POSITION TITLE: Policy Fellow

LOCATION: Washington, DC

ABOUT US: Founded in 1970, the Joint Center for Political and Economic Studies is the leading think tank that produces high-quality research and solutions that inform innovative elected officials at every level of government who serve communities of color. The Joint Center provides a platform for innovative officials and experts to work together in key research and policy areas, such as technology, workforce development, entrepreneurship, financial services, education, civic engagement, criminal justice, and tax and fiscal policy. Click here for a review of our 2015 activities and 2016 plans.

JOB-TYPE, SALARY, & BENEFITS: Full time position for 26 months. The organization seeks a Spring 2016 college graduate for 26 months (June 2016-July 2018) who is planning on enrolling in a top graduate or professional school in Fall 2018 to execute the responsibilities outlined below. During the first year of the fellowship, the Policy Fellow will focus entirely on the job duties outlined below. During the second year, the Policy Fellow will remain responsible for job duties outlined below, but the Joint Center will provide flexibility for the Policy Fellow to prepare for a graduate or professional school test (e.g., LSAT, GRE, GMAT—two weeks of paid leave) and to apply for graduate or professional school. The Policy Fellow will report directly to the President’s Chief of Staff.   Salary of $35,000, health insurance, two weeks of paid leave to study for professional / graduate school exams.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Works with Joint Center President, his Chief of Staff, and the Senior Policy Analyst to execute the policy brief and policy video production process, including researching issues and recruiting experts and consultants, drafting background memoranda, establishing production timelines, managing the process for graphic design and layout, and managing process for fact-checking, editing, and finalizing white papers.
• Takes responsibility for the planning, organizing, and execution of particular policy projects and events, such as meetings and roundtables of elected officials of color.
• Works with Joint Center President, his Chief of Staff, and the Senior Policy Analyst to research and prepare development materials and reports to submit to existing and potential funders.
• Represents the Joint Center at conferences and other major events as needed.

• Researches and collects information on elected officials of color and the communities they represent.

• Supports communication efforts, including but not limited to:

• • Assisting Digital Media Strategist in the writing and editing of the Joint Center’s email newsletter;

• • Researching data on issues raised in the news cycle that may impact communities of color (e.g., State of the Union, excessive police violence against a young person of color);

• • Producing blog posts, social media content, and talking points; and

• • Creating infographics.
• Works on various items as needed that facilitate the day-to-day operations of the Joint Center, and provides assistance in any of the tasks that may aid in the development and growth of the Joint Center.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Minimum 3.5 GPA at the time of application.

• Plans to attend a top graduate or professional school in Fall of 2018.

• Bachelor’s degree in Public Policy, Political Science, Criminal Justice, American Studies, Economics, Finance, Business, or related area.

• Basic knowledge of the legislative process.

• Applied research and analytical skills, including an ability to synthesize information and identify themes.

• Ability to think strategically, juggle multiple priorities, adjust to changing circumstances, resolve problems creatively and logically and organize time efficiently.

• Interest in race and policy issues.

• Strong organizational skills.

• Excellent written and oral communication skills.

• Attention to detail and commitment to meeting deadlines.

• An inclination to collaborate with others.

• Conversational Spanish skills and specific research skills (e.g., experience working with government databases) are a plus.

APPLICATION INFORMATION:  Interested applicants should send a resume listing three references, cover letter explaining interest in the fellowship and future graduate or professional school plans, unofficial transcript, and SAT or ACT scores as one document to Samone Ijoma (samone@jointcenter.org) in PDF format with “Policy Fellow” in the subject line by the close of business on Friday, February 26, 2016.  Applications will be considered on a rolling basis, and decisions will be made as soon as the appropriate candidate is identified.  No phone calls please.

The Joint Center is an equal opportunity employer and will not discriminate against any employee or applicant on the basis of age, color, disability, gender, national origin, race, religion, sexual orientation, or veteran status.

START DATE: Monday, June 6, 2016 (accommodations may be made for a different start date depending on circumstances).

Focus Policy Blog