Opportunities

One of the things that makes the News Product Alliance a little different than the other organizations out there is that we’re here to support individuals in news product careers. We believe you — the leaders, the changemakers, the strategists, the people who make things happen in news orgs — you will drive the news industry forward and you will accelerate the digital transformation of news organizations from within. Our community is here to support you, to help you develop your skills and to create opportunities for you to level up in your career.

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For more information, visit newsproduct.org

Programs Director

Location: Remote, United States or Europe

Contract: Part-time, 30-35 hours a week

Hourly Rate: $40-$45

The News Product Alliance is seeking a Programs Director to oversee and enhance our portfolio of impactful programs, including the News Product Management Certification (NPMC), the annual NPA Summit, and other strategic initiatives. This role is pivotal in building the systems and processes that ensure our programs are not only well-executed but also aligned with our mission to bridge the gap between product strategy and execution in newsrooms.

The Programs Director will lead the operationalization of NPA's programs by managing applications, onboarding, and workshops, and maintaining a roster of skilled consultants, coaches, and instructors. This role will require close collaboration with our Chief Product Officer (CPO) to understand and integrate NPA’s curriculum effectively. Additionally, the Programs Director will coordinate with the Admin & Finance Manager to ensure smooth contractor and provider management, and with the Engagement & Communications Manager to align on program messaging, outreach, and community support.

Key Responsibilities:

  1. Oversee Program and Communication Operations

    • Supervise and support the Program and Project Managers, ensuring the timely and high-quality delivery of NPA's programs and initiatives.

    • Oversee the Communications Manager, ensuring program communications are strategic, impactful, and delivered on schedule.

    • Foster collaboration between program and communication teams to align messaging with program objectives and organizational goals.

  2. Program Management & Systematization

    • Design and implement structured systems for running NPA programs, including applications, onboarding processes, workshop delivery, and feedback collection.

    • Build and maintain a roster of consultants, coaches, and instructors to support NPA’s diverse programs.

    • Oversee program platforms and tools, ensuring seamless user experiences for both participants and facilitators.

  3. Operational & Financial Coordination

    • Partner with the Admin & Finances Manager to streamline the management of program-related contractors and vendors.

    • Ensure effective tracking and reporting of program expenses and contracts, aligning with budget goals.

  4. Content and Communication Alignment

    • Lead the production and scheduling of Product Notes, coordinating closely with the Engagement & Communications Manager for consistent messaging across NPA’s platforms.

    • Support the Engagement & Communications Manager with community programming and engagement strategies that enhance NPA’s role as a connector and catalyst for change in the media product ecosystem.

  5. Collaborative Curriculum Implementation

    • Work closely with the Chief Product Officer to ensure alignment between NPA’s broader curriculum objectives, program content and implementation. 

    • Contribute to the development of new training programs that reflect NPA’s commitment to innovation and industry relevance, including emerging programs like the AI News Product Sprint. 

  6. Strategic Collaboration and Leadership Support

    • Collaborate with the Executive Director to align program strategies with organizational goals and to explore growth opportunities for NPA.

    • Identify and implement new processes to enhance participant engagement and outcomes across NPA’s programs.

  7. Program Innovation and Strategic Growth

    • Stay informed on trends in media product management and leverage insights to strengthen NPA’s role as a thought leader in the field.

    • Contribute to strategic growth initiatives, including scaling programs internationally and exploring new areas for innovation.

Qualifications:

  • Proven experience in program management, ideally in a non-profit, educational, or media-related field.

  • Demonstrated ability to build and maintain operational systems for programs with multiple components.

  • Excellent project management skills, with the ability to handle multiple priorities effectively.

  • Strong collaboration skills with a focus on fostering cross-functional partnerships.

  • Exceptional communication and organizational skills.

Preferred Qualifications:

  • Strong understanding of product management principles and their application in a media context.

  • Public speaking abilities, as this role may involve representing NPA at industry events and webinars.

  • Experience in building communities or networks in a professional or educational setting.

  • Based in the United States or Europe, to align with NPA’s operational needs and target regions.

This role offers the opportunity to shape the future of news product management, driving industry-wide impact by connecting and empowering news organizations globally. As the Programs Director, you will be at the forefront of NPA’s mission to foster resilience and agility in newsrooms through strategic product thinking.

To apply for the role, please fill out this form: https://airtable.com/appOdIz6vhTse38qs/paghJTi37ZapiPJhK/form

Applications for this role closed on January 15, 2025.