About New_ Public

We’re a nonprofit R&D lab that’s reimagining social media. Join us in building digital public spaces that connect people, embrace pluralism, and build community. We are researchers, engineers, designers, and community leaders. We want more healthy, flourishing spaces on the internet. We have two main strategies to achieve this: helping local communities across America create more flourishing digital spaces and developing prototypes for digital conversation with public service media organizations. We work by partnering and co-designing with community stewards (moderators, administrators) and public institutions. We’re in this to serve, remove obstacles to power, and make life significantly better for all people, especially folks from underestimated communities. We think this work is essential for democracy. About the role

We are seeking a Grant Writer & Storyteller to join our team! In this role, you'll help New_ Public tell the story of our work to funders, partners, and the public. That means writing grant proposals with a narrative pull, building pitch materials that actually excite people, and crafting the op-eds and speeches that help our Co-directors show up with voice and presence. 

This isn't a behind-the-scenes support role. You'll be a strategic thought partner and cross-team collaborator — someone who understands our work deeply enough to shape how we talk about it, and has enough craft to make that communication land.

Familiarity with civic technology or the public interest tech ecosystem is a genuine plus here. You don't need to be an expert, but you should be curious, and you should be able to pick up the vocabulary and stakes quickly.  

Key responsibilities

• Write and edit grant proposals for a diverse set of funders, translating our work into compelling narratives that feel urgent and alive

• Draft grant reports that communicate impact in ways that strengthen funder relationships

• Work across teams to gather data, project outcomes, and context that make our narratives credible and compelling

• Develop pitch decks, one-pagers, project FAQs, and partner-facing materials that communicate our vision clearly and memorably

• Write or shape op-eds, essays, and thought leadership pieces for our Co-directors

• Draft speeches and talking points for public appearances, panels, and events

• Support the development of case studies and impact narratives for use across contexts

• Maintain strong working knowledge of New_ Public's programs, partnerships, and roadmap through regular team collaboration

• Possibly support broader communications campaigns that support fundraising

About you

• A strong, versatile writer — you move comfortably between grant proposals, op-eds, decks, and speeches 

• At least 3 years of writing or proposal development experience, ideally in the nonprofit or public interest sector

• Able to synthesize complex, interdisciplinary ideas — our work spans design, democracy, community, and technology

• Experience working with or for organizational leadership: you've written for someone else's voice before and know how to capture it

• Collaborative and communicative — you work well across teams

• Agile and responsive – ability to thrive in fast-paced environments 

• Organized and reliable — you hit deadlines, flag issues early, and bring a sense of ownership to the work

Bonus points if you…

• Have written about or for civic tech, digital rights, platform governance, or democracy and technology

• Have a proven track record of securing grants or winning proposals across a range of funder types

• Have experience writing executive communications — speeches, bylines, or op-eds for organizational leaders

• Bring a genuine point of view on what healthier digital spaces could look like

More information and next steps:

• Location: United States or Canada (fully remote)

• Rate: $50-60 USD per hour based on experience. Hours per month to be discussed and mutually agreed each month (expected range: ~20-80  hours per month). This is a part-time, contract position.

• Submission: Submit your resume, cover letter, and 2-3 writing samples using the “Submit Application” link on the right.

If you’re not sure that you’re a perfect fit for the role and don’t meet every single qualification, we still encourage you to apply! We’re primarily interested in meeting candidates who are excited about contributing to the future of healthy digital public spaces, eager to learn, and ready to contribute to a diverse and inclusive work environment. Candidates who are from communities underrepresented in tech are especially encouraged to apply.