About us

The Knight First Amendment Institute defends the freedoms of speech and the press in the digital age through strategic litigation, research, and public education. 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 publishes widely-read essays on topics including emerging threats to the system of free expression, the meaning of self-government in the era of large-scale data collection, and how the law should respond to lies and disinformation. It has also hosted public events on new technology and public discourse, data journalism and the law, the First Amendment and inequality, whistleblowers, and national-security journalism.

What you'll do

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

Responsibilities

  • Coordinate production and publication processes for all research papers and projects, including:
    • Leading a team of external contractors and interns to ensure that all research publications are thoroughly fact-checked, formatted, and proofread before publication;
    • Reviewing and correcting the work of the team as needed;
    • Posting research papers on the Institute’s website;
    • Working with outside vendors, including graphic designers and printers;
  • Assist with research and policy analysis on topics of interest to the research program;
  • Contribute to editorial and research project planning and review;
  • Monitor new publications from scholars, experts, and colleague organizations in the field, and provide summaries to Institute staff;
  • Assist in scheduling research program-related meetings and compiling meeting agendas;
  • Oversee correspondence with participants in the research program’s work, including visiting research scholars, essay authors, speakers, and others;
  • Maintain research program webpages;
  • Assist in hiring and supervision of research and communications program interns;
  • Track and oversee permissions requests;
  • Maintain record of research program outputs, including papers published, citation counts, event participants, and media mentions;
  • Perform related duties and responsibilities as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

  • BA or BS degree or equivalent.
  • Excellent attention to detail, including strong skills in proofreading and error spotting in publication and web formatting work;
  • Excellent project management skills, including ability to manage multiple fast-moving projects at once;
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills;
  • 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

  • 0 – 3 years of related experience.
  • Proficiency with InDesign.

Salary Range

  • $58,500 - $65,000

All applicants must apply through the Columbia University Careers website here.

To apply, please submit a cover letter explaining your interest in the position, including a description of any relevant life or work experience, resume and one writing sample here.