Research and Policy Fellow

UMA seeks a Research and Policy Fellow to work with programs and communications staff to analyze public policies, engage and inform partners, and design recommendations that support UMA’s vision. The fellowship is a summer opportunity (with an option to extend) for young, emerging leaders to learn how to analyze and develop public policy recommendations rooted in equitable economic development frameworks. 

Throughout this program, Fellow(s) collaborate with UMA staff, partners, and community stakeholders to analyze innovative solutions to current issues on how the manufacturing sector can drive equitable community development through workforce development, access to capital, land use/real estate, among other topics. Fellows will gain a deeper understanding of the various sub-sectors related to their fields of focus while honing their project management, policy analysis, network building, and development skills.

Specific job responsibilities will vary by department but may include information gathering, analysis, and writing, editing.

Duties and Responsibilities 

• Execute small to large research requests on wide variety of topics
• Synthesize findings of research, including national best practices for different audiences
• Contribute to long-term planning through research, analysis, and synthesis
• Supporting development of our externally facing products, such as reports, memos, and communications campaigns
• Other duties related to research and data to be assigned as needed

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Strong critical thinking, analytical, and writing capabilities
• Ability to manage multiple projects at once and meet deadlines, particularly in a remote environment
• Strong attention to detail
• General understanding and/or passion to learn about equitable economic development policy frameworks, especially those that influence the manufacturing sector
• A get-it-done/all-hands-on-deck attitude
• Capacity to communicate and coordinate with remote stakeholders, using digital tools to track agendas, notes, outcomes, and actions
• Proficient in Google Suite applications

Compensation

This is a part-time, paid experience, approximately 10-20 hours per week at $20-25 per hour.

Education/Experience

A bachelor’s degree (or working towards a bachelor’s degree) in urban planning, public policy, public administration or equivalent is required. Current enrollment in a graduate program is preferred. 

We will prioritize candidates with experience working in a mission-driven organization in a comparable role coordinating groups, partners or cohorts around learning, decision making, or similar collaborative frameworks. 

Familiarity with, comfort navigating, and discussing (and/or a strong desire to learn) DEIB issues is a must. 

This role is open to international students whose University’s Office of International Affairs can issue a CPT (Curricular Practical Training) authorization.