First Things Program & Event Manager

First Things Program and Event Manager

The Manager is responsible for public events sponsored by First Things, as well as in-house events and ongoing programs. The Manager reports to the First Things Editor, R. R. Reno. In addition to managing existing events and programs, the Manager will work with the Editor to coordinate his efforts and develop a long-term strategy. 

The position is new to First Things, which means that the Manager will have the opportunity to bring structure and professionalism to already existing activities, as well as participate in planning to expand and improve programs and events.

Key responsibilities:

Public events:

First Things sponsors or co-sponsors public lectures in New York (2), Washington, DC, Chicago, Austin, San Francisco, Sarasota. A lecture in Pittsburgh is being planned, and perhaps in other cities as well. Manager’s duties include:

• Identify and reserve venues
• Coordinate with co-sponsors
• Schedule publicity through First Things channels
• Oversee registration
• Plan hospitality and secure vendors
• Attend events and coordinate First Things support staff.

First Things hosts an annual Intellectual Retreat in New York. Manager’s duties include:

• Identify and reserve a venue
• Work with First Things Editor to develop the annual theme for the retreat
• Coordinate tutors and guest lecturer
• Manage First Things support staff for the event.

Internal Programs:

A Junior Fellows Program brings 2-3 recent college graduates to New York to work with the editorial team for one or two years. Manager’s duties include:

• Coordinate publicity for Jr. Fellow Program
• Coordinate selection committee
• Oversee staff member responsible for week-to-week management of the Junior Fellow Program.
• Plan and administer an annual program evaluation

First Things is launching a Writer-in-Residence position. Manager’s duties include:

• Coordinating publicity for the position
• Coordinating selection committee
• Troubleshooting housing
• Plan and administer one public event for the Writer-in-Residence

First Things sponsors invitation-only seminars. Evangelicals and Catholics Together meets semi-annually. The Editor host two or three ad hoc seminars each year. Manager’s duties include:

• Ensure that the Editor issues invitations
• Track RSVPs
• Reserve the venue
• Reserve hotel rooms for participants
• Coordinate travel for participants
• Plan dinners and other hospitality

Executive Assistance:

The Manager will provide targeted support to Editor, including travel coordination for seminars, lectures, and donor events, as well as limited calendar and email management. This is a modest portion of the role, not its primary focus.

Qualifications:

• Must be willing to work in-office in New York City
• Capacity to take independent action to solve problems
• Familiarity with the mission and intellectual community of First Things
• Ability to manage and motivate other staff members who will need to give some of their time to help with events and programs

Projected Start: Early August 2026

Salary range: $75,000-$85,000, plus a full suite of benefits.