Capacity: Full-time (40 hours per week) Duration: 2 years, with the possibility to extend depending on funding

Conditions: W2 US employee or international independent contractor, remuneration $55,000- $70,000 annually, dependent on experience (or equivalent to local currency)

About the Coalition:

The Coalition for Independent Technology Research works to advance, defend, and sustain the right to ethically study the impacts of technology on society. As a coalition of more than 400 academics, civil society researchers, advocates, journalists, and community scientists, we advocate for policies that enable independent tech research and defend researchers who face retaliation for their work. Our goal is to ensure that the public gets trustworthy, independent information about the impacts of technology on our lives and in our communities. The Coalition for Independent Technology Research is a fiscally sponsored project of Aspiration.

Position Overview:

Are you passionate about building vibrant communities and driving meaningful change at the intersection of technology and society? The Coalition for Independent Technology Research is looking for a Community Program Manager to ignite collaboration, empower leadership, and amplify the voices of over 400 independent researchers working to uncover and address the impacts of technology on our world.

In this pivotal role, you’ll be at the heart of our growing global network, creating opportunities for members to connect, collaborate, and drive transformative research that shapes public policy and societal discourse. From organizing dynamic events and curating valuable resources to supporting members in navigating challenges and retribution that they too often face, your work will ensure our members have the resources and opportunities to advance their collective goals.

As our Community Program Manager, you’ll work closely with researchers across disciplines (including academics, civil society researchers, and journalists), Coalition staff, and external partners to ensure members are equipped with the tools, training, and networks they need to excel in their work. Whether hosting our annual summit, launching advocacy campaigns, or responding to urgent member needs, you’ll be a trusted ally and an energetic leader driving a movement for independent, ethical tech research.

You’ll also act as a vital bridge between our members and key external partners like policymakers, journalists, and other allies, helping translate research into real-world impact. Whether it's connecting members to media opportunities, facilitating strategic partnerships, or ensuring their work informs public discourse, you’ll help amplify their voices where it matters most.

This is a unique opportunity to play a critical role in a growing movement that fights for independent, ethical technology research to advance public understanding. If you’re a skilled organizer, dedicated advocate, and proactive problem-solver, we want to hear from you!

Key Responsibilities:

• Community Building & Engagement
  • Build, sustain, and nurture a collective of more than 400intersectional researchers—including academics, civil society researchers, journalists and community scientists—to ensure their needs are heard and actioned through ongoing support and engagement.
  • Lead member check-ins, meet-ups, and our annual Member Summit to foster connection between our members and Coalition staff and develop a thriving, engaged community.
  • Manage digital organizing platforms (member directory, forum, email and social media channels) to facilitate regular exchange between members and share updates on the latest research and policy developments, calls to action, and member-led activities.
  • Support our communications team to develop a quarterly newsletter to share updates, insights and collaboration opportunities within the community.
• Member Support & Collaboration:
  • Identify and create opportunities to upskill members and build their capacities to engage in meaningful, impactful research endeavours through training sessions and resource sharing.
  • Support members to develop working groups or other ways of collaborating on specific projects and requests.
  • Assess the selective needs of members to determine what tools, resources, or connections are necessary for their success.
  • Build and maintain a triage system to address urgent member issues such as threats or legal challenges, connecting them with the appropriate resources.
  • Curate and create resource libraries, strategic partnerships with peer networks, and referral structures that allow members to connect with the support they need, both within and outside of the Coalition.
• Campaigning & Advocacy Support
  • Advocate for members by understanding and amplifying theirneeds both within the Coalition and externally in policy andpublic forums.
  • Coordinate campaigns and advocacy efforts with other Coalitionstaff and members to build and run rapid-response task forces torespond to urgent threats or policy opportunities.
  • Support other Coalition staff and members in catalyzinglonger-term advocacy campaigns by advising on the spectrum of perspectives held by members.

Desired Experience:

• A Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Public Policy, Media and Communications, or a related field is preferred. We also recognize and value equivalent professional experience—if your background demonstrates the skills and knowledge needed to excel in this role, we encourage you to apply.
• Familiarity with technology policy, platform regulation, or digital rights is preferred.
• Proven experience in community management, especially within professional, academic, or advocacy contexts for at least 3 years.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills, with a talent forbuilding trust and facilitating collaboration among diverse stakeholder groups.
• Experience organizing workshops, events, and collaborative opportunities that drive community engagement and development.
• A service-oriented mindset, capable of supporting members while balancing the Coalition’s strategic goals.
• Ability to manage multiple relationships, from individual members to organizational partners.
• Excellent data management and organizational skills, with experience managing platforms like member directories and forums.
• A confident decision-maker who can advocate for members' needs and navigate complex challenges.
• Campaign experience and familiarity with collaborative organizational relationships are a plus.

To Apply: Please submit a Cover Letter and your CV via this form before Monday, 6 January. Please direct all questions to info@independenttechresearch.org.

EEO statement: Aspiration is an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants receive consideration for employment and all employees are treated during employment without regard to race, color, sexual orientation, religion, sex, age, national origin, genetic information, physical or mental disability, veteran status, gender identity, gender expression and marital status.