The Associated Press is an independent global news organization dedicated to factual reporting. Founded in 1846, AP today remains the most trusted source of fast, accurate, unbiased news in all formats and the essential provider of the technology and services vital to the news business. More than half the world's population sees AP journalism every day.

The Associated Press is looking to fill an important, multi-skilled role that is pivotal to the success of our Global Safety and Security function. We are seeking an experienced Special Projects and Training Manager who can think outside of the box.  The successful candidate will deliver and maintain all new training products and systems to help keep our global team of journalists safe, ensuring they have the tools, guidance and agency to do their best work. 

The overall aim of the Global Safety and Security function is to keep AP journalists safe in the face of war, civil unrest, online attacks, identity-based violence and other evolving threats within the modern media landscape. The successful candidate should be passionate about helping colleagues break major news by mitigating the risks they encounter while being dispatched to the world’s biggest stories. 

Responsibilities: In this role, you will work within the Global Safety and Security team to develop, oversee, manage and champion AP’s new safety, risk and resiliency training portfolio. We are looking for a collaborative partner who is creative, empathetic, inclusive and passionate, willing to innovate and drive our programs forward.  

Reporting to the Vice President of Global Safety and Security, you’ll assist with the implementation of a wide range of special projects to improve the overall safety of our journalists. This unique role, based out of our London office, will work across the wider Safety and Security team and other key stakeholders, including InfoSec, Legal and HR. You will support these stakeholders to facilitate cross-departmental project development, providing a holistic and collaborative approach to risk management across the AP. You must possess the highest editorial standards, upholding the AP’s commitment to preserving the integrity and impartiality of our news reporting.

We’re looking for someone who will: 

• Manage specialist media safety projects and tasks  – ensuring they are completed on time and within budget– while exercising a high level of skill in prioritizing and delivering in often high-pressure situations.

• Determine and assess AP’s training and employee development needs as set out within the Global Safety and Security strategy. You’ll work with employees and internal and external stakeholders to ensure that training objectives are assessed and met, with periodic updates to ensure competency levels are constantly improved across the organization.

• Develop innovative ideas to support the design of future hostile environments, public order, first aid training and resilience courses that will empower field journalists to report more safely in difficult and dynamic conditions. This will include e-learning, webinars, face-to-face training and, where applicable, VR. 

• Create, develop and maintain training materials to be delivered to all new AP hires upon onboarding.

• Represent AP at key journalism and networking events. We want to ensure that our training program is the best in the industry by monitoring the wider media safety industry to allow us to capture new trends, best practices and key developments. 

• Be willing to travel to developing countries and high-risk areas – often at short notice – to deliver clear, precise, and measured safety and security training, advice and support, upon request. 

• Be able to step into and assist with media safety operations as and when there is a requirement. 

• Identify appropriate and best-in-class safety, security and first aid equipment to help keep AP’s staff safer. 

• Build and maintain relationships with key law enforcement, military, intelligence and security officials and agencies across specific regions, as required. 

• Work out of our London office at least two days per week, and work outside of business hours as required, as the AP is a 24/7 operation. 

Preferred Qualifications:  

• A minimum of 5 years of experience working within news organizations, preferably in a similar risk reduction role with a deep understanding of the pressures and complexities of supporting breaking news globally. Transferable experience from working within supplementary roles within the security, safety, military, law enforcement or intelligence will be considered.

• Experience as a program and/or training manager delivering safety, security and medical training and products. A history of developing e-learning packages is of significant value. 

• A proven history of operating and effectively communicating at the leadership level.

Required Qualifications: 

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience.  

• Outstanding interpersonal skills, including excellent verbal and written communication across cultures and quick responsiveness across time zones. 

• Strong knowledge of social media platforms and online protection tools. 

• A proven background in adult learning/training and developing training support documentation.

• First aid/trauma first aid qualifications equivalent to FREC3/FPOSI.

• Adult learning qualification equivalent to PTLLS.

• A commitment to actively supporting a diverse, inclusive and equitable work environment. 

• Advanced-level professional competency in written and spoken English. Fluency in at least one other language is preferred. 

• Authorization to work in the UK will be mandatory. 

We’ll consider strong candidates who do not meet every listed qualification. You may use a cover letter to describe the unique qualifications you would bring to this role.
 

Application Deadline: February 13, 2024 @ 11:59 PM ET

AP seeks to build an inclusive organization grounded in respect for differences. We support all aspects of diversity and provide equal employment opportunity to all employees and applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, marital status, national origin, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability or status as a veteran. We encourage members of traditionally underrepresented communities to apply.

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