Free Speech Forum Student Engagement Coordinator

This position is based in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, or Washington, D.C. FIRE operates on a hybrid work schedule, allowing eligible employees to work both in the office and remotely.

Please note that this role requires in-office work and is not eligible for fully remote arrangements. The position offers flexibility in start and end dates, with an expected duration of approximately eight months. Work hours may vary depending on project needs and deadlines.
 

About FIRE
The Foundation for Individual Rights and Expression’s mission is to defend and sustain the individual rights of all Americans to free speech and free thought — the most essential qualities of liberty. FIRE educates Americans about the importance of these inalienable rights, promotes a culture of respect for these rights, and provides the means to preserve them.


Position Summary
The Student Engagement Coordinator will oversee communication and logistics for the 2025 FIRE Free Speech Forum, a free, week-long summer program for college-bound high school students who are interested in free speech.

The Student Engagement Coordinator will ensure a smooth and supportive experience for attendees, managing all aspects of participant communication, organizing webinars, and handling application evaluations. The Student Engagement Coordinator will report to the Vice President of Student Development and work closely with the Free Speech Forum planning team, attendees, and their families. The duties for this position include, but are not limited to:

• Evaluating, accepting, and denying applications based on established criteria to ensure a fair and thorough selection process.
• Communicating with accepted students and their parents to provide essential information and support throughout the onboarding process.
• Organizing webinars for prospective attendees to provide program details and answer questions.
• Distributing scholarships and travel agency information to assist students in making travel arrangements.
• Managing participant forms, including permission slips, to ensure compliance and safety.
• Requesting travel information from participants to coordinate logistics effectively.
• Handling student communications by sending clear instructions for booking travel arrangements.
• Preparing and sending orientation emails that include instructions for arrival day and detailed information about the activities scheduled for the week.
• Providing daily program updates to keep parents informed about the schedule.
• Assigning roommates based on compatibility and preferences to enhance the camp experience.
• Coordinating transportation for students' arrival and departure, ensuring a smooth transition throughout the program.
• Booking speakers, implementing field trips, and booking transportation as needed. 
• Assisting in supervision of a team of camp counselors who in turn supervise up to 20 high school student participants. 
• Attending and assisting with the entirety of the Free Speech Forum, June 22-28, 2025, in Washington DC. 
• This position will be expected to perform certain miscellaneous support functions necessary for FIRE’s day-to-day operations and will frequently collaborate with other staff members and departments on general duties and specialized projects.

This position involves a minimal amount of travel. Occasional work on weekends and evenings should also be expected leading up to and during the Free Speech Forum.

Expected work schedule (subject to change): 

• Prep period (January - June 2025):
  • Up to 30 hours per week.
• Program period (June 22-28, 2025): 
  • 40 hours per week.
  • This is an intensive position that may require up to seven days of work per week, including evening and weekend hours.

Qualifications
A successful candidate will have a good work ethic, be a self-starter, and have the ability to manage communications with various different audiences. Most importantly, the candidate must demonstrate a knowledge and passion for FIRE’s mission and an ability to articulate that mission in a way that will make others enthusiastic about our cause.

A candidate must also be able to demonstrate:

• High level of organization, attention to detail, and flexibility.
• Exceptional writing and copy editing skills, with the ability to produce clear, concise, and well-organized content.
• The ability to craft clear and engaging emails that effectively communicate with diverse audiences.
• Keen attention to detail, time constraints, and deadlines.
• The ability to work efficiently and independently while managing multiple projects simultaneously.
• Experience with event coordination, preferably with high school or college students.
• Ability to work under pressure, meet deadlines, and adapt to changes in project scope or timing.
• Ability to think quickly and solve problems creatively in a fast-paced, dynamic environment.

Preferred but not required:

• Leadership, teaching, or mentoring experience in summer programs, camps, secondary education, and/or other academic or residential youth program settings.
• Previous experience working with parents or guardians in a professional or educational setting is a plus.
• Experience in supervising or mentoring others, including working with volunteer teams or camp counselors.

Compensation
Anticipated hourly rate: $20-$25 per hour.


Applications
Applicants should provide a resume, cover letter, and contact information for at least two professional references. All applications are confidential. Please address applications to Cait Scanlan, Chief People Officer.

Salary : $20 - $25