Sojourners Fellowship Program (6 postions)

The Sojourners Fellowship Program is a leadership and professional development program dedicated to Christian discipleship, community, and vocation. Participants live in an intentional, Christian community and work alongside a departmental team at the Sojourners office in the Capitol Hill neighborhood of Washington, D.C. Throughout the program's 40-year history, its alumni have made a lasting impact on the social justice movement in the church, the United States, and around the world.

Up to six participants are selected into the program each year. People from all life stages and career paths are welcome. The program is designed to be a holistic experience focused on the following:

  • Life and Faith: Fellows live together in Washington, D.C. and experience life as an intentional Christian community: sharing meals, a common budget, weekly house meetings, and prayer.
  • Prayer and Discipleship: Fellows participate in weekly faith and justice seminars during work hours, monthly chapel services with colleagues, and three community retreats.
  • Work and Vocation: Calling and vocation is a central part of the Christian life. Fellows work full-time in the ministry of Sojourners. Each participant is placed in an entry-level position in one of our departments and is paired with a mentor. Part of the vocational discernment process involves calling. Fellows will wrestle with God’s calling upon their lives during this year.

Compensation: Sojourners provides all housing, meal, local commuting, and health insurance expenses. Each fellow receives a $700 monthly stipend (after tax), as well as $1,500 upon successful completion of the program.

Application Qualifications: The program is open to anyone 21 years or older who has work permission in the United States and a Social Security number. Married couples without dependents are welcome, but both individuals must apply and be accepted into the program. We are an equal opportunity employer committed to diversity. Fellows must commit to serve the entire program year: August 14, 2023 – August 2, 2024. Before applying, please read more about the program and Sojourners’ mission by visiting our FAQ page at sojo.net/fellows/faq. Please understand the commitment needed before applying.

To apply, please complete the online application available at sojo.net/fellowship/application. The deadline to apply is Monday, April 17, 2023. The online application includes several short answer questions, a resume, a writing sample (prompt provided), and three references. If you have any questions, please email volunteer@sojo.net.

Thank you for your interest in the Sojourners Fellowship Program! 

Reporter, Faith and Early Childhood (Contracted, Part-time)

Department: Online Editorial
Supervisor: Associate News Editor, sojo.net

Sojourners seeks an energetic contract reporter to break and cover news related to faith, justice, and early childhood development that is relevant to Sojourners’ editorial mission, including topics like reproductive rights; progressive Christian parenting; evidence-based approaches to what infants and toddlers need from churches; and how faith communities are engaging with policies that impact a child’s wellbeing, such as health care coverage, paid family leave, immigration policies, SNAP benefits, or the child tax credit. The ideal candidate will have experience in news reporting; an inclusive understanding of different Christian traditions in the United States; and experience covering education, health care, community, or similar beats. While the Sojourners audience is primarily Christian, we also value deep understanding of other faith traditions and interfaith work. 

We are seeking someone to work 20 hours a week, with some flexibility, at $30/hour plus a regular health care stipend. This contract is for one year, with the possibility of renewal for up to three years. It is a fully remote position with flexible hours, though the reporter will have the option to work in our Washington, D.C., office if desired. This position will report to the associate news editor of sojo.net and work in close collaboration with the online editor and editorial team.

The position is funded by a grant from the Conrad N. Hilton Foundation. Sojourners editorial team retains full authority over all editorial content.


Responsibilities:

  • Report at least one news story per week as pitched or assigned for sojo.net, plus two features per year for Sojourners magazine
  • Balance writing quick-turnaround stories on breaking news related to faith and social justice with long-term, researched news pieces
  • Monitor developments in religion, social justice, politics, culture, and areas that intersect with key issues in early childhood development to supply a steady stream of relevant story ideas for both the online publication and print magazine
  • Pitch approximately two stories per week in regular virtual 1:1 with associate news editor

Qualifications: 

  • Experience writing accurately on deadline
  • Quality writing and reporting clips, preference for stories focused on religion, education/community, and justice
  • Ability to move quickly and juggle multiple assignments at once
  • Knowledge of AP style
  • Ability to practice appropriate self-care when dealing with trauma in the news 
Sojourners is committed to articulating the biblical call to racial and social justice, life and peace, and environmental stewardship. We strive to achieve the highest quality of journalism, social analysis, and spiritual writing, which involves attracting talented people from diverse traditions, backgrounds, and cultures. Our work has earned awards from the Associated Church Press, Evangelical Press Association, and the Religion News Association, and has been cited by The New York Times, Los Angeles Times, and other national publications.


To apply: Please send a brief summary of your experience, resume, and clips to news@sojo.net with the subject line: “[Your Name] / Hilton Reporter Application”

Assistant Editor

Department: Editorial
Supervisor: Editor, Sojourners magazine

Sojourners has an immediate opening for an assistant editor to work collaboratively and creatively with our editorial staff to produce Sojourners magazine, a monthly publication on Christian social justice. They would participate in the planning, editing, and production of the magazine, assist with research and assessing queries, and have some opportunities for writing and reporting. The right candidate will have excellent editing skills, a heart for Christian faith and justice, a desire to help tell important stories, and an understanding of the diverse religious landscape in America. This position would be based in Sojourners’ Washington, D.C. office.

Responsibilities:

  • Manage the editorial process of some feature articles
  • Edit and proofread magazine copy as assigned
  • Assist with proofing of digital magazine content
  • Assist with various small departments of the magazine
  • Write occasional reviews, commentaries, and features for Sojourners and sojo.net
  • Assist with managing article queries and submissions
  • Read and comment on article drafts and contribute to Slack and email brainstorms/feedback
  • Participate in planning of magazine by attending weekly staff meetings and semi-annual retreats
  • Assist with cross-platform projects with sojo.net and fulfilling of grant-funded project work and tracking
  • Help coordinate and supervise any volunteers or short-term interns
  • Other responsibilities and duties as assigned

Qualifications:

  • At least two to four years of editorial experience, including copywriting, editing, and proofreading; proficiency with AP Style; work in magazine format and/or nonprofit journalism a plus
  • Excellent writing, editing, and verbal communications skills; copyediting experience
  • Awareness of issues affecting underrepresented communities a plus, as are theology or religion-related training and/or experience (some examples include a background in pastoral work or faith-based activism, religion journalism, or academic study in theology or religion)
  • Ability to work independently as well as creatively with the editorial staff
  • Experience in cross-platform content creation preferred
  • Strong organizational skills for managing several projects and deadlines at once
  • Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite; web content management skills a plus
  • Desire to work in a Christian workplace that strives to continually deepen its commitments to social justice
  • Understanding of Sojourners' place in the religious media landscape.

To Apply:

Please send a cover letter, resume, and three professional reference contacts to jobs@sojo.net or Assistant Editor search, Sojourners, 408 C St. NE, Washington, DC 20002. Applications will be accepted until the position is filled. This position will be based in the Washington, D.C. office with minimum in-office days required. Sojourners is an equal opportunity employer that continually seeks to diversify its staff and create an inclusive and equitable culture. People of color are highly encouraged to apply. Starting annual salary for this position is $47,500 to $55,000, based on experience. Excellent benefits package includes fully paid health insurance, 20 days paid vacation, 12 days paid sick/personal leave, 12 paid holidays, 401(k) plan with employer match, and a positive, faith-based work environment.

Immigration Narrative and Power-Building Organizer

Department: Mobilizing
Supervisor: Director of Mobilizing

Sojourners is seeking an Immigration Narrative and Power-Building Organizer to lead a robust campaign that honors the God-given dignity of every person, protects family unity, and promotes thriving communities.

The Immigration Narrative and Power-Building Organizer is part of the SojoAction team. They will equip and mobilize church and lay leaders to accompany immigrant communities and advocate for just immigration policies. They also work to increase and support immigrant people’s leadership in the church.

The Immigration Narrative and Power-Building Organizer will work 80% of the time in immigration issues and 20% in other intersectional areas including: racial justice, health equity, maternal health, and climate, economic, and gender justice.

Responsibilities:

  • Research and create immigration messaging frameworks that move people of faith to actively engage in immigrant justice, honor the experience of BIPOC immigrant people, and help make immigration a voting priority for people of faith.
  • Help identify, track, cultivate, and strengthen Sojourners’ external relationships with immigration leads, partners, and coalitions across the progressive faith landscape through conference calls, meetings, event planning, and projects.
  • Research policy issues, track media and legislation, and lead internal campaign strategy in collaboration with the SojoAction Team and Sojourners Political Director.
  • Build capacity for supporters in the Faith-Rooted Advocate Network (FRAN) to engage in advocacy through quarterly trainings, book clubs, training webinars, coaching calls, general action opportunities, and more.
  • Compile and distribute asylum resources for faith communities seeking to begin accompanying asylum seekers.
  • Identify strategic opportunities for Sojourners/SojoAction supporters to advocate for just immigration policies.
  • Draft strong policy and program updates, email campaigns, and action pages to mobilize Sojourners/SojoAction constituents.
  • Draft social media content related to immigration campaign.
  • Develop programming and organize logistics for campaign issue-related forums, strategy sessions, speaking engagements, actions, congressional meetings, conferences, etc.
  • Support the planning and execution of mobilizing actions and/or events, including congressional meetings, rallies, marches, and/or conferences.
  • Lead rapid response efforts with media, mobilization, and communications staff.
  • Supervise Mobilizing Fellow.
  • Collaborate with Sojourners’ Advancement Team. Propose and give feedback in setting grant objectives and reporting deliverables. Track relevant activities for deliverables.
  • Perform other duties as assigned.

Qualifications:

  • Three to five years of relevant experience working in U.S. immigration justice movements.
  • Bilingual (English/Spanish) preferred.
  • Experience in church and people of faith organizing around immigration.
  • Understanding of organizing principles and ability to train others in them.
  • Knowledge of advocacy in the U.S. political system and ability to train others in it.
  • Strong project management skills.
  • Communications or narrative work experience.

To Apply:

Please send a cover letter, resume, and three professional reference contacts to jobs@sojo.net or Immigration Narrative and Power-Building Organizer search, Sojourners, 408 C St. NE, Washington, DC 20002. Applications will be accepted until the position is filled. This position will be based in the Washington, D.C. office with minimum in-office days required.

Sojourners is an equal opportunity employer that continually seeks to diversify its staff and create an inclusive and equitable culture. People of color are highly encouraged to apply.

Starting annual salary for this position is $50,000 to $65,000, based on experience. Excellent benefits package includes fully paid health insurance, 20 days paid vacation, 12 days paid sick leave, 12 paid holidays, 401(k) plan with employer match, and a positive, faith-based work environment.

Digital Organizer - Early Childhood Development

Department: Mobilizing
Supervisor: Director of Mobilizing

Optimal development is every child’s right! Black and brown children’s potential is often and disproportionately sabotaged by systemic racism, harmful policies, discrimination, and violence. Sojourners is embarking on an exciting opportunity to build early-childhood development champions by partnering with churches and lay leaders to protect and promote the health of children and primary caregivers in key stages of life.

We are seeking a Digital Organizer to create a robust online engagement strategy that builds power around early childhood development priorities. The Digital Organizer will be part of the SojoAction team and will use social media and tech tools to drive transformative digital organizing campaigns. The Digital Organizer will channel the power of the collective to build Sojourners’ base of supporters, developing leaders, and helping people share their stories and demand action from elected officials and stakeholders.

The ideal candidate will have an organizer’s mindset and strong technical skills. They will know how to use and train others to use social media, texting, multimedia, databases, and spreadsheets to bring in new supporters and lead people up a ladder of engagement. The digital organizer works closely with Sojourners Political Director, Church Network Coordinator, and Director of Mobilizing.

This is a three-year position tied to existing grant funding, which could be extended contingent upon future funding.

Responsibilities:

  • Build Sojourners base of supporters through digital advertising, organic social media, texting, and other digital tools for a new early childhood development campaign.
  • Reach out to potential supporters, move them up a ladder of engagement, and deepen their commitment and capacity for leadership within the early childhood development movement.
  • Provide early childhood development updates and mobilization opportunities to our constituents through our Faith-Rooted Advocate Network (FRAN) quarterly trainings, newsletter, brown bag lunches, and general action opportunities.
  • Draft compelling advocacy emails, texting campaigns, and social media content for a new early childhood development campaign.
  • Craft engaging social media posts, cultivate community online (through WhatsApp or Facebook groups), and explore how new social media platforms and features (FB messenger, Instagram, etc.) can be used for organizing.
  • Create compelling graphics and videos for social posts, online ads, email blasts, etc.
  • Manage data and tracking systems in collaboration with the Digital Community Manager.
  • Collaborate with SojoAction Team members to help supporters share their stories through videos, images, writing, press interviews, storytelling trainings, etc.
  • Perform other duties as assigned.

Qualifications:

  • Two to four years of organizing/digital organizing experience.
  • Understanding of fundamentals of organizing, the difference between organizing and mobilization, and a desire to help people step into leadership and drive change around early childhood development.
  • Basic knowledge of or willingness to learn Engaging Networks software, Canva, Capitol Canary, etc.
  • Strong organization and tracking skills with attention to detail and deadlines.
  • Strong relationship-building and interpersonal communication skills.
  • Knowledge about early childhood development preferred.

To Apply:

Please send a cover letter, resume, and three professional reference contacts to jobs@sojo.net or Digital Organizer – Early Childhood Development search, Sojourners, 408 C St. NE, Washington, DC 20002. Applications will be accepted until the position is filled. This position will be based in the Washington, D.C., office with minimum in-office days required.

Sojourners is an equal opportunity employer that continually seeks to diversify its staff and create an inclusive and equitable culture. People of color are highly encouraged to apply.

Starting annual salary for this position is $50,000 to $60,000, based on experience. Excellent benefits package includes fully paid health insurance, 20 days paid vacation, 12 days paid sick leave, 12 paid holidays, 401(k) plan with employer match, and a positive, faith-based work environment.

Digital Community Manager

Department: Mobilizing
Supervisor: Director of Mobilizing

Our faith compels us to build a just future where everyone can thrive, and no one is afraid. SojoAction builds hope and creates change together with those who believe a more just world is possible.

Sojourners is in the process of strengthening a network of faith-rooted advocates equipped for both online and offline action and engagement through its mobilizing arm, SojoAction. The Digital Community Manager develops and executes a digital advocacy and mobilizing program in support of our mission, strategic advocacy, and movement-building goals. The Digital Community Manager is a fast-paced, self-driven position requiring advanced proficiency in digital technology and strong interpersonal skills, including knowledge of movement and community building strategies and a commitment to agility and innovation.

Responsibilities:

  • Help identify, track, cultivate, and strengthen Sojourners’ external relationships with digital leads across the progressive faith landscape.
  • Identify opportunities for collaboration and/or engagement between Sojourners and the organization’s partners, including pitching content for social media, messaging strategy, action alerts, and more.
  • Gather social media toolkits, messaging guides, and other materials and implement distribution through Sojourners/SojoAction email lists and social media channels.
  • Increase, manage, and cultivate a robust online community of 50,000+ supporters.
  • Design and implement strategy to grow Sojourners/SojoAction base of online supporters that are interested in our social justice and mobilizing work through digital advertising, organic social media, texting, influencer campaigns, and other digital tools.
  • Collaborate with Messaging Team and SojoAction/Mobilizing Team in developing digital strategies for campaigns.
  • Draft strong email campaigns and action pages that will help mobilize potential supporters and allies who will join us at the intersection of faith and justice work.
  • Assist in the execution of rapid response digital work.
  • Craft engaging digital toolkits for campaigns and programs and explore how new social media platforms and features can be used for organizing.
  • Stay up to date on the latest trends and best practices for digital content distribution.
  • Manage content and design of SojoAction website pages.
  • Track and report on metrics and progress.
  • Perform other duties as assigned.

Qualifications:

  • Three to five years of relevant or applied experience.
  • Powerful storytelling skills.
  • Basic understanding of organizing principles.
  • Strong project management skills.
  • Experience managing advocacy software (Capito Canary and Engaging Networks preferred), customer relationship management software, texting tools, graphic design tools (Canva), and social media management platforms (Buffer) and analytic tools to measure social media engagement.
  • Graphic design experience preferred.
  • Video editing skills preferred.
  • Willingness to learn new skills.

To Apply:

Please send a cover letter, resume, and three professional reference contacts to jobs@sojo.net or Digital Community Manager search, Sojourners, 408 C St. NE, Washington, DC 20002. Applications will be accepted until the position is filled. This position will be based in the Washington, D.C., office with minimum in-office days required.

Sojourners is an equal opportunity employer that continually seeks to diversify its staff and create an inclusive and equitable culture. People of color are highly encouraged to apply.

Starting annual salary for this position is $50,000 to $65,000, based on experience. Excellent benefits package includes fully paid health insurance, 20 days paid vacation, 12 days paid sick leave, 12 paid holidays, 401(k) plan with employer match, and a positive, faith-based work environment.

Racial Justice Director

Department: Mobilizing
Supervisor: Chief Strategy and Impact Officer

Do you have a heart for social and racial justice? Sojourners has an immediate opening for an experienced Director of Racial Justice to join our Washington, D.C. staff. The Racial Justice Director provides oversight and leadership over the organization’s racial justice and voter engagement efforts. The director also plays an integral role in building and strengthening relationships across the church and will provide other external and representational engagement on behalf of the organization.

Responsibilities:

  • Leads implementation of Sojourners voter engagement work through the Lawyers and Collars and Faiths United to Save Democracy programs.
  • Working in partnership with the Howard University School of Divinity, co-lead implementation of the Theology, Racialized Policing, and Justice Program.
  • Cultivates relationships and engagement with key clergy and church leaders, particularly from within communities of color.
  • Coordinates efforts with Church Network Coordinator and the Director of Mobilizing.
  • Develops and implements an integrated strategic plan for Sojourners’ racial justice portfolio including various topical issues: democracy, racialized policing, gun reform, reparations, and Truth, Racial Healing, and Transformation. Tracks relevant policy issues and collaborates with Sojourners Political Director to advocate/mobilize for racial justice policies.
  • Works in coordination with other mobilizing colleagues to develop and implement grassroots/grasstops advocacy and mobilizing strategies to achieve programmatic goals and grow our Faith-Rooted Advocate Network base.
  • Attends partner meetings and racial justice-related events as needed.
  • Contributes news and commentary to statements and Sojourners online and print publications.
  • Collaborates with our Advancement Team to solicit new funding for racial justice, voting, and mobilizing work. Manages grant process and reporting requirements for grant-related initiatives.
  • Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications:

  • Five to seven years of experience in racial justice, racial reconciliation, and/or church ministry.
  • Proven success in designing and implementing multipronged racial justice strategies.
  • Expert knowledge of the church, racial justice and reconciliation, and advocacy.
  • Experience with strategic planning, coalition work, budgeting, program evaluation, and supervision.
  • Excellent message framing and communication skills, including writing and editing, and public speaking comfort and experience.
  • Exceptional organizational skills to handle several assignments simultaneously, attention to detail, ability to multitask and prioritize; excellent interpersonal skills essential.

To Apply:

Please send a cover letter, resume, and three professional reference contacts to jobs@sojo.net or Director of Racial Justice Search, Sojourners, 408 C St. NE, Washington, DC 20002. Applications will be accepted until the position is filled. This position will be based in the Washington, D.C. office with minimum in-office days required.

Sojourners is an equal opportunity employer that continually seeks to diversify its staff and create an inclusive and equitable culture. People of color are highly encouraged to apply.

Starting annual salary for this position is $70,000 to $85,000, based on experience. Excellent benefits package includes fully paid health insurance, 20 days paid vacation, 12 days paid sick leave, 12 paid holidays, 401(k) plan with employer match, and a positive, faith-based work environment. 2023

Director of Foundation Relations

Department: Advancement
Supervisor: Chief Advancement Officer

Sojourners is an ecumenical Christian media and advocacy organization that works toward social and racial justice. We are looking for someone who seeks to combine their interests in social justice and faith with their fundraising experience to contribute to the mission and future of Sojourners.   

The Director of Foundation Relations is a key member of the Advancement Team and will initiate, maintain, and strengthen relationships with foundations to advance philanthropic support for our organization. The Director will collaborate with Sojourners’ leadership and staff to develop high quality proposals, reports, and other materials for foundation donors. The ideal candidate is a self-starter who is highly motivated, able to work independently, and adept at juggling multiple priorities.  

Responsibilities:

  • Generate approximately $1.7 to $2 million in grant revenue on an annual basis. 
  • Design and implement strategies and activities to increase support from existing foundation funders and identify new potential foundation support, working closely with the Chief Advancement Officer and senior leadership to drive fundraising strategy. 
  • Partner with Sojourners’ senior staff to cultivate relationships with both current and prospective donors and support foundation fundraising. 
  • Collaborate with program staff to develop concepts and proposals. 
  • Prepare foundation materials—including but not limited to proposals, project budgets for proposals, letters of inquiry, grant reports, agreements, emails, presentations, and acknowledgment letters—by drafting original copy, editing, and formatting as needed. 
  • Ensure high-quality stewardship by coordinating intra-organizational efforts to produce grant reports and meet funder requirements.   
  • Research the giving interests of foundation funders and stay abreast of philanthropic trends and recent foundation giving. 
  • Identify new opportunities for funding that align with Sojourners’ programs through prospect research.  
  • Lead the planning and execution of meetings with foundation staff; research and draft briefings for executive leadership in advance of foundation meetings; and prepare senior staff for foundation meetings and phone calls. 
  • Liaise with program and finance staff to track grant spending. 
  • Forecast foundation revenue and participate in annual budget process.   
  • Perform other duties as assigned or needed to move forward Sojourners’ foundation relations portfolio. 

Required and Preferred Skills: 

  • The ideal candidate is goal-oriented, a self-starter, has a sharp attention to detail, and is a problem solver. 
  • Bachelor’s degree or equivalent combination of education and experience. 
  • Five to seven years of professional experience—including at least three years of foundation relations and grants management experience or comparable work with foundations.   
  • Demonstrated success managing relationships with both program officers and internal colleagues to create the conditions for success. 
  • Demonstrated success in soliciting and renewing contributions from foundations by articulating a compelling case for support through multiple communication tools. 
  • Knowledge of social justice philanthropic sectors including democracy, health equity, economic justice, and racial justice is desirable. 
  • Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail. 
  • Strong written and oral communication skills. 
  • Strong analytical and prospect research skills. 
  • Strong interpersonal skills. 
  • Ability to work both independently and as a member of a team. 
  • Knowledge of Raiser’s Edge database is desirable. 
  • Support for Sojourners' mission.  

To Apply: 

Please send a cover letter, resume, and three professional reference contacts to jobs@sojo.net or Director of Foundation Relations search, Sojourners, 408 C St. NE, Washington, DC 20002. Applications will be accepted until the position is filled. This position will be based in the Washington, D.C., office with minimum in-office days required. 

Sojourners is an equal opportunity employer that continually seeks to diversify its staff and create an inclusive and equitable culture. People of color are highly encouraged to apply. 

Starting annual salary level for this position is $60,000 to $80,000, based on experience. Excellent benefits package includes fully paid health insurance, 20 days paid vacation, 12 days paid sick leave, 12 paid holidays, 401(k) plan with employer match, and a positive, faith-based work environment.