The arrests of journalists Georgia Fort and Don Lemon for reporting on a protest set a dangerous precedent for press freedom. Bearing witness is not a crime. Reporting at moments of civic tension — especially where government power and community response intersect — is core to journalism’s role in a democracy, and the First Amendment exists to protect precisely this work.

Through our Fault Lines® framework, we know the risk is not evenly shared. Journalists working at the intersections of race, immigration, power, and community — often independent or community-based reporters — are the first to feel the chilling effect when newsgathering is criminalized.

If they are pushed out, the voices and communities journalism has worked to include are pushed out too. We stand with the National Association of Black Journalists and the wider journalism community in condemning these arrests and calling for the protection of journalists’ constitutionally protected rights.

Now hiring:
Program Manager, Propel Initiative & Maynard Programs

The Maynard Institute is seeking a program manager to support its major program initiatives.

The program manager will support the director of the Propel Initiative, a two-year effort, in partnership with UC Berkeley Journalism, to strengthen local news in California. Each year, Propel will offer four training programs, in various parts of the state, for journalists and media leaders. Topics will include executive leadership, mid-level management, storytelling and reporting, and entrepreneurship.

In addition, the Maynard Institute leads several ongoing programs:

• Newsroom Transformation Program – helping news organizations build genuine cultures of belonging.
• Regional Training Workshops – four in-person Propel workshops in California and one in-person workshop out-of-state.
• Communities of Practice – a virtual peer-learning and mentorship network for alumni, with skills-based training and expert coaching.
• Policy Coalition – advancing policies that support diverse publishers and journalists.

The program manager will support the Maynard leadership and staff  in coordinating these efforts, with a focus on logistics, participant support, and smooth day-to-day operations.

Responsibilities

• Coordinate logistics for four Propel trainings each year plus Maynard workshops, Communities of Practice sessions, and transformation program activities.
• Arrange travel, lodging, and stipends for participants, instructors, and speakers.
• Support on-site and virtual operations: registration, setup, scheduling, troubleshooting, and participant needs.
• Communicate with instructors and speakers; manage honorariums, reimbursements, and materials.
• Help coordinate meetings and activities of the Maynard-led policy coalition.
• Maintain program records, track expenses, and support preparation of reports for funders and partners.
• Provide timely, high-quality support to fellows, alumni, and program participants.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience.
• 2–4 years in program coordination, event planning, or nonprofit/educational support.
• Strong organizational, communication, and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to travel (California and U.S.) and work some evenings/weekends for events.
• Familiarity with established project management methodologies (e.g., Agile, Waterfall, or hybrid approaches).
• Project management certification (such as PMP, CAPM, or equivalent) strongly preferred.

Salary and Benefits

• Salary range: $70,000 to $80,000.
• Two weeks vacation, most federal holidays off and paid time during the institute’s annual winter-time office closure.
• Medical, dental and vision coverage.

Preferred:

• California-based
• Experience supporting training programs, fellowships, or large events.
• Familiarity with journalism, media, or nonprofit organizations.
• Knowledge of California’s local news landscape.