First Amendment Specialist

Department: Digital Content
Reports to: Vice President/First Amendment Expert
Status: Full-time
FLSA: Exempt
Prepared: March 2025

Summary/Objective

Freedom Forum, a nonpartisan foundation that fosters First Amendment freedoms for all, seeks a First Amendment specialist to help accurately communicate the substance and importance of the First Amendment to a wide and diverse audience.

The First Amendment Specialist should possess the necessary skill set to write and speak about all five First Amendment freedoms – religion, speech, press, assembly and petition – across multiple platforms including print, video, radio, TV and social media, accurately communicating the substance and importance of the First Amendment to a wide and diverse audience. The First Amendment Specialist will also help ensure that Freedom Forum First Amendment content, experiences and events are accurate and advance the organization’s mission of fostering First Amendment Freedoms for all.

Responsibilities including, but not limited to:

  • Writing and editing First Amendment-related content for posting on the Freedom Forum website, in other publications and through social media platforms.
  • Identifying key First Amendment trends.
  • Delivering First Amendment-related content in a nonpartisan manner to a wide range of learners.
  • Assisting VP/First Amendment Expert in planning, innovating and executing new strategies and tactics to foster First Amendment freedoms and customizing messages to audience segments.
  • Participating in Freedom Forum programs and events, both during the planning process and during the program or event itself as appropriate.
  • Responding as appropriate to interview requests from media organizations for expert commentary on First Amendment-related issues and topics.
  • Representing the Freedom Forum as needed at First Amendment and journalism events to promote the organization and its content.
  • Assisting VP/First Amendment Expert in administering the Freedom Forum’s annual “Where America Stands” survey from start to finish, including contracting with necessary third parties, organizing the process of writing survey questions, and overseeing the administration of all deliverables.
  • Providing other substantive and administrative support (such as project management) to the VP/First Amendment Expert as necessary.

Qualifications

  • Minimum 7 years’ experience of First Amendment legal expertise, whether working for a nonprofit based on the First Amendment or the Constitution, as a lawyer, reporting on First Amendment issues as a journalist or as a scholar researching, writing and/or teaching about the First Amendment.
  • A passion to educate the public about the importance of the First Amendment.
  • Possessing a deep understanding of the First Amendment through legal, scholarly or journalism work is a key competency for this position.
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
  • Fluency in the Microsoft Office 365 suite.
  • Demonstrated ability to write quickly and accurately on deadline.
  • Ability to work collaboratively and collegially with internal and external partners.
  • Ability to manage small- and large-scale projects within budget and time constraints.
  • Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively across multiple media platforms including print, online, video, audio, social media, etc.
  • Ability to pay careful attention to accuracy and bias-free and nonpartisan content.
  • Ability to travel for leading classes and workshops.
  • Ability to work some weekends, holidays and evenings.

This job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of required position responsibilities. Duties and responsibilities may change.

Salary

The salary range for this position is $142,000 to $146,000 plus benefits.

Location:

  • If DC-based, up to 10% onsite.
  • Requires up to 10% overnight travel.

Application Process

Please send your resume, cover letter and references to [email protected].

Diversity and Inclusion Statement: Our Unique Differences Are Our Greatest Strength

Diversity is an integral part of the Freedom Forum’s history ̶ and it is vital to our future. Our founder, Al Neuharth, championed the hiring and promotion of women and minorities across the country as chair and CEO of Gannett. His legacy lives on at the Freedom Forum, where we are committed to creating an environment where everyone across race, gender, age, sexual orientation, sexual identity, religion, physical ability and life experience is respected, valued, encouraged and supported. Diversity fuels inclusion. Everyone offers a unique perspective; we welcome yours.

The Freedom Forum is committed to an ethical workplace, and our code of ethics reflects this commitment by promoting integrity, innovation, inclusivity, collaboration, accountability, respect and engagement. Competitive benefits include health, dental, vision and life insurance, as well as paid time off and a 401(k) Plan.

The Freedom Forum is an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veteran status, pregnancy, age, genetic information or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.