Free Thought Congressional Fellowship

Program Overview:

The Free Thought Congressional Fellowship is an opportunity for mid-career professionals to deepen their understanding of public policy by participating directly in the legislative process.

The Fellow will be placed in a Congressional office and serve as an integral part of the team full-time, for a one-year program, beginning Fall 2025.

Responsibilities:

• Conducting research and analyses of policy related to religious freedom, civil rights, secular democracy, judiciary issues, congressional oversight, and other issues related to protecting the secular character of our government.

• Tracking and analyzing ongoing legislative, regulatory, and policy activities across the federal government related to the aforementioned portfolio.

• Developing legislative initiatives; drafting bills, amendments, and letters; working with other legislative and communications staff to advance those policies; monitoring legislative developments in Congress and the Administration; and making vote recommendations.

• Preparing and staffing the Member in committee hearings, markups, meetings and events; drafting briefing materials and talking points for the Member; and meeting with constituents and advocacy groups.

• Drafting letters, op-eds, statements, social media, and other strategic communications.

• Strategizing, planning, and executing ideas for the advancement of Caucus priorities; coordinating Caucus meetings and events; and liaising with Freethought Member offices, advocates, and other stakeholders. 

• Assisting in proactive and defensive legislative strategies.

Qualifications:

• Public policy professional with experience in policy, law, legislation, nonprofits or issue advocacy work.
• Strong record of academic and professional achievement.
• A self-starter who can work independently and take initiative on projects.
• Excellent time management skills and ability to adapt in a fast-paced environment.
• Strong research, writing and analytical skills.
• Ability to communicate complex ideas clearly, simply and convincingly.
• Prior experience managing stakeholder or coalition relationships preferred.
• Prior exposure to Capitol Hill or another government agency preferred.
• Solid understanding of Congress or the Administration, including prior policy portfolio preferred. Individuals should be knowledgeable of current policy issues, and have a thorough understanding of the legislative process.
• A demonstrated commitment to protecting the secular character of our government.
• Authorization to work in the U.S. without sponsorship.

Compensation: 

Fellows are compensated $85,000–$95,000 to cover living expenses for one year, commensurate with experience. Candidates not based in the Washington, DC metropolitan area must be willing to relocate at their own expense and are responsible for obtaining health insurance.

By the end of the Fellowship, Fellows will establish a professional network on Capitol Hill, understand how Congress operates, and acquire skills and expertise that make them marketable to congressional offices, federal agencies, nonprofits, and other employers.

About the Free Thought Fellowship Foundation

The Free Thought Fellowship Foundation (FFF) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization working to invest in the next generation of public servants and leaders who are committed to protecting the secular character of our government and securing freedom of thought, conscience and religion for all. We believe that every American deserves the right to live as themselves and believe as they choose.

We are working towards a future in which: our rights and liberties are protected by the constitutional separation of church and state; our nation’s laws and policies are rooted in reason, evidence, and compassion; our government reflects the full spectrum of our country’s religious and nonreligious perspectives; and where science and expertise are upheld as essential tools for progress, public policy and general prosperity.

To help build this future, the Free Thought Fellowship aims to equip public servants and professionals with the skills, network, and experience they need to advance effective public policy, resist religious nationalism and authoritarianism in all forms, uphold our secular constitution, and strengthen our democracy.

To apply, complete the application form on our website here: https://www.freethoughtfellows.org/fellowship-application-page

The Free Thought Fellowship Foundation welcomes all applicants and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, age, gender identity or sexual orientation.