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For those joining for the first time, I’m Gabe Lerner. My goal is to be a thoughtful curator of your attention, your most valuable resource, while sharing the best jobs, funding opportunities, and articles that I find.
Democracy Notes 2/15
What to read:
(Articles/reports)
Lots of big news from The JPB Foundation
The foundation plans to grant nearly $500M in 2024, up 40% from 2022 levels
That includes $100M in new democracy-focused grants
The foundation has a new president, Deepak Bhargava
If you have a Chronicle of Philanthropy subscription (I don’t 😢), check out this profile of Bhargava
Otherwise, listen to this podcast interview with MSNBC’s Chris Hayes
Arianna Jiménez is the new SVP of Democracy, Gender, and Racial Justice
In defense of (some) old media — Steve Waldman redraws the battle lines in the local news conversation. It’s not nonprofit outlets vs. commercial, or old outlets vs. new outlets. It’s everyone vs. hedge funds.
To achieve a thriving local news ecosystem, Steve makes the case for public policies like a tax credit for small businesses that advertise with local news.
What to watch/listen to/attend:
(Events, podcasts, and more)
The Kettering Foundation’s podcast, again?? Yes. Another great interview, this time with James Comey.
Comey was also excellent at Kettering’s event on political violence.
Business folks: the Erb Institute is hosting a virtual mini-conference on Feb 29th.
It’s designed for senior leaders in Government Relations, Legal, Sustainability, HR, DEIJ, Corporate Responsibility, or Corporate Comms.
Where to work:
(Jobs, jobs, jobs!)
Common Ground USA Program Manager — DC (hybrid), 9+ years of experience
Passionate about…the reconstruction era? This very neat job is for you.
Lumina Foundation:
Strategy Officer for State Policy — Indianapolis (preferred) or DC, $87K - $100K
Innovation and Discovery Intern — DC, $16 - $19/hour for undergraduate students, $18 - $22 for grad students (deadline February 28)
The MacArthur Foundation Program Officer, Local News — Chicago, $116K
The Brennan Center (all in New York):
Research Analyst (Survey Researcher) — $80K - $98K
Co-Director of Institutional Relations — $155K - $175K
Senior Fellow Project Manager, Future of the Constitution Project — $145K - $185K
The Carter Center:
Temporary Associate Director, Democracy Program — Atlanta, no $ listed
Associate Director, Democracy Program — Atlanta, no $ listed
Democracy House Executive Director — Boston area preferred, $200K - $250K
They run the Student Learn Students Vote Coalition — seems neat!
Rhizome Director of Development — remote, $80K (deadline Feb 25)
This is the most transparent job description I’ve ever seen. And an incredibly cool organization.
AmeriCorps Public Engagement Specialist — DC, $95K - $118K (deadline Feb 16)
Proteus Fund:
Senior Grants Management Associate — (remote), $74K - $89K (deadline Feb 16)
Program Director Solidarity Collaborative— New York (hybrid), $140K - $155K
McCain Institute Manager of Media Relations — DC, $59K - $90K
Showing Up for Racial Justice (SURJ) Communications Director — remote, $100K
The Pew Charitable Trusts Communications Associate — DC, no $ info, 1+ years of experience
This role will support teams focused on broadband access and (separately) the role of courts in society
Where to find funding:
($$$)
The 2024 Indigenous Communities Fellowship is looking for innovators supporting community-based solutions by and for Indigenous communities across the United States and Canada. Submit a solution by April 18th to be considered for the Fellowship and five different prizes.
Thanks, as always, for your attention. If you found this valuable, please forward it to a democracy friend or colleague!
Would be awesome to have a section dedicated to international democracy and what to watch across the globe!