for policymaker briefings, Congressional hearings, panel discussions, and similar events, including talking points, written statements, remarks, and presentation materials.

5. Maintain research and policy program webpages.

6. Assist in hiring and supervision of research and communications program interns.

7. Track and oversee permissions requests.

8. Assist in maintaining record of program outputs, including papers published, citation counts, event participants, and media mentions.

9. Assist in preparing program reports for the board and for funders.

10. Perform related duties and responsibilities as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

  • BA or BS degree or equivalent and 0-4 years of related experience.
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
  • Exceptionally strong proofreading skills. The Knight Institute holds all its publications to the high standards expected throughout the legal profession. This requires meticulous proofreading and formatting of everything from blog posts to research essays, including close attention to citation formatting.
  • Excellent project management skills, including ability to manage multiple fast-moving projects at once.
  • Strong computer skills, including proficiency with Microsoft Word, 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

  • Familiarity with Notion, the project management software.
  • Familiarity with The Bluebook, the system used for legal citation.

Salary Range

  • $65,981-$74,263

How to apply

Candidates must apply through the Columbia University Careers site here. Applications should include:

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

Additional information may be requested during the application process.