CatchLight Local Program Assistant

CatchLight is a visual-first media organization. At CatchLight, we believe in the power of images to inform, transform and connect communities. We act as a catalyst, connecting visual storytellers, communities and media organizations to represent and bring about solutions to urgent social issues. We support emerging talents and leaders in visual storytelling to meaningfully engage audiences and push innovation in the field. 

CatchLight is in an exciting period of growth – join us as we expand our groundbreaking model for local visual journalism. 

We have an immediate opening for a part-time visual editor to join our CatchLight Local Visual Desk, working with our member newsrooms in Philadelphia and Cleveland. We estimate this position will work 20-30 hours per month, which includes 10 hours per month with each newsroom, plus regular meetings with the CatchLight Local team.

We are also accepting applications on a rolling basis for additional part-time visual editors to help guide our member newsrooms to produce impactful visual storytelling while improving representation throughout their communities.

Job Summary

CatchLight is seeking a detail-oriented and proactive Program Assistant to support the CatchLight Local team in its mission to revitalize the craft of photojournalism in local newsrooms nationwide. This role ensures the seamless delivery of visual services, training programs, and communications to our member newsrooms through exceptional operational support, impact tracking, and relationship coordination.

The Program Assistant will work closely with the CatchLight Local team to provide logistical and operational support, track program impact, assist with database management, and support the delivery of services to member newsrooms across the country. This is an excellent opportunity for someone passionate about visual journalism and local news who wants to contribute to strengthening visual storytelling in communities nationwide.

Responsibilities

  • Provide administrative and operational support to the CatchLight Local team.
  • Assist with tracking and documenting program impact, maintaining databases, and assisting with the preparation of reports on visual work and services delivered to member newsrooms.
  • Support the coordination of online trainings, in-person workshops, and events for member newsrooms, including logistics, materials preparation, and participant communications.
  • Assist with digital asset management workflows.
  • Support CRM management in Salesforce to ensure accurate and timely record-keeping.
  • Serve as a point of contact for routine inquiries from member newsrooms, fellows, specialists, and partners ensuring timely and professional responses.
  • Assist with award submission processes, including gathering materials, coordinating with newsrooms, and tracking deadlines.
  • Support internal team operations, including documentation, project tracking, and maintaining shared resources and systems.
  • Contribute to team efforts to continuously improve services and processes, and participate in organizational-wide initiatives as needed.
  • Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

  • 2-4 years of experience in program coordination, administrative support, or operations, ideally in a journalistic environment.
  • Familiarity with visual editing and production workflows, particularly in a local newsroom context, with solid knowledge of visual journalism standards and ethics.
  • Strong organizational skills with exceptional attention to detail and ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines.
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills with a customer service mindset.
  • Proficiency in digital tools including Google Workspace, project management platforms, and willingness to learn digital asset management systems, CRM, and CMS platforms.
  • Self-motivated with ability to work independently in a remote team environment while maintaining strong collaboration with colleagues.
  • Passion for visual journalism, local news, and supporting creative communities.
  • Problem-solving attitude with flexibility to adapt in a dynamic, fast-paced environment.
  • Spanish language skills are a plus and valued for working with diverse newsroom partners.

Key Criteria For Consideration

In addition to the above skill sets we are looking for excellence in the following areas. Candidates will be reviewed based on the following:

  • Creativity: You are a net positive force of creative capital. Your engagement not only enhances the organizational performance, it enhances the creative capacities of the entire team. You bring ideas to the team.
  • Character: You operate at the highest executive function in your personal organization, your communications style, and your integrity. You bring follow through, resourcefulness, and coordination to the team.
  • Culture: You add positively to the social focus, the energy and the engagement of those around you. You bring warmth, generosity of spirit, excitement and respect.

Position details:

  • Full-time/Exempt
  • Remote work eligible, Bay Area candidates preferred
  • This position reports to the CatchLight Local Program Manager. 

Target start date: March 2026

Travel requirements

The person in this role will be expected to occasionally represent CatchLight Local at industry and organization events across the U.S.

Salary range

$55,000-70,000, commensurate with experience and geographic location.

Benefits include: 

  • Generous paid time off, paid federal holidays 
  • Professional development stipend 
  • Health, vision and dental insurance
  • 401k with a company match

How to apply

To apply please follow the application guidelines below and send the following three application components as a PDF attachment here.

1) COVER LETTER

A single-page cover letter sharing your previous experience, what draws you to this role, and what areas of professional growth you hope to gain.

2) CV OR RESUME

Please attach a PDF with your work history. 

3) THREE PROFESSIONAL REFERENCES

Please share the name, title, email and telephone number

Deadline

First review deadline March 1, 2026. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until filled. 

This is a full-time/40 hours a week position and is grant-financed with funding secured for two years, with the possibility to extend beyond the initial time-frame. CatchLight is an equal opportunity employer that embraces an equitable, diverse, and inclusive work environment. CatchLight is a growing organization that values growth and learning. 

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