Jobs | Dialogues Manager

Starting Date: THIS POSITION HAS BEEN FILLED 

Web Lab
Web Lab is a non-profit organization that develops and promotes innovative ways to use the Web as a transformative force in people's lives and in society, and catalyzes others to experiment with the medium's potential to serve the public interest. In short, we do hard work that's easy to care about.

Not Your Typical Dialogues
A major focus of the organization has been the development of a new model for high quality online discussions that we call Small Group Dialogues (SGD). Words like quality, respect, and commitment aren't often used to describe Web-based discussion. But our SGD model provides an exciting alternative to the current norm of chaotic bulletin boards populated by drive-by postings and flame wars.

SGDs succeed where most online "discussions" fail by modifying the usual "rules" of online dialogues: creating small groups rather than a revolving door; helping participants get to know each other quickly; monitoring discussions, but rarely intervening, allowing members to run their own dialogues; and highlighting exemplary exchanges.

Web Lab has developed the SGD model through three iterations of dialogues. We are currently developing a new version of the software that automates key features of the technique. It will be available for commercial licensing (through reseller relationships with one or more businesses), and will also be used by Web Lab and Web Lab partners to host future dialogues consistent with our organizational mission.

About the Position
We are looking for an enthusiastic, multitasking, team player. The core responsibilities of this position focus on developing the Small Group Dialogue technique and playing a key role in conceiving, planning, and executing future dialogues which showcase the technique and fulfill Web Lab's organizational mission. (For past examples, see the American Love Stories dialogues or Reality Check.) This will involve cultivating relationships with partnering organizations and identifying potential topics for dialogue.

We're looking for someone who identifies with Web Lab's mission and who has a passion and commitment to the World Wide Web as a social medium, someone who brings not just experience, but a whole lot of energy as well. We're looking for a pro, but someone who will still crack a smile and kid around with us.

Responsibilities:

• Oversee the development and implementation of future SGDs, either Web Lab-hosted or in partnership with other organizations (both non-profit and for-profit)
• Cultivate relationships with partner organizations
• Recruit, trian and supervise freelancers or new staff
• Supervise training/consulting/support services for companies or organizations who license our SGD software
• Help develop SGD as a major program of Web Lab.
• Work to refine and develop the SGD technique.

Qualifications:

• Well established and connected in the on-line community
• In-depth knowledge of the Internet, communications, and technology
• Excellent communication skills; diplomacy in dealing with the public
• Creative, conceptual thinker
• Online dialogue expertise and/or experience
• Experience building and managing a team
• An awareness of both popular culture and public issues
• Strong writing and editing skills a plus
• Interest in taking on leadership within a small, dynamic organization and helping to shape its future growth

SGD Resources

You can learn much more about SGD on the Web Lab section devoted to it. The previous two incarnations of the process are archived, at American Love Stories and Reality Check, respectively.

An evaluation of Reality Check was released in February. Excerpts are available on this site.

We have also received considerable press coverage of both the process and the American Love Stories and Reality Check dialogues.

Job Details
Start ASAP, in our New York City office. Great benefits and location.

TO APPLY
Please email a cover letter and a resume (both will be given equal weight -- feel free to be expressive in the letter), as well as two job references, in an email to sgdjob@weblab.org. Your cover letter will be treated as a writing sample. Only information contained in the body of the email will be considered. We aren't able to take phone calls. No web-based resumes or snail mail please.

Please include in your cover letter some reflections on the state of online dialogues and any comments on what we have developed with the SGD.

Deadline: Rolling (In your letter, please mention how you heard about us.)

Web Lab is an enthusiastic Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. Women, people of color, and people with disabilities are encouraged to apply.