Senior Fellow

The Foundation for Government Accountability (FGA) is hiring a Senior Fellow to help translate FGA’s policy solutions into real-world results in the states. This role is a great fit for someone who operates well in fast-moving legislative environments and wants to be directly involved in the work—not watching from the sidelines.

In this role, you’ll work closely with FGA’s state affairs team to support lawmakers across multiple states. You’ll deliver testimony, briefings, and presentations; draft and review legislation; and translate FGA’s major policy solutions into state-specific strategies. This position is ideal for someone who can think on their feet, communicate clearly, and operate confidently under pressure. 

Candidates should expect frequent travel, especially to Florida and other key states, depending on the timing of legislative sessions. If you’re looking for a role in which your policy skills shape real legislative outcomes, this could be the right fit.

CULTURE AND FIT

The people who consistently succeed at FGA are those whose actions and behavior reflect our five Core Values. If you adhere to these values and answer “yes” to each of the following questions, you may be a fit.

1. Candid to Solve: Being willing to have tough conversations in order to solve issues and build trust.

• Do you seek out constructive feedback—and provide it to others—to solve issues and build trust with coworkers? 

2. Grow or Die: We don’t have a neutral gear; we must consistently challenge ourselves and each other to grow in our talents and skills.

• Are you aware of your strengths and weaknesses, and do you seek out complementary skills and growth in order to mitigate your weaknesses? 

3. Politically Savvy: Policy doesn’t change in a vacuum, but in a political reality that we must understand and account for.

• Do you agree that embracing the realities of politics is necessary to change public policy? 

4. Partnership-Oriented: Internal and external relationships are not transactional. That starts with our team members and the perspective that we need the rest of the team to succeed in order to win personally.

• Are you comfortable creating your own structure for work, such as setting work hours, your own priorities, and creating clarity and a workplan from a broad goal? 

5. Bought in to Win: We’re at FGA because we want to change policy. No one is counting hours or widgets. We are here to get results, and sometimes, that will require going the extra mile or doing a job that isn’t technically ours.

• Do you fully support FGA’s mission and believe that lives are improved through work, not welfare, and that free markets create more freedom and opportunity than government control?

The vast majority of those who don’t get hired (or don’t last) at FGA are due to a lack of fit with these values. Be prepared to have very candid conversations about them in our interview process.

ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

The Senior Fellow role includes four primary areas of responsibility.

1. Legislative Testimony and Policy Support

• Travel frequently—especially to Florida—to deliver testimony, briefings, and presentations that advance FGA’s policy priorities.
• Support State Affairs Directors by clearly explaining policy concepts and building relationships with lawmakers in both formal and informal settings.

2. Draft and Review Legislation 

• Complete initial drafts of legislation and conduct timely reviews of bills across FGA’s policy areas.
• Translate FGA’s policy solutions into clear, actionable legislative language tailored to each state.

3. Develop Testimony, Briefing Materials, and Policy Presentations

• Write testimony, develop presentations, and prepare briefing materials in collaboration with researchers, writers, and designers.
• Adapt policy content into state-specific materials that equip the State Affairs team for high-stakes meetings.

4. Support Strategy Execution and Cross-Team Collaboration

• Draft state agenda memos and incorporate strategic feedback from Outreach and policymakers to refine policy products.
• Serve as backup to other Senior Fellows and support cross-team trainings, briefings, and presentation efforts.

REQUIREMENTS

• 2–5 years of experience in state or federal government, public policy, or lobbying; 5+ years preferred.
• Ability to travel routinely to Florida and other key states for testimony, briefings, and in-person policy support
• Proven ability to operate under pressure, manage shifting priorities, and deliver high-quality policy products on tight timelines.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, with excellent judgment, attention to detail, and consistent follow-through.
• Match FGA’s Core Values (described above).

TIMING, LOCATION, AND COMPENSATION

FGA is seeking to fill this position as soon as possible. While our headquarters are in Naples, FL, nearly all FGA staff work remotely. This role requires significant travel, particularly to Florida during the legislative session, along with additional travel to other key states as needed.

FGA has built a highly successful remote work culture with clear systems, strong communication, and a commitment to helping each team member excel. Key elements of the environment include:

• Quarterly in-person team meetings at which you’ll build deeper relationships, set clear goals aligned with FGA’s big vision, and brainstorm how to seize new opportunities
• An intensive 90-day orientation to familiarize you with the FGA team, our policies, and how we operate
• Home office setup, including equipment and communication tools you need to hit the ground running

FGA offers a competitive salary between $90,000–$130,000, depending on experience and qualifications, along with a benefits package that includes a six percent retirement match, health benefits, and generous paid leave.

Salary Description

$90,000–$130,000