Application Guide

How to Apply for Chief of Staff

at Tarbell Center for AI Journalism

🏢 About Tarbell Center for AI Journalism

The Tarbell Center for AI Journalism is a unique organization focused specifically on supporting journalism that helps society navigate the emergence of advanced AI. Unlike traditional media outlets, Tarbell operates at the intersection of AI development and public understanding, making it a pioneering force in this critical space. Working here means contributing to journalism that directly addresses one of society's most important technological transitions.

About This Role

As Chief of Staff at Tarbell, you'll serve as the Executive Director's right hand, taking ownership of the organization's most critical projects as it scales from 10 to 20+ staff. This role involves rotating through high-priority initiatives including program coordination, fundraising support, external communications, and special projects that don't fit neatly into existing programs. You'll have direct impact on Tarbell's growth trajectory and operational effectiveness during a crucial expansion phase.

💡 A Day in the Life

A typical day might start with a strategic planning session with the Executive Director, followed by coordinating progress updates across the Fellowship and Grants programs. You might spend the afternoon drafting external communications for donors, then shift to planning a special event or supporting a hiring process. The role requires constant context-switching between operational details and strategic initiatives as you help Tarbell scale effectively.

🚀 Application Tools

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Interview Prep

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🎯 Who Tarbell Center for AI Journalism Is Looking For

  • A strategic project manager who can independently drive complex initiatives across multiple programs (Fellowship, Grants, Transformer, Residencies) without constant direction
  • An exceptional communicator who can represent Tarbell professionally to diverse audiences including donors, journalists, and AI experts
  • Someone with strong organizational judgment who builds trust easily and navigates the dynamics of a growing nonprofit skillfully
  • A versatile problem-solver comfortable stepping into different roles as needed, from hiring support to event planning to advisory board establishment

📝 Tips for Applying to Tarbell Center for AI Journalism

1

Highlight specific experience managing projects in scaling organizations (10-20+ staff range) rather than just general project management

2

Demonstrate understanding of Tarbell's unique position at the AI-journalism intersection by referencing their specific programs in your application

3

Showcase examples where you've served as a central liaison across multiple departments or programs with competing priorities

4

Provide concrete examples of 'special projects' you've led that didn't fit neatly into existing organizational structures

5

Emphasize your ability to work directly with executive leadership while maintaining independent execution capability

✉️ What to Emphasize in Your Cover Letter

['Your experience with organizational scaling and managing growth transitions in mission-driven organizations', 'Specific examples of serving as a central liaison across multiple programs or departments', 'Your approach to taking ownership of complex projects without constant direction', "Why you're specifically interested in Tarbell's mission at the intersection of AI and journalism"]

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🔍 Research Before Applying

To stand out, make sure you've researched:

  • → Deep dive into Tarbell's specific programs (Fellowship, Grants, Transformer, Residencies) and understand their distinct purposes
  • → Research the current landscape of AI journalism and identify key challenges Tarbell might be addressing
  • → Review Tarbell's public communications and events to understand their current priorities and tone
  • → Investigate similar organizations at the intersection of technology and journalism to understand Tarbell's unique positioning
Visit Tarbell Center for AI Journalism's Website →

💬 Prepare for These Interview Topics

Based on this role, you may be asked about:

1 How would you approach coordinating across Tarbell's four programs (Fellowship, Grants, Transformer, Residencies) to ensure effective information flow?
2 Describe a time you had to step into an unfamiliar area where your skills were most needed - how did you approach it?
3 What strategies would you use to support fundraising efforts for an organization focused on AI journalism?
4 How would you establish and manage an Advisory Board for an organization like Tarbell?
5 Tell us about a complex program you drove forward independently - what challenges did you face and how did you overcome them?
Practice Interview Questions →

⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Generic project management examples that don't specifically address scaling organizations or nonprofit environments
  • Focusing only on AI expertise without demonstrating understanding of journalism's role in Tarbell's mission
  • Presenting as needing constant direction rather than showing independent execution capability
  • Failing to demonstrate how you'd navigate the specific dynamics of a growing organization with multiple programs

📅 Application Timeline

This position is open until filled. However, we recommend applying as soon as possible as roles at mission-driven organizations tend to fill quickly.

Typical hiring timeline:

1

Application Review

1-2 weeks

2

Initial Screening

Phone call or written assessment

3

Interviews

1-2 rounds, usually virtual

✓

Offer

Congratulations!

Ready to Apply?

Good luck with your application to Tarbell Center for AI Journalism!

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