The League of Women Voters of Larimer County (LWVLC a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization) seeks a Program Manager who will be hired on contract to manage a 9-month project aimed at supporting local journalism. The ideal candidate will have both journalism and program management experience. Compensation for the 9 months project is $30,000 at roughly half-time, with potential to shift to full-time salary after 9 months, pending grant funding. This 9-month contract will be a 1099 arrangement, and the contractor is available to be involved in work outside this program, as this is considered a part-time obligation. 

This position is a hybrid work-from-home/in-person position. While the majority of tasks can be performed remotely, the ideal candidate will live in or near Larimer County and be available for occasional in-person meetings in and around Larimer County. The contractor will be paid a monthly sum of $3333.33 for an average estimate of 20hrs/week.

You should consider applying if you…

1. Support the Mission of the League of Women Voters to empower voters and defend democracy.
2. Would like to be involved in getting more people engaged with local policy and government to create a more equitable society.
3. Are a skilled facilitator and organizer with project management experience.
4. Are able to turn complicated topics into easy-to-understand language. 
5. News writing experience encouraged. 

Description of Project

Local government bodies hold thousands of public meetings every day—but the vast majority receive no media coverage and produce minimal records. The Colorado Citizen Observer Pilot Project will make local government more accountable and transparent by training and guiding community members to attend these meetings and publish the results via news products, social media and a platform on the Internet.  

The League of Women Voters of Larimer County is preparing to scale up its Observer Corps program in partnership with Open Media Foundation, the Colorado Freedom of Information Coalition, CSU’s Center for Public Deliberation, and local news outlets in Northern Colorado. The Colorado Citizen Observer Pilot Project will consist of at least 20 volunteers who will attend public meetings. These include elected boards, appointed boards, and other important commissions or boards in Larimer County. At least 10 boards or commissions will be selected to be observed. The volunteer observers will prepare a report within 24 hours and post it on an internet platform. The commissions and boards selected will be chosen based on impact in the community, interest by the media partners, and topical areas of interest to the LWVLC. The purpose of the project is to improve visibility of important public meetings for the press, the League, and the public. 

Duties

1. Communicate with all observers. Manage overall assignment workflow of observers.

2. Help arrange and publicize training opportunities for the observers.

3. Schedule and lead regular meetings with observers and partners.

4. Communicate with and develop relationships with the partners and local media.

5. Work with the LWVLC treasurer to manage the budget. Work with the designated LWVLC contacts on any changes to the budget. Forward invoices to the treasurer.

6. Develop a process to regularly review reports for objectivity and accuracy. 

7. Regularly report to the leads on the status of the project.

8. Gather information for evaluation of this pilot project for the LWVLC and the funder. Prepare appropriate reports for the LWVLC and the funder.

9. The program manager will attend partner meetings (Zoom) and report to the designated LWVLC leaders. Some in-person events or meetings may be required. 

To Apply: 

The Open Media Foundation is recruiting on behalf of the League of Women Voters of Larimer County. Please send your cover letter & resume to [email protected] with “Program Manager for CCOPP” in the subject line. For priority consideration apply by 09/27/2022. The application deadline is 30 days from the date of this announcement. 

About League of Women Voters of Larimer County: The League of Women Voters is a nonpartisan, grassroots organization working to protect and expand voting rights and ensure everyone is represented in our democracy. We empower voters and defend democracy through advocacy, education, and litigation, at the local, state, and national levels.

The League of Women Voters Larimer County is a member of the national League of Women Voters. Throughout the League’s more than 100 year history and working in all states, the League focus has been to expand participation and give a voice to all Americans. It never endorses, supports or opposes any political candidate or political party.  More information at lwv-larimercounty.org 

COMMITMENT TO DIVERSITY AND RACIAL EQUITY

The League of Women Voters of Larimer County is an equal opportunity employer. We are dedicated to building a culturally diverse staff and creating a working environment that promotes racial equity and inclusiveness. We believe attracting and retaining diverse staff is crucial to serving our community and fulfilling our mission. Women, Black, Indigenous and people of color (BIPOC), LGBTQ+ individuals, people with disabilities and veterans are highly encouraged to apply.