Description

About the Opportunity
The Lenfest Institute for Journalism is seeking an Advisory Programs Contractor to support the day-to-day operations of the Lenfest Expert Network (LENs), a program that pairs local and independent newsrooms with experienced consultants for short-term engagements. 

This is a hands-on, operational role for someone who thrives on keeping programs running smoothly, building relationships with a wide range of stakeholders, and supporting the work of a small, fast-moving team. The right person brings strong organizational skills, excellent communication, and a genuine interest in the future of local journalism.

This is a remote contracting engagement through December 2027, with the possibility of occasional in-person work or travel. For the right candidate, there is potential for this role to grow into a full-time position over time.

The Lenfest Institute for Journalism is a nonprofit organization whose sole mission is to develop and support sustainable business models for great local journalism. The Institute owns and supports The Philadelphia Inquirer and provides grants and programs to local news organizations across the country through initiatives including the Lenfest Expert Network.

Position Details
Location: Remote, with occasional in-person work or travel as needed. Candidates based in or within commuting distance of Philadelphia are encouraged to apply.

• Time Commitment: Approximately 20 hours per week
• Contract Period: October 2026 – December 2027
• Compensation: $3,500 per month
• Reports To: Cheryl Thompson-Morton, Head of Advisory Programs, Lenfest Institute for Journalism

Responsibilities

Program Operations

• Support intake, matching, and onboarding of newsroom and consultant engagements
• Track active engagements and maintain program records and documentation
• Coordinate scheduling, communications, and logistics across a portfolio of projects
• Assist with reporting, data collection, and funder-facing materials

Consultant & Newsroom Engagement

• Serve as a point of contact for participating newsrooms and LENs consultants
• Support relationship maintenance and periodic check-ins with program participants
• Help surface participant needs, feedback, and emerging opportunities
• Assist with office hours coordination and participant outreach

 Communications & Outreach

• Draft program communications, updates, and correspondence
• Support preparation of presentations and materials for internal and external audiences
• Assist with event coordination and convening logistics as needed
• Represent the Lenfest Institute at select events and convenings when needed (preferred but not required) 

Administrative Support

• Maintain organized systems for tracking contacts, engagements, and program activity
• Support the Head of Advisory Programs with scheduling, follow-up, and task management
• Assist with special projects and emerging priorities as the program grows 

Requirements

We are seeking someone who is:

• Highly organized with strong attention to detail
• An excellent written and verbal communicator
• Comfortable managing multiple workstreams simultaneously
• Skilled at building relationships across a diverse range of stakeholders
• Self-directed and able to work independently in a remote environment
• Interested in local journalism, media, or the broader information ecosystem

Experience in program coordination, journalism, nonprofit administration, philanthropy, or a related field is preferred. This role is well-suited to an early-career professional looking to grow within a mission-driven organization.