Program Assistant, Just Tech and Media Well

The Social Science Research Council (SSRC) seeks a highly motivated and organized Program Associate to join our team. The Program Associate will provide operational, administrative, and programmatic support to the Program Directors in planning, implementing, and evaluating different projects associated with the Just Tech and the MediaWell programs. The successful candidate will demonstrate the ability to manage projects independently with minimal guidance, exercise sound judgment, and balance multiple priorities. This role requires strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and a collaborative mindset.

PROGRAM DESCRIPTIONS

The Social Science Research Council (SSRC) is an independent, international, nonprofit organization devoted to advancing interdisciplinary research in the social sciences and related disciplines through a wide variety of workshops and conferences, fellowships and grants, summer training institutes, scholarly exchanges, research, and publications. Working with partners worldwide to link research to practice and policy, our work strengthens individual and institutional capacities for learning and enhances public access to information. For more information, please visit our website: www.ssrc.org.

The Just Tech program explores how emerging technologies shape society and public life. It supports research and dialogue that highlight how technology is developed, used, and governed, with a focus on approaches that reflect public needs and values, in particular through its fellowship component and digital platform. MediaWell collects and synthesizes research on how to mitigate the influence of false, misleading, or hateful narratives online, build resilient democratic institutions, and empower communities to inform themselves. MediaWell seeks to present research for broader public understanding and foster collaborations to build a public interest internet.

RESPONSIBILITIES

Administrative Coordination (40%)

• Implement and maintain standard operating procedures for key administrative functions
• Manage the programs’ calendars (in consultation with program directors)
• Serve as a primary point of contact for external inquiries and communications
• Prepare and edit correspondence with external collaborators

Operations & Communications Support (30%)

• Prepare draft budget reports and support directors in developing financial projections
• Assist with financial tracking systems for programs’ budgets and expenses
• Maintain systems to track program metrics and outcomes
• Assist with drafting and refining written materials for various audiences when needed

Program Support & Event Coordination (30%)

• Lead coordination of in-person and virtual events, including workshops and meetings, liaising with external partners and vendors to ensure successful execution
• Implement event plans with comprehensive run-of-show documentation, coordinating all logistics from planning to execution
• Coordinate travel arrangements for program directors and meeting participants
• Anticipate and troubleshoot program challenges independently
• Assist with fellowship recruitment processes, including application tracking and interview scheduling

QUALIFICATIONS

Required

• Bachelor’s degree with 2–4 years of relevant experience in nonprofit or higher education settings
• Experience supporting complex events with minimal supervision
• Strong organizational skills with exceptional attention to detail
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including experience drafting reports, external communications, and professional correspondence
• Ability to work independently, solve problems creatively, and manage multiple priorities
• Experience supporting administrative systems
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and Google Workspace
• Experience coordinating with multiple stakeholders
• Familiarity with budget tracking

Preferred

• Experience with CRM systems and database management
• Demonstrated ability to manage timelines and workflows across multiple projects
• Background in public policy, government, technology and digital studies, or related fields
• Experience contributing to organizational communications, including posting on WordPress, social-media content, and/or email newsletters
• Strong copyediting skills and attention to detail in written materials

TERMS, SALARIES, AND BENEFITS

The annual salary is $53,000–$55,000. This position is grant-funded, and renewal is based on successful performance and funding availability. Comprehensive benefits include health, dental, vision, disability, life, and gym reimbursement; tax savings programs; generous vacation and sick leave; and more.

This position is based in New York City and requires in-person work three days a week.