Posted On: October 31, 2016
Fellowship
Media Organization: Demos
Company Description
About Dēmos. Demos is a public policy organization working for an America where all have an equal say in our democracy and an equal chance in our economy. Founded in 2000, the organization is headquartered in New York City with offices in Washington, D.C. and Boston. Demos moves ideas powerful enough to improve the lives of everyday Americans through the full cycle of change. We champion over-the-horizon policy solutions, shift the narrative to clear the way for their acceptance, and advocate until they take effect. We use the right strategy for the right moment, whether it’s research or communications, supporting organizers or litigating. This commitment to the full cycle of change has resulted in real victories, from landmark credit card reforms to nearly 3 million new voter registration applications from low-income citizens. Throughout all of our work, Demos is advocating not just for people, but for the very idea of the people—of one nation, united by a shared fate.
Job Description
The Fellowship:
The Emerging Voice Fellow gives voice to strong progressive values within Demos’ core areas of work: expanding the freedom to vote; addressing the role of money in politics; rebuilding pathways to the middle class; expanding women’s reproductive and economic autonomy; combatting the climate crisis in tandem with the racial and economic inequality crises; limiting corporate and financial sector power; and advancing racial equity. This fellowship is dedicated to developing junior writers and thinkers, in order to help them enter important public debates as a dynamic progressive voice.
As part of Demos’ Emerging Voices Initiative, the aim of the fellowship is to diversify the pipeline of public intellectuals and policy journalists in American political debates. As such, the fellowship provides one year of financial support, professional mentorship, and deep integration with a professional communications platform, which includes the Demos blog, PolicyShop, as well as our print, social and broadcast media activity. The Fellow will report to Rich Benjamin, Senior Fellow.
Candidates should be first and foremost strong writers—with backgrounds in investigative journalism, criticism, feature writing, policy analysis, blogging or other commentary. In addition, candidates should demonstrate a strong grasp of the pace of political and policy debate and be capable of engaging at the appropriate speed. Candidates with demonstrable interest affecting change in under-represented communities, and with diverse social backgrounds, are especially encouraged to apply.
Responsibilities include but are not limited to:
• Conceiving and forging research and commentary agenda with advice and consultation among Demos staff.
• Researching and writing investigative journalism and/or commentary for media outlets on regular basis.
• Participating in the organization’s programmatic work, alongside Demos staff.
• Contributing to organization’s public events.
The successful candidate must have the following skills and qualities:
• Excellent written and verbal communications skills: You are a strong writer and communicator and demonstrate a strong ability to research, analyze, and persuade the public on complex ideas.
• Disciplined self-starter: You have the ability to juggle multiple responsibilities while meeting deadlines. You also have the ability to generate ideas and to deliver work inspired by your own initiative.
• Strong commitment to advancing Demos’ mission: You are passionate about Demos areas of work and are committed to excellence in research and communication as an emerging public intellectual.
• Media exposure: You have some publication credits (essays, blog posts, reviews, or other formats), ideally which advance a compelling progressive narrative of our democracy and/or economy.
• Willingness to learn and collaborate: You have a desire and ability to cooperate and seek guidance alongside experienced Demos staff.
• Commitment to racial equity. You consistently integrate your deep understanding of key racial equity concepts into work projects and interactions. You address the structural implications and disproportionate impacts of policies, activities, and decisions on race, class and other group identities within the context of your job responsibilities and writing.
The strongest candidates will also possess some of the following skills:
• Strong leadership ability
• Public speaking skills
• Facility with multi-disciplinary thinking and capacity for multi-issue research
• Progressive volunteerism experience
• An interest and track record addressing Latino social-political issues in the contemporary United States is an added value. This includes Latino civic involvement, Latinos and the economy (wages, education, housing, wealth), Latino politics, and Latino civil rights (voting rights policy, immigration, etc).
Candidates need to bring a strong commitment to excellence and an ability to work in a fast-paced environment. The position is full-time and based in New York City.
To Apply
How to Apply:
Upload a cover letter, résumé, a 2-3 page statement of your research and writing plans for the fellowship year, and a writing sample by clicking through the following link: http://demos.hiringthing.com. ONLY full and complete applications will be considered. Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis until the position is filled. Incomplete applications will not be considered. No phone calls please. Candidates should be available to start in January 2017, date negotiable.
Dēmos is an Equal Opportunity Employer--people of color, people with disabilities, women, and LGBTQ candidates are strongly encouraged to apply. We are committed to a diverse workplace, and to supporting our staff with ongoing career development opportunities.