Program Operations Intern

Program Operations Intern
THE LENFEST INSTITUTE FOR JOURNALISM

Pay: $18/hour 
Hours: Flexible, up to full-time (20–35 hrs/week depending on availability)
Location: Hybrid (Philadelphia office + remote work)
Duration: Semester or co-op term (with potential extension)

Position Overview

Reporting to the Head of Advisory Programs, the Program Operations Intern will support the execution and documentation of a portfolio of initiatives within the Advisory Programs and Communities of Practice. The intern will assist with program coordination, administrative tasks, and follow-up communications, while also contributing to research, documentation, and occasional community engagement efforts.

This is an excellent opportunity for someone who is highly organized, detail-oriented, and eager to learn. The intern will gain meaningful experience in nonprofit program operations and exposure to national and local journalism leaders through trainings and convenings.

Specific Responsibilities

• Program coordination: Provide administrative support for Advisory Programs and Communities of Practice including record-keeping, data-entry, tracking deliverables, and assisting with contract drafting and payment form collection for guest speakers. Support program communications, including monitoring community email inboxes and flagging inquires, drafting emails for program participants and conducting follow up.
• Scheduling & Follow-Ups: Assist with scheduling meetings, setting up Zoom registration links and timely follow-ups with program participants, consultants, and partners.
• Research & Documentation: Contribute to background research, meeting notetaking, and documentation of program activities and learnings.
• Community Engagement: Support communications or engagement tasks as needed, including compiling information for newsletters, blog posts, or reports. Support Slack-based engagement and assist the Community Manager with onboarding new community members as needed. Assist with light event support and tracking RSVPs.
• Professional Development Exposure: Attend and observe monthly Communities of Practice trainings, leadership team meetings, and convenings with newsrooms, consultants, and external partners. 

Qualifications

The ideal candidate will demonstrate:

• Strong organizational and administrative skills, with attention to detail.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office and Google Suite (Docs, Sheets, Slides).
• Ability to juggle multiple tasks and follow through reliably.
• Clear written and verbal communication skills.
• Interest in journalism, nonprofit programs, or media sustainability (preferred, not required).
• Undergraduate or graduate student status preferred; candidates with relevant skills and interest are welcome to apply.

Employment Details

• This is a paid internship, offering $18/hour
• The position aligns with either your semester or co-op term based on academic calendars.
• Hybrid work arrangement: in-office on Wednesdays in Philadelphia; other days remote.
• Approximately 20–35 hours per week, flexible depending on candidate availability.
• Reports to Head of Advisory Programs, also supports Community/Program Manager

About The Lenfest Institute for Journalism

The Lenfest Institute for Journalism is a unique nonprofit organization whose sole mission is to build sustainable business models for local journalism. Guided by the belief that quality local news and information is essential to a healthy, just, vibrant democracy, the Institute supports training, convenings, and grantmaking that strengthen news organizations in Philadelphia and beyond.

The Lenfest Institute is an equal opportunity employer. We strongly encourage candidates from a wide range of backgrounds and experiences to apply so we can build a team that reflects the diversity of news organizations and journalism professionals we wish to serve. We view diversity as multi-dimensional and intersectional, encompassing race, ethnicity, gender identity, sexual orientation, religion, age, ability, class, geography, veteran status, lived experiences, and more. 

We know there are excellent candidates who might not have all the skills and experience that we have outlined. If that describes you, please apply and tell us about yourself.