Posted On: August 19, 2013
Media-Related Job
Media Organization: Demos
Company Description
Founded in 2000 and headquartered in New York City with offices in Washington, DC and Boston, 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. We move 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, such as landmark credit card reforms and nearly 2 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 aim of the Emerging Voices Fellowship is to diversify the pipeline of public intellectuals and policy journalists in American political debate. As part of our Emerging Voices Initiative, the fellowship provides one year of financial support, intellectual mentorship, media training, and deep integration with a professional communications platform which includes the Demos blog, PolicyShop, and our print, social and broadcast media activity.
The Emerging Voices Fellow will give 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, limiting corporate and financial sector power, and advancing racial equity.
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. This fellowship is dedicated to developing junior writers and thinkers, particularly those of color, in order to help them enter important public debates with a strong progressive voice.
Responsibilities include but are not limited to:
• Contributing regularly (2-4 posts a week) to Demos’ PolicyShop blog.
• Researching and writing commentary for media outlets on regular basis, and representing Demos in the media.
• Participating in the organization’s program work alongside Demos programmatic staff, as mutually agreed.
• Contributing to organization’s public events.
The successful candidate will have the following skills and qualities:
• Excellent written and verbal communications skills, demonstrating a strong ability to research, analyze, and persuade the public on complex ideas.
• Disciplined self-starter. Ability to juggle multiple responsibilities while meeting deadlines. But must also have ability to generate ideas and to deliver work inspired by own initiative.
• Strong commitment to advancing Demos’ mission and to excellence in research and communication as an emerging public intellectual.
• A track record producing essays, blog posts, reviews, and other research.
• An active presence and following on social media is a plus.
We are more interested in these qualities than in any particular amount of experience. However, strong leadership qualities, public speaking skills, facility with transdisciplinary and multi-issue thinking, and progressive volunteerism experience are a distinct plus. 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.
Salary and Benefits:
The annual salary for this Fellowship is $35,000. We have a generous benefits package, including health insurance, dental insurance, vision insurance, 20 vacation days per year, and the opportunity to contribute to a retirement plan.
To Apply
Send a CV, 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 Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis until the position is filled. No phone calls please. Candidates should be available to start on October 1, 2013.
Dēmos is an Equal Opportunity Employer--people of color, people with disabilities, women, and LGBT candidates are strongly encouraged to apply; we are committed to a diverse workplace, and to supporting our staff with ongoing career development opportunities.