Fellow in Governance

R Street Institute Research Fellow
Location Washington, D.C., United States
Application deadline 30 April 2022
Contract type Permanent
Hours Full-time
Salary To Be Confirmed
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The R Street Institute (RSI)—a free-market think tank headquartered in Washington, D.C., and with regional offices across the country—seeks an upbeat fellow in governance policy. If you are the right fit, you will report to Director of Governance Jonathan Bydlak. If you want to join a collaborative and multifaceted organization working toward pragmatic, positive impact, this may be just the opportunity you need!

The role

Your typical day at RSI may include writing on public policy or interacting with staff and members of Congress and state legislators. Candidates should be adept at drafting policy briefs, attending meetings with legislative offices and drafting op-eds on timely public policy issues. Direct experience interacting with Capitol Hill or state legislatures is required, as is a willingness to assist with program development. Pre-existing relationships with donor prospects are preferred.

Key roles and responsibilities

The ideal candidate will have a strong understanding of R Street’s overall mission and goals as well as the policy areas in which we work.

Other Aspects of Your Role

  • Writing regularly for RSI’s website on topics important to the Governance team’s policy agenda, with a specific emphasis on state and federal electoral reforms; efforts to improve federal transparency and oversight; and relevant legislation, budgetary news and other topics as necessary
  • Writing regular op-eds and seeking to identify emerging media opportunities related to the above topics
  • Writing regular white papers and finding opportunities to contribute or fill needs in the electoral reform space
  • Assisting other fellows and RSI’s Government Affairs team with representing Governance’s interests in meetings on Capitol Hill, writing statements representing official positions, and proactively identifying opportunities to grow the program
  • Assisting our events specialist and other Governance fellows with program events, developing event ideas, reaching out to potential participants and moderating when necessary
  • Seeking out opportunities for Governance fellows to testify before Congress and state legislatures
  • Pursuing new funding opportunities for the program and assisting with the drafting of funding proposals and grant reporting, as necessary
  • Contributing to the general intellectual direction and policy strategy pursued by the program and working to grow the department’s influence and institutional credibility

Experience and skills

  • No particular educational background is required: A proven track record to achieve results is far more meaningful than credentials
  • Passion for free markets and limited, effective government
  • A sense of humour and a desire to grow with a dynamic organization!