Posted On: June 28, 2018

Fellowship

Media Organization: Dēmos

Company Description

Dēmos 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. Dēmos centers, mainstreams, and moves powerful content to build progressive governing power. 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, Dēmos is advocating not just for people, but for the very idea of the people—of one nation, united by a shared fate.

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.

Job Description

The Emerging Voice Fellow gives voice to strong progressive values within the areas of voting rights, including advancing the National Voter Registration Act, Same Day Registration, Automatic Voter Registration; increasing access to the ballot for people with limited English proficiency and restoring voting rights to people convicted of felonies; and fighting against all forms of voter suppression, in particular through voter purging. The overall focus of our work in this area is to remove structural barriers to robust, inclusive democratic participation so that the New American Dēmos—people of color, single women, and working people of all races—has full participation and meaningful representation in government.

This fellowship is dedicated to developing emerging writers and thinkers with an interest in pursuing reporting or providing commentary on voting rights and access to the ballot box. The fellowship aims to help an individual enter important public debates as a dynamic progressive voice.

As part of Dēmos’ 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 and deep integration within a professional communications platform, which includes the Dēmos blog as well as our print, social and broadcast media activity. The Fellow will be embedded within Dēmos’ Communications Team.

Candidates should be first and foremost strong writers, with backgrounds in investigative journalism, criticism, feature writing, and/or policy analysis. 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 in effecting change in under-represented communities, and with diverse backgrounds, are especially encouraged to apply.

Responsibilities include but are not limited to:

• Write 4-6 articles a month (500-1,200 words each) on the cutting-edge voting rights issues of the day, featuring intelligent journalistic insight, the highest integrity, high-quality writing, and careful research.
• Produce 4-6 in-depth, long form stories over the course of the year on important voting rights issues. This may require on-the-ground reporting.
• Stay on the pulse of local and national voting rights news around the country to discover, research, and lift up compelling voting rights stories.
• Create compelling frames for articles on voting issues.
• Develop a commentary agenda in consultation with Dēmos staff.

The successful candidate must have the following skills and qualities:

• Excellent written and verbal communications skills: You are an exceptional 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.
• Some experience as a published writer: You have some publication credits (essays, blog posts, reviews, or other formats) that, ideally, advance a compelling progressive narrative of our democracy and/or economy.
• Willingness to learn and collaborate: You are interested in exploring Dēmos’ issue areas, particularly voting rights and have the ability to work alongside experienced Dēmos 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
• Media exposure
• Facility with multi-disciplinary thinking and capacity for multi-issue research
• Experience working or volunteering in progressive causes
• A track record in addressing voting rights through the lens of marginalized communities is an added value. This includes civic engagement of people of color, women, low-income white communities, and young people.

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 or Washington, DC.

To Apply

Upload a cover letter, résumé, a 2-3-page statement of your writing plans for the fellowship year, and two writing samples by clicking through the following link: http://demos.hiringthing.com.

Note that 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 on or around August 1, 2018 (date negotiable).