Open New York Fellowship

About the Organization

Open New York (ONY) is a grassroots, non-profit organization advocating for abundant homes and lower rent. With a rapidly growing staff and hundreds of active volunteer members across the State of New York, ONY seeks to implement local and statewide policy changes that expand housing options for all New Yorkers. From Rochester to the Rockaways, ONY is organizing to pass innovative and necessary legislation to finally dig New York out of its decades-long housing shortage.

Fellowship Overview

Open New York will hire three Fellows for this fellowship cycle, each focused on a core functional area: Communications, Policy, and Development. Fellows will work closely with their respective team while also gaining exposure to the organization’s broader strategy and operations.

Each fellowship is designed to provide hands-on experience, meaningful responsibility, and mentorship, while supporting the organization’s mission and advancing key priorities. Fellows will build practical skills, deepen their understanding of nonprofit and advocacy work, and contribute to real projects that have tangible impact.

Location: New York City. We operate as a hybrid team, with three days per week in our office in Tribeca
Duration: February 9, 2026 - May 22, 2026
Time Commitment: Part-time, 10-20 hours per week

The deadline for submitting applications to the Fellowship is January 16, 2026.

Key Responsibilities

All Fellows Will

• Support core projects and day-to-day work within their functional area
• Collaborate with staff and partners across the organization
• Participate in team meetings, trainings, and professional development activities
• Contribute ideas, research, and execution support aligned with organizational goals

Communications Fellow

• Create, edit, and publish videos in support of organizational priorities
• Interview tenants, organizers, and community members to produce stories that highlight the real-life impacts of housing policy
• Film at events, hearings, and actions to capture video clips, soundbites, and moments for use across platforms
• Clip and edit video from hearings, meetings, and public events for timely and evergreen content
• Help build and maintain a reusable video archive of clips, quotes, and stories
• Assist with designing graphics, carousels, and explainers using Canva or similar tools
• Monitor trending news, housing stories, and urbanism content to identify opportunities for rapid-response communications
• Support content planning by maintaining editorial calendars, tracking performance, and brainstorming new content ideas

Policy Fellow

• Support ongoing research by compiling, reviewing, and summarizing housing and zoning laws from jurisdictions across the country
• Track legislation, regulations, and policy developments in the New York State Legislature and other relevant policy venues
• Draft clear and accessible policy memos, briefs, and background materials for internal and external stakeholders
• Compile data and research to support the organization’s endorsement and decision-making processes
• Support coalition work, lobbying meetings, and the preparation of testimony or other advocacy materials

Development Fellow

• Support grant writing efforts, including researching funding opportunities (through the use of Kindsight’s Iwave) and assisting with proposal development
• Draft and edit grant narrative components, budgets, and supporting materials in collaboration with staff
• Collaborate on the development and implementation of solicitation and stewardship strategies for individual and institutional donors based on key donor research
• Compile organizational information, program descriptions, and impact data for use in grant applications and reports
• Track grant deadlines, submissions, and reporting requirements
• Support CRM data management, analytics, and reporting as needed.

Learning & Professional Development

Fellows Can Expect

• Regular mentorship and supervision from experienced staff
• Exposure to organizational strategy and decision-making
• Skill-building in areas such as project management, communications, and analysis
• Opportunities to reflect on learning goals and receive feedback

Qualifications

All Fellowship Positions

• Interest in communications, policy, or development
• Currently enrolled in or recently graduated from an undergraduate or graduate program
• Strong written and verbal communication skills
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail
• Ability to manage multiple tasks, meet deadlines, and work independently
• Willingness to learn, take initiative, and receive feedback
• Relevant coursework, lived experience, or prior internship, fellowship, or volunteer experience

Preferred Qualifications by Fellowship Position

Communications Fellow

• Experience creating short-form video (personal, academic, or professional)
• Interest in housing supply issues, zoning, or housing policy debates
• Comfortable interviewing people and filming in the field
• Organized, self-directed, and able to identify what makes compelling content
• Familiarity with Cavana or similar tools
• Comfort being on camera and simplifying complex topics is a plus

Policy Fellow

• Coursework or experience related to public policy, housing, planning, law, or a related field
• Experience with qualitative or quantitative research, policy analysis, or legislative tracking

Development Fellow

• Interest in the practical intersection of policy and funding, especially as it applies to housing
• Strong writing skills and comfort with research
• Experience with academic, political, or policy research
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively depending on the task
• Prior exposure to grantwriting, fundraising, development work, or advocacy
• Experience with Salesforce or other CRMs preferred, but not required

Compensation & Benefits

• $20-$30 per hour, depending on experience
• Transit reimbursement for days in office

Commitment to Equity

Open New York is committed to a diverse workforce, and we seek diversity among applicants for this position. People of color, women, LGBTQIA+, people with disabilities, and veterans are encouraged to apply. Open New York is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer.