State Policy Fellow

In partnership with the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities (CBPP), the Kentucky Center for Economic Policy is hiring a State Policy Fellow to work on equitable tax and budget policy.

The State Policy Fellowship program is a two-year research-focused fellowship dedicated to making change through careful research, thoughtful advocacy, and strong partnerships in a state policy context.

The Fellowship program has three main goals:

Making a difference for low-income families and communities

State Policy Fellows tackle domestic policy challenges by analyzing state budgets and tax policy choices, understanding their impact on low-income residents, and proposing positive alternatives. Their budget and tax work often intersects with other policies areas including health care, anti-poverty policy, education, immigration, state-tribal policy, and criminal justice reform. Working in independent, highly respected policy organizations located across the country, Fellows work with community partners to promote positive reforms.

Bringing diverse perspectives to state policy debates

To expand the diversity of voices that speak with authority in state policy debates, the program identifies highly motivated candidates who have a demonstrated interest in working on public policies that affect low-income communities, communities of color, and tribal communities, with particular interest in candidates who have experience with communities that are underrepresented in state policy debates.

Launching careers

State Policy Fellows spend two years with an influential state-based policy organizations learning on the job and gaining valuable policymaking experience. Fellows research and analyze current policy issues; brief policymakers, journalists, and civic leaders; and engage with advocates and community groups.

Responsibilities

State Policy Fellows will work as research analysts as they:

• Develop expertise in state budget and tax policies,
• Dive deeper in specialty areas such as health care, housing, immigration, education finance, tribal policy, family economic security, economic development, and criminal justice.
• Collaborate with community-based advocates to develop community driven reforms and policy proposals. Produce reports and other materials for use by policymakers, journalists, advocacy groups, and civic organizations.
• Track and analyze legislative proposals and state budget developments.
• Engage with media, policymakers and their staffs, and a broad array of state and community organizations to help inform and shape policy debates. 

Who can apply?

• A college degree plus two years of relevant research experience or a graduate degree in a related field. 
• Demonstrated interest in working on public policies affecting low-income communities, communities of color, and LGBTQ communities. 
• A commitment to racial justice work.
• Strong quantitative and writing skills.
• The ability to work on multiple tasks both independently and as part of a highly collaborative team, often on a time-sensitive basis.
• Familiarity with state tax and budget policy issues and concepts is an advantage, but not required.
• A two-year commitment is expected — candidates must be eligible to work full time in the United States for the duration of the program.
• Candidates must be willing to move to their placement state.

Salary and Benefits

Fellows earn a minimum salary of $50,000 per year (Individual salaries are negotiated at hiring). Access to health benefits is included.

Training and Career Development

Fellows participate in a career development program that includes a program orientation, and additional professional development opportunities, including two policy conferences. State Policy Fellows receive formal and on-the-job training in tax policy, state budgets, the state legislative process, strategic communications, and legislative advocacy.

How to apply

Cover Letter:

We are deeply interested in learning about why candidates are drawn to research and analysis and the State Policy Fellowship Program. Please prepare a one-page cover letter that addresses each of the following questions.

What skills and relevant experience (personal and professional) will you bring to the program?

How do you hope for this fellowship to contribute to your professional goals?

Resume: 

Provide a resume with relevant work experience and skills. Resume should be no longer than two pages. 

Equity & Inclusion Statement:

The Center on Budget and Policy Priorities is committed to promoting equity and inclusion in its fellowship program and in the public policy profession. Toward that end, please submit a statement explaining:

How your unique personal and professional experiences would contribute meaningfully to this program and the profession. For example, your statement may address your geographic origin; age; culture and language; or your experience working with communities that are low income or marginalized.

The role that state budgets and tax policy play in addressing issues of oppression — particularly as they pertain to racial and economic inequality. 

Your combined responses should not exceed 1,000 words.

Submitting Materials:

Your cover letter and equity statement should be uploaded under “Additional Materials” within the application system. Your application cannot be considered unless all materials are submitted. Please submit all of these materials in PDF or Microsoft Word format.