Program Manager

The Limelight Foundation promotes a robust and free information ecosystem in the digital age. We fund and support journalism and civil society organizations in Europe that focus on:

• producing and distributing high-quality independent information;
• providing the tools and infrastructure necessary to enable journalism and civil society organizations to fulfill their mission (e.g., legal support, tools for digital security, tools for building and analyzing large datasets);
• protecting and promoting democratic rights and principles in a digital context. For example: freedom of expression on the internet, as well as online privacy and safety.

Limelight Foundation is an independent, private philanthropic foundation. We are a young organization (founded in March 2021) led by a three-member board, and currently have two employees—the executive director and a program manager. To best support our (future) beneficiaries, we are looking for an additional program manager to join our team.

What will you be doing?

As a program manager, you will share responsibility for developing the Limelight Foundation’s grantmaking strategy and managing the foundation’s grant portfolio. You will work closely with the director and the other program manager to stay abreast of developments in the field, reach out to new organizations, and prepare grant proposals for the board. Your key tasks will include evaluating funding applications, monitoring existing partnerships, and maintaining up-to-date records of the grant portfolio. Last but not least, as a program manager, you will serve as the primary point of contact for Limelight Foundation’s current and future grantees.

Who are you?

• You have an academic background and approximately 5 years of work experience.
• You have a solid understanding of recent developments in media, technology, and democracy, and you are eager to learn more about these areas.
• You are an enthusiastic professional with strong interpersonal and communication skills. You are fluent in English.
• You enjoy strategic thinking (Where should the Limelight Foundation be heading? Which organizations align with our strategic priorities?), while also paying close attention to detail, accuracy, and completeness. You work in a systematic manner and follow up on the results of your work.
• You take the initiative without being asked and enjoy working as part of a small team.
• You enjoy helping to build a new organization where nothing is set in stone yet.

What do we have to offer you?

• A position for 32–40 hours per week.
• A one-year employment contract with the option to extend.
• A competitive salary, in line with industry standards.
• An office in Amsterdam and plenty of flexibility to work from home.
• The opportunity to help establish a new philanthropic fund.
• And, most importantly: the opportunity to make a positive contribution to a strong and free information ecosystem.

Want to apply for the job?

You can submit your job application by Friday, May 13, at the latest, to merel@limelight.foundation

Your application should include:

• Your resume (max. 2 pages);
• A cover letter that answers the following questions:
  • Why are you applying for the position of program manager at Limelight Foundation?
  • What three initiatives—in the Netherlands or in Europe—should the Limelight Foundation definitely support?
  • What makes you the best candidate for this job?

For more information, please send an email to: merel@limelight.foundation

Procedure

The first interview will take place during the week of May 30. The second round of interviews is scheduled for the week of June 13 and will also include a practical assignment. Around the time of the second interview, we will also contact two professional references who can confirm that you are a good fit for this position. Of course, we will not contact anyone without your permission.