Program Officer, AI Journalism Grants (Remote)

datadotorg; San Francisco (CA); Remote; USD 135,000 - 171,000; Full time

Job summary

Tarbell is hiring a Program Officer for Institutional Grants, the program funding outlets to build lasting AI reporting capacity. Launched in 2026, it is on track to become Tarbell’s largest program, aiming to enable major newsrooms globally to have expert AI teams.

You will evaluate funding opportunities, actively grantmake, manage live grants, shape the program, grow the team, and help build Tarbell as the organization scales.

Responsibilities

• Evaluate funding opportunities, assess track record and budget, and decide funding level with a strong case against your own recommendation.
• Identify important AI journalism projects, map coverage gaps against priorities, scope grants, and source them through calls or outreach.
• Own relationships with grantees after a grant is made: check-ins, problem-solving when a project slips, and renewal assessment.
• Design how we evaluate grants of different sizes and contribute to regular reviews of priorities, collaborating with related programs.
• As the team grows, you’ll begin coordinating a Program Associate and contribute to leadership of the Institutional Grants program.
• Occasionally take on work outside the description to help Tarbell grow and fulfill its mission.

Job description

Tarbell is hiring a Program Officer for Institutional Grants, the program funding outlets to build lasting AI reporting capacity. Launched in 2026, it is on track to become Tarbell’s largest program, aiming to enable major newsrooms globally to have expert AI teams.

You will evaluate funding opportunities, actively grantmake, manage live grants, shape the program, grow the team, and help build Tarbell as the organization scales.