Open Source Community Manager Program Returns With Bigger Second Cohort
GitHub Social Impact has opened applications for the second cohort of its DPG Open Source Community Manager Program. The initiative pairs community managers with digital public goods (DPGs) that need help engaging external contributors. The program's dual mission: create meaningful opportunities for developers who want to work on open source for social good, and give DPGs the human resources they need to scale their impact on global challenges.
The first pilot cohort drew applicants from 23 countries across Africa, Asia, Europe, and the Americas. Nine community managers were ultimately selected in partnership with participating DPGs, chosen for their interest in open source, willingness to develop technical skills, and commitment to the social sector. Selected participants completed virtual training, were matched with a DPG, and earned a badge for their GitHub profiles. This year's program aims to accept three times as many participants.
|
What Counts as a Digital Public Good
DPGs are open source software, open data, open AI models, open standards, or open content that meet the DPG Standard. They can help countries avoid vendor lock-in, support local capacity building, and break down innovation silos by connecting and reusing existing systems. Their scope ranges from public health information systems to data mapping tools used by governments and large nonprofits.
The first cohort involved seven DPGs: Uli, Open Terms Archive, Chayn, OpenFisca, Uwazi, if-me.org, and Social Income. This year, the program expands to include more DPGs and organizations in the process of DPG certification. New participants include Ushahidi, an open source platform that collates and maps user-generated reports.
How the Program Works
GitHub and DPG maintainers jointly screen and select community managers. Selected candidates receive free training from GitHub, then work part-time with their matched DPG for six months. The exact weekly hours are negotiated directly between the community manager and the DPG maintainer. Each DPG gets one community manager, with subject matter expertise given strong consideration in the match.
- Participation is free, including the training.
- Community managers gain practical experience in open source community building.
- Graduates receive a GitHub Badge for their profile.
- Participants build connections with DPGs and a network of fellow community managers.
Key Dates
- May 8 — Applications open
- May 30 — Applications close
- June 7 — All applicants notified
- June 17 — Community manager training begins
- August 5 — Project matching with DPGs starts
- December 9 — Program wrap-up
Who Should Apply
GitHub encourages applications from all backgrounds and experience levels. Past participants are welcome to reapply. The ideal candidate will demonstrate:
- Exposure to or interest in open source software for nonprofits and the social sector.
- Working knowledge of Git and GitHub.
- Strong written, verbal, and spoken English communication skills.
- Facilitation abilities and a knack for encouraging participation.
- Strong organizational and problem-solving skills.
- Experience in the social sector — with the United Nations, an INGO, or a nonprofit aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals — is a plus.
- A collaborative spirit and comfort working across diverse, global teams.
Applicants must agree to the program's application terms and conditions. The application deadline is May 30; questions can be directed to GitHub Social Impact's support team.
