You are viewing a preview of this job. Log in or register to view more details about this job.

University/Department RFP: Academic Fellowship Partnership + Funding

KM Strategies Group (KMSG)
Email

PLEASE NOTE: THIS OPPORTUNITY IS LIMITED TO ACADEMIC INSTITUTIONS, NOT INDIVIDUAL CANDIDATES. INDIVIDUAL STUDENT OR CANDIDATE APPLICATIONS WILL NOT BE CONSIDERED; THERE MUST BE A HOST DEPARTMENT, UNIVERSITY, OR CENTER

 

REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS (RFP)

Academic Fellowship Partnership Opportunity – Fall 2025

Issued by KM Strategies Group (KMSG)

Submission Deadline: Friday, 27 June 2025, 11:59 PM ET

I. About KM Strategies Group

KM Strategies Group (KMSG) is a leading advisory, strategy, social impact, management, and communications consulting firm working with mission-driven organizations around the globe. With clients including the ACLU, New America, NYC Health, The Tow Foundation, and Global Citizen, KMSG brings deep expertise at the intersection of nonprofit strategy, philanthropy, advocacy, and purpose-driven communications. Our work is rooted in a belief that bold ideas—combined with rigorous analysis and compelling storytelling—can advance justice, equity, and systemic change.

KMSG has a proven track record of preparing and positioning early-career professionals for impactful careers in the social sector. Our fellows and interns have gone on to roles at leading nonprofits, foundations, think tanks, and social enterprises—both within our firm, with our clients, and across the broader social impact ecosystem.

II. Purpose of the RFP

KMSG is seeking proposals from accredited colleges and universities—particularly those with established business, communications, marketing, or nonprofit management schools—to partner with us for our Fall 2025 Research Fellowship Program. This partnership aims to offer part-time, hands-on professional experience to two academically distinguished graduate or upper-level undergraduate students with demonstrated interest in social impact consulting, nonprofit strategy, or public interest communications.

III. Fellowship Overview


 

Term: September to December 2025 (approximately 4 months)
Time Commitment: 12–15 hours per week per fellow
Number of Fellows: Up to two (2) students 
Stipend: $2,500 per fellow, paid by the university via grant funding from KMSG
University Support: KMSG will provide up to $5,000 per term ($2,500 per fellow)
Institutional Donation: KMSG will donate an additional $2,500 directly to the university in recognition of its commitment to the fellowship program

Fellows will engage directly in KMSG projects alongside our team of senior strategists, supporting research, strategy development, and field-facing communications for a range of nonprofit and philanthropic clients. They will also receive structured career advisory support from KMSG to help them identify and secure long-term roles in the social impact sector.

IV. University Partnership Requirements

Selected university partners must be able to:

1. Administer Fellow Compensation: Manage disbursement of stipends to students and confirm any necessary compliance or reporting requirements.
2. Promote the Opportunity: Identify and recruit eligible students from relevant programs with a demonstrated commitment to social impact, equity, or nonprofit leadership.
3. Support Experiential Learning:
  - Host up to two (2) one-hour guest lectures on campus from KMSG senior leadership, either as part of an existing class or in a university-wide open forum format. 
  - Provide an additional one-hour open presentation forum (e.g., student showcase, public seminar, or capstone session) for KMSG Fellows to present their work at the end of the term or at the start of the following academic term, depending on the fellow’s graduation timeline.

V. Ideal Partner Profile

We are particularly interested in partnering with programs or schools that:

- Demonstrate high academic rigor and strong student outcomes in fields such as social impact, marketing, communications, consulting, or nonprofit management.
- Have a track record of alumni placement in mission-driven or purpose-centered roles.
- Embrace experiential learning models and integrate practice-based opportunities into their academic offerings.
- Share a deep commitment to justice, equity, and the development of next-generation social impact leaders.

VI. Ideal Fellow Profile

Successful candidates for the KM Strategies Group (KMSG) Research Fellowship will demonstrate a unique blend of intellectual rigor, global curiosity, and a deep commitment to social impact. We seek individuals who are:

  • Academically Accomplished: Currently enrolled in or recently graduated from undergraduate or graduate programs in fields such as public policy, political science, international relations, public health, communications, economics, nonprofit management, or social innovation. 

     
  • Strategic and Analytical Thinkers: Able to synthesize complex information quickly and accurately. Fellows should be comfortable conducting desk research, drafting high-quality deliverables, and identifying insights that support strategy development for social impact organizations.

     
  • Skilled Communicators: Experienced in translating research and strategy into compelling writing and presentations. Fellows should be adept in preparing materials for a range of audiences—whether a philanthropic foundation, government agency, or community-based nonprofit.

     
  • Globally Aware and Equity-Oriented: Bring an understanding of international development, human rights, or equity-centered frameworks. Candidates should demonstrate sensitivity to systemic inequality and a desire to support change that is both strategic and values-aligned.

     
  • Professionally Poised and Project-Ready: Have experience in professional settings that require organization, multitasking, administrative competence, and collaboration with stakeholders from different sectors. Comfort with project management, client communication, facilitation, or event preparation is a plus.

     
  • Digitally Fluent and Multilingual (Preferred but not required): Familiarity with Google Suite and Microsoft Office is expected. Proficiency in Canva is highly desirable. Proficiency in languages beyond English is welcomed, particularly for fellows supporting international work.

This fellowship is ideal for emerging leaders who are passionate about mission-driven consulting and are eager to build a career at the intersection of research, strategy, and communications in the social impact space.

VII. Submission Requirements (Max 6 Pages)

Please submit a single PDF (max 6 pages) that includes:

1. Program Summary (<350 words): Overview of the academic program or department, including focus areas, faculty, and related social impact initiatives.
2. Fellowship Administration (<100 words words): Description of how stipends and the $2,000 institutional donation will be managed.
3. Recruitment & Shortlist Recommendation Plan (<200 words): Explanation of outreach strategy and fellow selection process.
4. Engagement Opportunities (<150 words): Confirmation of willingness to host guest lectures and student presentations, including proposed formats.
5. Primary Contact: Name, title, email, and phone number of the lead contact.

VIII. Timeline

RFP Issued: May 19, 2025
Proposal Deadline: June 27, 2025, 11:59 PM ET
Partner Notifications: By August 1, 2025

University Recruitment and Selection Period: August 1-September 5, 2025

Fellow Section Complete: September 5, 2025
Fellowship Period: September 8 – December 23, 2025

IX. Contact Information

Please submit proposals and direct any questions to: fellowships@kmstrategiesgroup.com