The Free Software Foundation (FSF), a Massachusetts 501c(3) charity with a worldwide mission to protect computer user freedom, seeks a motivated and talented Boston-based individual to be our full-time program manager.

Reporting to the executive director, the program manager co-leads our campaigns team. This position develops and promotes longer-term resources and advocacy programs related to increasing the use of free software and expanding and advancing the free software movement. The program manager plays a key role in external communications, fundraising, member engagement, and special events.

Examples of job responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

• Lead the planning and successful implementation of most events, such as our annual LibrePlanet conference;

• Develop and maintain longer-term free software resources, such as the High Priority Projects list;

• Coordinate two annual fundraising appeals, including goal-setting, strategy, and working with outside contractors;

• Implement the FSF’s communications and messaging strategy, including serving as a primary point of contact with press and the external public;

• Write and edit for FSF blogs, external periodical publications, and both digital and print resources;

• Assist with planning and execution of issue campaigns, working in concert with the campaigns manager;

• Occasional conference travel and speaking as an FSF representative.

Ideal candidates have at least three to five years of work experience with project management, fundraising, events management, and nonprofit program management. Proficiency, experience, and comfort with professional writing and media relationships preferred. Because the FSF works globally and seeks to have our materials distributed in as many languages as possible, multilingual candidates will have an advantage. With our small staff, each person makes a clear contribution. We work hard, but offer a humane and fun work environment at an office located in the heart of downtown Boston, with support for some remote working as well. The FSF is a mature but growing organization that provides great potential for advancement; existing staff get the first chance at any new job openings.

Benefits and Salary

This job is a union position that must be worked on-site at the FSF’s downtown Boston office. The salary is fixed at $68,494/year and is non-negotiable. Other benefits include:

• Fully subsidized individual or family health coverage through Blue Cross Blue Shield;

• Partially subsidized dental plan;

• Four weeks of paid vacation annually;

• Seventeen paid holidays annually;

• Weekly remote work allowance (expanded during the pandemic);

• Public transit commuting cost reimbursement;

• 403(b) program with employer match;

• Yearly cost-of-living pay increases based on government guidelines;

• Health care expense reimbursement;

• Ergonomic budget;

• Relocation (to Boston area) expense reimbursement;

• Conference travel and professional development opportunities; and

• Potential for an annual collective performance bonus.

Application Instructions

Applications must be submitted via email to hiring@fsf.org. The email must contain the subject line “Program Manager.” A complete application should include:

• Cover letter

• Resume

• Two recent writing samples

All materials must be in a free format. Email submissions that do not follow these instructions will probably be overlooked. No phone calls, please.

Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled. To guarantee consideration, submit your application by Sunday, April 10, 2022.

The FSF is an equal opportunity employer and will not discriminate against any employee or application for employment on the basis of race, color, marital status, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, handicap, or any other legally protected status recognized by federal, state or local law. We value diversity in our workplace.

About the Free Software Foundation

The Free Software Foundation, founded in 1985, is dedicated to promoting computer users’ right to use, study, copy, modify, and redistribute computer programs. The FSF promotes the development and use of free (as in freedom) software — particularly the GNU operating system and its GNU/Linux variants — and free documentation for free software. The FSF also helps to spread awareness of the ethical and political issues of freedom in the use of software, and its Web sites, located at fsf.org and gnu.org, are an important source of information about GNU/Linux. Donations to support the FSF’s work can be made at donate.fsf.org. We are based in Boston, MA, USA.

More information about the FSF, as well as important information for journalists and publishers, is at fsf.org/press.