Part Time; Contactor; Remote (US-based)

About Cortico

Cortico is a non-profit committed to fostering constructive conversations and surfacing underheard voices. We believe that intentionally designed and intentionally deployed technology can enable communities to achieve these aims in ways that are more inclusive and scalable.

Our platform brings people together in recorded small-group conversations. Through a powerful combination of AI and human listening, this platform enables organizations to make sense of the conversations they collect, and surfaces community voices into public dialogue and decision making.

Communities have used our platform to lift up voices and perspectives in the selection of Madison, WI’s police chief and the election of Boston’s mayor. Local newsrooms have used our platform to understand citizen agendas and include underheard voices directly in their reporting. Global nonprofits are using our platform to elevate conversations on climate from around the world. Local non-profits have used our platform to surface experiences of people in the margins and amplify their voices through artist collaborations.

Whether in person, on a laptop, or on a phone, we are committed to meeting people where they are. Our platform continues to grow, in both mobile and web format, as we leverage emerging technologies to enhance the process of understanding rich conversation data.Cortico’s unique human/machine system is the product of an effort led by Cortico in cooperation with MIT’s Center for Constructive Communication (MIT CCC).

Lead Fellow – Teen Dialogue Accelerator in Libraries

• Details:
  • Hours: Approx. 7-10 hours per week
  • Stipend: $10,000 total
  • Term: September 2025 – June 2026
  • Location: Remote, with opportunities to attend in-person gatherings, including at MIT in October 2025
  • Application Deadline: August 19, 2025
  • Contract Type: Part-time, contractor position (not eligible for employee benefits)
• About the Teen Dialogue Accelerator
  • The Teen Dialogue Accelerator is a national pilot initiative led by Cortico, in partnership with PBS FRONTLINE, designed to empower teens (ages 14–19) to lead small-group civic conversations in libraries. These conversations focus on American identity, democracy, immigration, and the evolving role of AI, using AI-assisted listening tools developed in collaboration with the MIT Center for Constructive Communication (MIT CCC).
  • Through fellow-led dialogue, community storytelling, and interactive outputs like voice medleys and conversation maps, the program elevates teen voices, strengthens civic skills, and positions libraries as vibrant civic dialogue hubs.
• Position Overview
  • Cortico seeks a mission-driven Lead Fellow to help anchor the 2025–2026 cohort of teen fellows across 10 participating libraries. This is a leadership position ideal for an early-career professional or advanced youth leader with experience in community engagement, civic programming, and youth development, especially in library or community-based contexts.
  • The Lead Fellow will support the training and onboarding of local teen fellows, serve as a connector across sites, help foster a shared learning environment, and contribute to cross-site storytelling and strategy. This individual will act as both a peer mentor and project co-facilitator, offering valuable input to staff and library teams while championing the teen voice within the broader project vision.

Key Responsibilities

• Outreach & Recruitment
  • Coordinate outreach and promotion of the opportunity to libraries and relevant networks with the support of Cortico and other collaborators.
  • Manage communications with prospective applicants, including fielding questions.
  • Lead application review process, helping select a diverse and committed cohort.
• Training & Program Design Support
  • Assist in the development and delivery of teen fellow onboarding and training (virtually and during in-person convenings).
  • Co-lead learning sessions alongside Cortico staff, bringing experience-based insight to tools, facilitation, and civic dialogue.
• Community Building & Mentorship
  • Serve as the primary connector between Cortico and the wider cohort, helping to maintain a sense of unity and shared mission across libraries.
  • Facilitate optional peer learning groups, discussion forums, and check-ins to share successes and challenges.
  • Provide informal coaching and encouragement to fellows as they plan and lead community conversations.
• Engagement & Communications
  • Support outreach and storytelling efforts by contributing to social media, blog posts, newsletters, or medley content that elevates youth perspectives.
  • Promote the fellowship’s mission through event participation, storytelling collaboration with FRONTLINE, and community partner engagement.
• Program Evaluation & Strategic Feedback
  • Track and document fellow feedback, engagement, and reflections to support ongoing evaluation.
  • Share insights on teen needs, program pacing, and curriculum adaptation for the final project toolkit and future scaling.

Ideal qualifications

• 2-4 years of experience in youth development, civic education, libraries, or community-based programming; including experience gained through internships, volunteer roles, or student leadership positions.
• Strong facilitation and training background, particularly with teens or intergenerational groups.
• Proven ability to lead outreach or engagement efforts across diverse communities.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills; comfortable facilitating virtually and in-person.
• Familiarity with community storytelling, qualitative listening methods, or digital civic tools (experience with Cortico’s tools a plus).
• Self-directed and highly organized, with a collaborative spirit and growth mindset.
• Passionate about equity, inclusive dialogue, and amplifying underheard voices.

Next steps

Please email programs@cortico.ai and include the following information.

• A brief letter of interest explaining your background and why you are drawn to this role.
• Your resume or CV.
• (Optional) A sample of facilitation or youth program work (e.g., outline, curriculum, or media project).

Cortico maintains a strong policy of equal opportunity in employment. It is our objective to recruit, hire, and retain the most qualified individuals without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation or identity, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other characteristic or status protected by applicable federal, state, or local law. Our equal employment philosophy applies to all aspects of employment, including recruitment, compensation, benefits, training, promotions, transfers, job benefits, and terminations.