About WHYY

WHYY serves the Philadelphia region with trusted journalism, eye-opening storytelling and intimate local arts programming. Our curiosity and commitment to this community is what drives our programming. It’s also what drives our hiring.

Below you’ll find an employment opportunity in the fast-paced setting of the Philadelphia region’s leading public media provider. The award-winning professional staff of WHYY sets the bar high in television, radio and online. Whether it’s preparing a program to air or a behind-the-scenes role in support, all positions are vital to continuing—and growing—our impact in our community.

WHYY offers a voice to those not heard, a platform to share everyone’s stories, a foundation to empower early and lifelong learners and a trusted space for unbiased news. Learn more about our Social Responsibility Program. It’s how we live.

About the Role

The Community Convener is responsible for organizing diverse communities for the purpose of civic dialogue as part of efforts spearheaded by the WHYY News department. As a member of the community and engagement team within the news team, this work includes working in partnership with WHYY partners, such as the Free Library of Philadelphia and WHYY Media Labs. The Community Convener, which reports to the Senior Manager for Community and Engagement, will be responsible for booking panelists, curating community events and facilitating Community Conversations. The Community Convener will also help coordinate forums, summits and other experiences that enhance WHYY’s local relevancy and deepen our ties to our region.

This role requires prior community organizing experience, excellent time management and active listening skills, strong community ties, proven success as an event moderator/host, working knowledge of the Philadelphia region, a deep commitment to amplifying community voices and remarkable people skills. An ability to develop meaningful discussion topics in collaboration with the news department is required, such as cultivating issues that represent challenges, policies and positive outcomes that represent our audience’s everyday lives.

The position regularly collaborates with the VP for News and Civic Dialogue, members of the Community and Engagement Team, community members and other WHYY stakeholders. Our shared goal is to deepen the station’s community engagement from a civic news perspective. We are looking for someone who values being out in the community and who will champion community voices, especially those who are often absent in our news reports. The Community Convener is adept at identifying community solutions and champions. 

 MAJOR DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Lead Bridging Blocks sessions which consist of civil dialogue discussions in curated community locations

• Convene and facilitate Community Conversations among diverse households and populations throughout the Philadelphia region

• Form and maintain collaborative relationships with a range of partners, such as WHYY Media Lab instructors and students and other departments at WHYY, as well as external partners, including the Free Library of Philadelphia’s community engagement personnel and librarians 

• Identify and cultivate community voices and recruit them when appropriate for Community Conversations

• Build consensus and contribute to creating an environment of understanding as part of the community and engagement team work

• Contribute to the broader Community and Engagement Team work such as but not limited to the Grassroots Source Database and the news department’s civic news events

• Demonstrate active listening skills

• Work with members of the news team to develop topics for community discussions.

• Document and prepare summaries or recaps of the civic dialogue events, community experiences and engagement initiatives for this position

• Represent WHYY at partner events

• Attend assigned community and engagement events as a contributing member of the team’s work

• Collaborate with WHYY partners and stakeholders to facilitate new opportunities for WHYY News’ community work

• Working some nights and weekends to attend events at times when communities gather is required

• Other duties as assigned

Qualifications

Education: A bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience is preferred.

Experience: A minimum of one to three (1-3) years' experience in community organizing, public programming and facilitating youth development. Demonstrated success as a community event producer and/or facilitator. Prior experience working in public media is not necessary.

Technical Skills: Proficient in Microsoft Office and basic video and audio skill preferred but nothing required.

*All WHYY employees are required to receive the COVID-19 vaccination. Proof will be required upon hiring.