Deputy Director of Learning

Prison Journalism Project, which trains incarcerated writers to be journalists and publishes their stories, is looking for a Deputy Director of Learning. The ideal candidate will have experience as a professional journalist and journalism educator. They must show initiative, be a problem-solver, and enjoy working as part of an engaging and collaborative virtual team.

PJP’s Deputy Director of Learning works with the director of learning and PJP’s leadership to manage our foundational training program and help develop curriculum and assessment tools. As managing editor of PJP Inside, the position leads the production of a quarterly training publication that reflects PJP’s editorial and training priorities.

PJP is a fast-growing, independent, non-profit startup initiative that aims to develop a network of prison journalists. We believe that the deep reforms that are necessary to fix the U.S. criminal justice system can only happen through informed, public discourse about mass incarceration. Incarcerated people, who are talked about but are rarely heard from, must be a part of this conversation.

Applications will be reviewed beginning December 31st. The position is a three-month initial contract beginning in early 2025 for up to 20 hours per week at $30-35/hour, dependent on experience, with the possibility of a longer contract or a full-time position later in the year. We welcome applicants who are impacted by incarceration.

Responsibilities and Duties

• Foundational Training and Certificate Program:

  • Manage the certificate program, targeting at least a 50% continued participation rate with at least 25-30% of overall enrollment progressing steadily.

  • Manage the learning coaches

  • Participate in the editorial process by tasting story submissions.

  • Develop modules and handouts at multiple levels in alignment with PJP’s scope and sequence.

• PJP Inside:

  • Create an editorial calendar with the editorial team and produce PJP’s quarterly print publication, PJP Inside, following our editing and content approval processes and reflecting the goals and needs of the editorial and learning teams.

  • Report and write articles for PJP Inside, including Q&As and instructional articles.

• Keep up to date on best practices in journalism and journalism education.

• Collaborate with the rest of the PJP’s editorial and learning teams and other staff as necessary to help incorporate learning priorities into their work.

• Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications and Skills

• At least 5 years of experience as a professional journalist or newsroom editor (excluding student publishing experience).

• At least 3 years of experience teaching basic reporting and news/feature writing at high school or university level

• Prior experience as managing editor of a publication is desirable.

• Strong project management

• Can break down complex journalism stories into teachable elements.

• Ability to work collaboratively with multiple teams and incorporate their needs into a single product.

• Experience in prison education is a plus.

• Fluency in Google Docs

• Must be able to work within regular PJP hours (8 a.m. EST — 7 p.m. EST)

• Must have regular access to a computer and a stable internet connection

• Self-starter who takes ownership and initiative while also being a team player who is willing to give and receive constructive criticism.

• Must be based and qualified to work in the United States.

EEOC/Diversity Statement

PJP is an equal opportunity employer, committed to diversity. We foster an environment where people of all identities and backgrounds can thrive. We aim to staff our organization with kind, smart and ambitious people whose voices and experiences are representative of our society and the communities we serve, including currently and formerly incarcerated people, their families and friends, and those who work in and around the criminal legal system. We encourage all qualified applicants to apply.

Salary and Benefits

This is a part-time position that pays $30-35/hour, dependent on experience. Duties will likely consist of up to 20 hours a week on average. There are no benefits.