FSF job posting: Program Manager

Reporting to the executive director, the program manager co-leads our campaigns team. This position develops and promotes longer-term resources and advocacy programs related to increasing the use of free software and expanding and advancing the free software movement and the FSF. The program manager plays a key role in external communications, fundraising, associate member engagement, and special events.

Job responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

• lead the planning and successful implementation of FSF events and initiatives;
• develop and maintain longer-term free software resources, such as Email Self Defense and the High Priority Free Software Projects list;
• coordinate annual fundraising, including two major annual appeals (goal-setting, strategy, project management, and working with outside contractors);
• implement the FSF's communications and messaging strategy, including serving as a primary point of contact with press and the external public;
• write and edit for FSF blogs, external periodical publications, and both digital and print resources;
• assist with planning and execution of issue campaigns, working in concert with the campaigns manager; and
• occasional conference travel and speaking as an FSF representative;
• additional tasks as assigned by supervisor.

Candidate profile

At least three to five years of work experience with project management, fundraising, events management, and/or nonprofit program management. This role is for someone with proficiency, experience, and comfort in professional writing and media relationships. Because the FSF works globally and seeks to have our materials distributed in as many languages as possible, multilingual candidates will have an advantage.

Location and working environment

This position is ideally filled by someone based in Massachusetts, but applications will be considered from anywhere in the US. The FSF is a remote organization. With our small staff, each person makes a clear contribution. We work hard but offer a humane work environment; existing staff get the first chance at any new job openings.

Benefits and salary

This exempt, union position has a salary fixed at $79,331 per year. Other benefits include:

• full individual or family health coverage through Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts;
• subsidized dental plan;
  
• four weeks of paid vacation annually;
  
• seventeen paid holidays annually;
  
• weekly remote work allowance;
  
• public transit commuting cost reimbursement;
  
• 403(b) program through TIAA with employer match;
  
• yearly cost-of-living pay increases (based on government guidelines);
  
• healthcare expense reimbursement budget;
  
• ergonomic budget;
  
• conference travel and professional development opportunities; and
• potential for an annual performance bonus.

Application instructions

Applications must be submitted via email to [email protected]. The email must contain the subject line "Program manager." A complete application should include:

• cover letter;
  
• resume;
  
• two writing samples; and
  
• two recent professional references.
  

All materials must be in a free format (such as ODT, PDF, or OpenDocument). Email submissions that do not follow these instructions will probably be overlooked. No phone calls, please.

Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled. To guarantee consideration, please submit your application by October 3, 2025.

The FSF is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate against any employee or application for employment on the basis of race, color, religion or belief, national, social or ethnic origin, sex, pregnancy, age, physical, mental or sensory disability, HIV status, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression, marital, civil union or domestic partnership status, past or present military service, family medical history or genetic information, family or parental status, or any other legally protected status recognized by federal, state, or local law. We value diversity in our workplace.

About the Free Software Foundation

The Free Software Foundation, founded in 1985, is dedicated to promoting computer users' right to use, study, copy, modify, and redistribute computer programs. The FSF promotes the development and use of free (as in freedom) software--particularly the GNU operating system and its GNU/Linux variants--and free documentation for free software. The FSF also helps to spread awareness of the ethical and political issues of freedom in the use of software, and its websites, located at and , are an important source of information about GNU/Linux. Donations to support the FSF's work can be made at https://donate.fsf.org. We are based in Boston, MA, USA.