Borealis Philanthropy Seeks Program Officer for the Racial Equity in Journalism Fund

Are you passionate about the power of journalism, media, and storytelling to drive social change?
Borealis Philanthropy is inviting applications for the position of Program Officer for its Racial Equity in Journalism (REJ) Fund, a collaborative initiative that supports BIPOC-led and BIPOC-serving media organizations working to strengthen information access, civic engagement, and community storytelling.

As Borealis enters its tenth year, it is deepening its commitment to resourcing social justice movements and building a sustainable infrastructure for equitable impact. The REJ Fund Program Officer will play a pivotal role in designing, managing, and implementing grantmaking strategies that advance media equity and inclusion across the United States.

About Borealis Philanthropy

Borealis Philanthropy is a social justice intermediary that bridges funders and grassroots organizers to resource transformative change. From Black-led movement building to queer and trans liberation to disability justice, Borealis partners with funders and communities to build a liberatory future rooted in equity and collective healing.

The organization’s work is guided by the values of Alchemy + Healing, Atrevida + Audacity, Accountability + Integrity, and Ubuntu + Interconnectedness.

About the Racial Equity in Journalism (REJ) Fund

Launched in 2019, the REJ Fund mobilizes financial, social, and intellectual capital to support journalism institutions led by and serving Black, Indigenous, Latine, Asian, and SWANA communities.

The Fund works to close resource and capital gaps faced by BIPOC-led media organizations by providing general operating and capacity-building support to strengthen sustainability, organizational development, and technological advancement.

Its ultimate vision: a future where everyone, regardless of race or background, has access to trustworthy information and can fully participate in democracy.

Role Overview: Program Officer, REJ Fund

As part of a collaborative team, the Program Officer will lead the design and implementation of programming, grantmaking, and partner engagement for the REJ Fund. This role involves managing grantee relationships, conducting field analysis, identifying new funding opportunities, and ensuring that programs align with Borealis Philanthropy’s mission and strategy.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead annual program planning, strategy development, and grantmaking processes.
• Identify, vet, and support new and existing grantee partners.
• Provide direct technical assistance and connections to additional resources for grantees.
• Analyze trends in journalism, technology, and philanthropy to inform funding strategies.
• Oversee the review of proposals, reports, and evaluations for funding decisions.
• Collaborate with donors, advisory committees, and Borealis leadership on portfolio management.
• Support communication, learning, and evaluation processes across the Fund.
• Supervise associates and consultants supporting REJ Fund operations.

Qualifications and Experience

• Minimum 5 years of experience in journalism, media, or related fields (editorial, operations, or entrepreneurship).
• Background working with community-based or BIPOC-serving media organizations.
• Knowledge of nonprofit structures and philanthropy; grantmaking experience preferred.
• Demonstrated project management and communication skills.
• Strong analytical, relational, and problem-solving abilities.
• Commitment to Borealis’s mission, vision, and values of equity, inclusion, and justice.
• Bachelor’s degree preferred; equivalent experience considered.
• Bilingual Spanish proficiency is an asset.

Why Join Borealis Philanthropy

This role offers the opportunity to work at the intersection of media, justice, and philanthropy, supporting grassroots storytellers and journalists who shape more equitable narratives for their communities.

Key benefits include:

• Fully remote work environment with flexible hours.
• Opportunities for professional growth in a values-driven organization.
• Collaboration with an inclusive, equity-centered team.
• Meaningful impact through funding justice-oriented media organizations.
• Commitment to Disability, Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

Borealis Philanthropy is an equal opportunity employer committed to building a diverse, equitable, and inclusive team. The organization strongly encourages applications from people of color, LGBTQ+ individuals, women, trans and gender-nonconforming people, people with disabilities, and formerly incarcerated individuals.

Reasonable accommodations will be provided to applicants and employees with disabilities during the recruitment process and employment period.

How to Apply

Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis, so interested candidates are encouraged to apply early.

Apply here: Application

For more information: Borealis Philanthropy

For more opportunities: Opportunities for Youth

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