At a Glance
- Tasks: Evaluate and manage grants for impactful AI journalism projects.
- Company: Join a pioneering organisation dedicated to enhancing journalism through AI.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, remote work options, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Dynamic team environment with potential for career advancement.
- Why this job: Shape the future of journalism while working with leading media outlets globally.
- Qualifications: Experience in journalism or AI governance, strong analytical skills, and persuasive writing.
The predicted salary is between 135000 - 171000 £ per year.
Remote London, San Francisco, New York or Washington DC, United States or United Kingdom
$135,000 - $171,000 / year
Job Type: Full-time
Experience Level: Mid-level
Deadline to apply: November 15, 2026
We’re hiring a Program Officer for Institutional Grants, the program that funds outlets directly to build lasting AI reporting capacity. We launched it in 2026, and it is on track to become Tarbell’s largest program. Our vision is that it enables every major newsroom globally to have an expert AI team.
Responsibilities:
- Evaluate funding opportunities. For each prospective grant you’ll assess the team’s track record and capacity to deliver, interrogate the budget and staffing plan, and form a view on the counterfactual: would this journalism happen anyway, and at this quality? You’ll recommend a funding level and grant type, not just a yes or no, and make the strongest case against your own recommendation.
- Active grantmaking. You’ll identify the most important AI journalism projects that need to exist, and make them happen. That means mapping where coverage falls short against our priority areas, scoping projects, and sourcing them through a mix of open calls, targeted calls on a single priority area, invited proposals from select outlets, and direct outreach to editors and founders.
- Manage live grants. You’ll own relationships with grantees after a grant is made: check-ins, problem-solving when a project slips, and an honest assessment at renewal.
- Shape the program. You’ll help design how we evaluate grants of very different sizes, including a faster process for small and time-sensitive grants, and contribute to regular reviews of our priority areas, proposing what we should add, change or drop. You’ll work closely with the Program Specialist, Reporting Grants who will lead on awarding funding for specific stories so the two programs complement each other.
- Grow the team. As the team grows, you’ll begin managing a Program Associate. “Hire the best, then invest” is a core operating value at Tarbell, and there is a route from this role to lead the entire Institutional Grants program for strong performers.
- Help build Tarbell. As a small team, we all step in where we’re needed. You’ll occasionally take on work outside this description, and we’ll make sure it helps you grow.
Skillset:
- Have substantial experience in journalism, or in AI safety and governance, and are keen to build depth in the other.
- Have a track record of making consequential calls on incomplete evidence, and can tell a case that is well argued from one that is merely well presented.
- Know what separates impactful journalism from journalism that merely looks good, and can explain why.
- Can hold your own with executive editors, media founders and newsroom leaders discussing six- and seven-figure commitments.
- Write funding recommendations that are concise, honest about uncertainty, and persuasive without overselling.
- Care about supporting journalism that helps society navigate the development and deployment of advanced AI.
Program Officer, Institutional Grants in London employer: DATA+
At Amazon, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer, particularly for the EMEA Data Specialist Leader role. Our inclusive culture fosters innovation and collaboration, empowering employees to drive impactful results in a fast-paced environment. With ample opportunities for professional growth and development, alongside a commitment to diversity and employee well-being, Amazon is the ideal place for those looking to make a meaningful impact in the data domain across Europe.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Program Officer, Institutional Grants in London
✨Get Involved Locally
Dive into local volunteer opportunities or social initiatives. This not only beefs up your CV but also connects you with like-minded folks in nonprofits. Plus, it shows your passion for social impact, which is key for getting noticed by DATA+.
✨Tap into Professional Networks
Join networks like the National Council for Voluntary Organisations (NCVO) or local charities to meet professionals in the sector. Attend events and workshops to build relationships and learn about potential openings at organisations like DATA+.
✨Showcase Your Commitment
When prepping for interviews, be ready to speak about your personal connection to social issues. Dive into specific examples of how you’ve contributed to community projects – this will resonate with the mission-driven vibe at DATA+.
✨Utilise Online Platforms
We’re all about making connections, so use platforms like Idealist and CharityJob to hunt for full-time roles. And of course, you should keep an eye on our website for exciting opportunities at DATA+. Apply directly through us to stand out!
We think you need these skills to ace Program Officer, Institutional Grants in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for the Cause:In the nonprofit sector, it's super important to demonstrate genuine passion for the mission of DATA+. Use your cover letter to showcase any personal experiences or volunteer work that connects you to their social impact initiatives. This emotional connection can really help your application stand out.
Highlight Relevant Experience:When crafting your CV, be sure to include any relevant projects or roles that showcase your skills in social impact. Whether it's community organising, fundraising, or advocacy, highlight what you've done and the difference it's made. Don’t just list tasks; quantify your achievements and the outcomes of your efforts.
Tailor Your Documents to the Role:For a full-time role like Program Officer, Institutional Grants, ensure your CV and cover letter specifically address the responsibilities outlined in the job description. Use their language to describe your skills and experience, making it easy for the hiring team to see how you fit into their vision.
Emphasise Teamwork and Collaboration:Nonprofits thrive on teamwork, so make sure to emphasise your collaborative experiences. Whether you've worked in a team setting, partnered with community organisations, or facilitated group projects, highlight these experiences in your application. Show them you understand the importance of working alongside diverse individuals to achieve shared goals.
How to prepare for a job interview at DATA+
✨Show Your Passion for Social Change
When we’re prepping for interviews in the nonprofit space, it's vital to demonstrate our genuine passion for social impact. Be ready to discuss not just your skills and experiences but also why you care about the mission of DATA+. Sharing personal stories or insights can really make us stand out.
✨Highlight Project Experience
We should focus on specific projects we've worked on that align with the goals of social impact. Whether that’s a community initiative, volunteering, or a class project, having solid examples that showcase our role and the outcomes will resonate well with the interviewers.
✨Familiarity with Relevant Tools and Practices
Let’s brush up on tools and methodologies commonly used in the nonprofit sector, like project management software or outcome measurement frameworks. Being able to speak fluently about these will show that we’re not just passionate but also knowledgeable and ready to hit the ground running.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect scenario-based questions that evaluate our problem-solving skills in real-world social issues. Think about how we’d handle challenges in the nonprofit environment and prepare stories that demonstrate our critical thinking and adaptability. Role-playing with a friend could help us feel more confident!
