[Remote] Program Manager

Note: The job is a remote job and is open to candidates in USA. Open Technology Fund is an organization focused on internet freedom, and they are seeking a Program Manager to develop and implement funding strategies supporting their mission. The role involves managing a portfolio of projects, conducting application reviews, and promoting community engagement in the field of internet freedom.

Responsibilities

• Support OTF’s application review and funding process by reviewing applications, participating in regular OTF application review calls, and conducting application due diligence
• Lead application review rounds, including delegating and facilitating coordination among team members to ensure the successful completion of all tasks necessary to reach a final determination for all applications
• Work collaboratively with other team members to develop, define, and implement improved review workflows
• Independently manage, monitor and coordinate a portfolio of OTF supported projects, internal initiatives, and fund or fellowship programs
• Support and work with new projects to issue contracts, ensure adequate onboarding, refine goals and activities as needed, amend budgets and contracts as needed, perform end-of-project tasks, and respond to any questions
• Conduct and oversee project assessments and compliance by undertaking periodic progress reviews, reviewing and approving payment requests against progress reports, and ensuring adherence to contract terms
• Archive and communicate the details of a project portfolio through written materials such as project status reports, presentations, and agendas for clear understanding and facilitation by OTF team and the public
• Actively shape the planning, development, and implementation of OTF’s internal efforts, proposing new funds or fellowships as the need presents
• Work collaboratively with team members to improve project management workflows and monitoring and evaluation methodologies
• Promote engagement between supported projects and our engaged communities to review opportunities, challenges and advances and encourage collaboration, learning, exchange and strategic partnerships
• Represent OTF at events and meetings relevant to OTF’s mission
• Conduct outreach to gather insight on community needs and how OTF can help
• Follow key developments and debates related to Internet freedom; identify new opportunities and challenges; keep abreast of the academic and popular literature relevant to OTF’s mission; and share key findings and lessons among colleagues and the field
• In coordination with other members of the Program Team, work to develop specialized expertise and knowledge related to OTF’s work
• Lead and/or assist in the planning and implementation of OTF sponsored events
• Identify and promote opportunities for team members and projects to be involved in the larger community
• Identify and recruit potential Internet freedom projects that should apply to OTF
• Continually learn new skills and share knowledge to help improve team practices; and
• Fulfill other duties as discussed and assigned by the OTF leadership staff

Skills

• Commitment to OTF's mission and core values of equity, fairness and diversity
• Passion for social change with knowledge of philanthropy, and interest in the field of human rights and Internet freedom, including nonprofit organizations, entrepreneurship, racial and gender equity, civic engagement, etc
• Personal qualities of humility, capacity for self-reflection, and a sense of humor
• Discretion and ability to handle confidential issues
• Action-orientated and entrepreneurial self-starter who can work well independently and in teams
• A level of education that, when combined with your professional experience, will adequately show you have the capability to contribute meaningfully to OTF
• Experience conducting or supporting the research, development, and/or implementation of Internet freedom technologies, including circumvention and security technologies
• Strong technical understanding of the digital threats faced by journalists and human rights defenders, and the digital security tools and tactics that can be used to address those threats
• Ability to explain complex technical subjects clearly and respectfully to audiences in non-technical fields
• Ability to simultaneously handle multiple projects effectively and adjust to changing priorities
• Strong critical thinking, analytical skills and creativity in approaching challenges and finding solutions
• A drive for quality and excellence in your work
• Detail-oriented and organized, experience with project management
• Exceptional professionalism, follow-through and people skills
• Excellent ability to work collaboratively and respectfully with others in multicultural teams, across organizational boundaries and multiple time zones, and with team members at all levels
• Confidence and enthusiasm when communicating to both external partners and the internal project team in both formal and informal presentations
• A flexible, responsive, and enthusiastic approach to work, including the humility and grace to work effectively with others in a collaborative, fast-paced team, a 'can do' attitude
• Experience from work in donor or intermediary organizations
• Documented experience of work in or with stakeholders in the Eurasia region
• Knowledge of the Russian language is preferred

Company Overview

Company H1B Sponsorship