New research-advocacy program for media/communications policy announced... and job available! (see below for more details about the program) -------------------------------------- SOCIAL SCIENCE RESEARCH COUNCIL Job Opening: Program Coordinator Necessary Knowledge for a Democratic Public Sphere Program The Social Science Research Council (SSRC) is a non-profit, New York-based organization that brings research to bear on a wide range of issues of public concern, from disaster relief, to Internet governance, to electoral reform. The SSRC seeks a Program Coordinator to assist in running a new program entitled ‘Necessary Knowledge for a Democratic Public Sphere.’ The program is designed to strengthen connections between media research and media reform—especially between academic and advocacy communities, in the U.S. and around the world. Its broader purpose is to ensure that debates about media ownership, broadband access, digital broadcasting, community media and other crucial infrastructures of public life are shaped by high quality research and a rich understanding of the public interest. Please visit http://www.ssrc.org/programs/media for additional information regarding the program and the SSRC. The Program Coordinator will work directly with the Program Director to ensure the success of a range of projects to be launched in 2006, which include: Short-term ‘bounties’ for research relevant to the renewal of the omnibus Telecommunications Act. A ‘data consortium’ intended to improve access to commercial (and other) data sources used in media policymaking. International networking and capacity-building activities, structured around workshops, a travel pool, and a conference network. An online ‘Media Research Hub’ for coordinating and extending these activities to larger networks of participants. The position is ideally suited to someone with a strong interest in understanding and building collaborations between media research and advocacy. RESPONSIBILITIES: Plan and coordinate logistics for meetings and events. Write proposals and grant reports for current and potential donors. Coordinate publicity and outreach. Manage program inquiries and handle program correspondence. Assist in the development and management of the program’s online community site. Represent the program and conduct its activities where appropriate. REQUIREMENTS: Masters Degree and/or 3+ years of research-related advocacy/program management experience. Substantive expertise in an area of media, technology, or communications policy and/or advocacy. Ability to manage diverse tasks simultaneously with attention to detail. Ability to work independently and with members of a team. Excellent writing and oral communication skills. Skilled with budgets and office computer applications. ALSO VALUED: Experience and language skills in a major region outside the U.S. Experience with Internet-based communities, research, and/or website development. SALARY & BENEFITS: Annual salary will be commensurate with experience. Comprehensive benefits include health, dental, vision, disability, life, and gym reimbursement; professional development funds; outstanding pension plan and tax savings programs; generous vacation and sick leave; and more. To apply, please send cover letter, curriculum vitae and one writing sample before Jan 15, 2006 by one of the following methods: E-MAIL: [log in to unmask] MAIL: Human Resources Public Sphere Program Coordinator Search Social Science Research Council 810 Seventh Avenue, 31st Floor New York, NY 10019 The Social Science Research Council Is An Equal Opportunity Employer. ======== $750,000 Ford Foundation Grant Awarded to the Social Science Research Council to Strengthen Connections between Media Research and Media Reform. The Knowledge, Creativity, and Freedom program of the Ford Foundation has awarded $750,000 to a team led by the Social Science Research Council (SSRC) to build stronger connections between media research and media reform—in the U.S. and around the world. The new ‘Necessary Knowledge for a Democratic Public Sphere’ program will work to ensure that debates about media ownership, broadband access, digital broadcasting, community media and other crucial infrastructures of public life are shaped by high quality research and a rich understanding of the public interest. The program will support collaborations, networking and improved access to data among academics, activists and advocates. It will work to strengthen the capacities of all parties to act as knowledge producers and agents of change. In its first year, the program will launch: Short-term ‘bounties’ for research relevant to the renewal of the omnibus Telecommunications Act. A ‘data consortium’ intended to improve access to commercial (and other) data sources used in media policymaking. International networking and capacity-building activities, including workshops, a travel pool, and a conference network. An online ‘Media Research Hub’ for coordinating and extending these activities to larger networks of participants. Future projects include a grant competition designed to encourage collaborative research, skill transfer, and other beneficial exchanges between academic researchers and advocates. The ‘Necessary Knowledge for a Democratic Public Sphere’ program draws on a series of planning meetings between academic researchers and policy advocates, hosted by the SSRC and partner organizations in 2004-2005. Much of the resulting field mapping and analysis is available online at http://www.ssrc.org/programs/media/background . The SSRC is a non-profit international research organization devoted to bringing research to bear on vital public issues, ranging from emergencies and disaster relief to HIV/AIDS and human migration. The ‘Necessary Knowledge for a Democratic Public Sphere’ program joins a larger SSRC program area dedicated to understanding and fostering richer “Public Spheres,” in the U.S. and around the world (http://www.ssrc.org/program_areas/mdps/). The ‘Necessary Knowledge’ team includes the Center for International Media Action (CIMA) and the Donald McGannon Communication Research Center at Fordham University. Information on the program is available at http://www.ssrc.org/programs/media . All available funding opportunities will be announced on this page. For further details, please contact Joe Karaganis ([log in to unmask]).