Policy Associate

The America Forward Policy and Advocacy Summer Fellow supports America Forward on special projects for four weeks during the summer across America Forward’s main issue areas. The Policy and Advocacy Summer Fellowship is designed for students entering policy or law graduate programs and seeking a month of first-hand experience contributing to an innovative DC-based nonprofit policy and advocacy organization. Our Fellows are strong researchers and writers, adept at turning ideas into action, committed to collective advocacy, skilled at partnering with high-performing non-governmental organizations, and interested in engaging with federal and state policymakers and philanthropic foundations. Responsibilities of our 2026 Policy and Advocacy Summer Fellow are listed below. POSITION RESPONSIBILITIES Provide writing support on a number of short publications focused on youth mental health and workforce development policy innovations Provide research support on issues relating to nonprofits’ lobbying and tax status Assist in the preparation of current grant reports and/or proposals Assist in the development and preparation of Fall 2026 Advocacy Institute training sessions Assist the Executive Director on special projects as needed CANDIDATE QUALIFICATIONS At least 2 years of professional experience in law, policy, or government relations Experience working with nonprofits organizations and/or philanthropies Interest in attending a policy or law graduate program Interest in pursuing an advocacy career focused on any of the following issue areas: early learning, K-12 education, youth mental health & wellbeing, national service, civic participation, workforce development, economic mobility Experience working for a federal or state policymaker and/or a federal or state agency Proven track record managing complex projects with multiple stakeholders Ability to work collaboratively with a senior policy team, take initiative, and work independently Outstanding written communication skills: ability to synthesize complex information and ideas into clear, concise, and compelling written materials Superior verbal communication skills: ability to craft messages that resonate with multiple audiences Strong attention to detail and a willingness to coordinate logistics Passion for America Forward’s mission, social innovation, public policy, and advocacy BENEFITS This position will be eligible for health leave at a rate of 3.33 hours per pay period. HIRING STATEMENT America Forward is a project of New Venture Fund (NVF), a 501(c)(3) public charity that incubates new and innovative public-interest projects and grant-making programs. NVF is committed to attracting, developing and retaining exceptional people, and to creating a work environment that is dynamic, rewarding and enables each of us to realize our potential. NVF’s work environment is safe and open to all employees and partners, respecting the full spectrum of race, color, religious creed, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, political affiliation, ancestry, age, disability, genetic information, veteran status, and all other classifications protected by law in the locality and/or state in which you are working. E-VERIFY NVF participates in E-Verify and will provide the federal government with employees’ Form I-9 information to confirm authorization to work in the United States. Job candidates and employees authorized to work may not be discriminated against on the basis ofnational origin or citizenship status. #J-18808-Ljbffr