Regulatory and Technology VISTA, Prometheus Radio Project

Posted by on May 03, 2010

Prometheus Hiring new Regulatory and Technology Vista!

Want to demystify media policy and help make more community radio?

The Prometheus Radio Project is looking for a Research and Technology VISTA to join Prometheus! The position is for one year starting August 2, 2010 in Philadelphia. All VISTAs must attend a mandatory Pre-Service Orientation beginning July 25, 2010. Applications are due May 2nd.

The Research and Technology VISTA will help gather information from community radio stations about their needs and to develop tools to help radio supporters participate in decisions made by the Federal Communications Commission. Our goal is to empower radio supporters and help participatory radio to flourish.

About Prometheus

The Prometheus Radio Project is a grassroots organization that builds participatory radio as a tool for social justice organizing and a voice for community expression.

* We work to demystify media policy and technology, helping community groups navigate the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) and the radio licensing process, and providing technical assistance to groups building radio stations.
* We advocate for a more just media system, promoting media that is democratic and accountable to its communities. We are tireless in our fight to make community radio stations and other appropriate technologies available to every neighborhood, every city, every town that needs them.
* We help grassroots organizations build communications infrastructure to strengthen their communities and movements. From farmworker groups fighting for their rights in Oregon to environmental groups protecting the Chesapeake Bay, we help community groups grow their own radio stations as tools for their vital social justice organizing.

Prometheus and allies helped create the low power FM community radio service  in 2000, and prevented further media consolidation in our court case against the FCC in 2004. We build and support community radio stations throughout the U.S. and tour the country to connect social justice movements to radio. Read more: http://prometheusradio.org.

About the Transmission Project

AmeriCorps VISTAs, or Digital Arts Service Corps members, are placed in organizations for one year by the Transmission Project. Read more: http://transmissionproject.org.

Responsibilities

The Research and Technology VISTA will work under the supervision of the Policy Director as a member of the regulatory team and a participating member of the Prometheus collective. The regulatory team evaluates the impact of federal regulations on the community radio sector, and we educate and inform on issues that allow participatory radio to grow. The VISTA will be responsible for two key projects to build our capacity in this area:

1. Developing a survey “snapshot” of the regulatory landscape for community radio in 2011. To create this snapshot, the VISTA will gather data to inform and support our work by surveying community radio stations about the legal and technical issues that effect their day-to-day operations. These issues include encroachment by commercial stations and translators, diversity reporting, HD radio, and more.

2. Creating systems to more effectively disseminate news and information to empower community radio stations to define and defend their needs at the FCC.

Job Qualifications
1.    Self-motivated
2.    Willing to learn about telecommunications regulations (in all their exciting detail)
3.    Quantitatively-minded person
4.    Computer skills a must, especially experience with spreadsheets and data sets
5.    Skilled at juggling numerous tasks
6.    A good communicator in writing and in group settings
7.    Committed to social justice

Desirable Candidates also have experience in:
1.    Radio or community media work
2.    Legal or technical writing
3.    Web design
4.    Database management (especially in Drupal and CiviCRM)
5.    Working in collectives or groups

Compensation
1.    $11,757/year living allowance, paid biweekly
2.    $5,350 Education Award (for college tuition or loan repayment) or $1,500 cash stipend paid at the successful completion of service
3.   Student loan deferment or forbearance on qualified loans
4.   Health care coverage (catastrophic coverage, prescription drug coverage, and childcare allowance)
5.   Relocation assistance (if moving more than 50 miles to serve)
6.    $600 in “start up funds” for rent deposit or other living expenses
7.    Food stamp eligibility
Total compensation, including benefits and food stamps, is valued at ~$22,500 for the year.

We encourage applications from members of communities marginalized from media ownership and access, including (but not limited to) people of color, women, transgender people, LGBT and queer identified people, people with disabilities, youth, seniors, and those for whom English is not a first language.

Eligibility/Restrictions

AmeriCorps VISTA members must be U.S. citizens, U.S. national, or lawful permanent residents and at least 18 years of age. You must be available to serve full-time for one year, August 2, 2010 – August 2, 2011 in our office in Philadelphia. VISTAs must also be available for the mandatory Pre-Service Orientation, beginning July 25, 2010. Due to VISTA requirements, you may not have secondary employment or full-time college during your year of service.

How to Apply

All applicants must create an account and apply through the Transmission Project. Make sure to check the Prometheus Radio Project as the organization to which you applying. If you do not see Prometheus listed under “Available Vista Positions,” check back shortly–the Transmission Project is still updating the site.

In addition, please send a brief writing sample directly to Prometheus at jobs@prometheusradio.org. If your personal statement for the Transmission Project does not specifically address the Prometheus position, also send us a separate cover letter addressing your qualifications and interest in this particular position and organization.

Applications are due May 2nd.  If you have any trouble meeting this deadline, please email jobs@prometheusradio.org.  We cannot guarantee late applications will be accepted.

If you have any questions about the position or the application process, please call Halimah Marcus, Development Associate at (215) 727-9620 x 510.