The Data Foundation is a non-profit organization based in Washington, D.C. that champions the use of open data and evidence-informed public policy to make society better for everyone. As a nonpartisan think tank, we conduct research, collaborative thought leadership, and advocacy programs that advance practical policies for the creation and use of accessible, trustworthy data. Our activities proactively address emerging data-related needs in the country with the goal of devising realistic solutions, accelerating policy coordination, and advancing innovation. The Data Foundation is recognized by Candid Guidestar with the Platinum Seal of Transparency and received 4-Stars from Charity Navigator. (LEI: 254900I43CTC59RFW495)

The Data Foundation has four core values that guide our work:

• Transparency: We rely on facts and transparency to generate trust and credibility
• Pragmatic action: We promote practical, timely solutions to data-related challenges -- our ethos is "See a problem, fix a problem"
• Radical collaboration: We enthusiastically pursue opportunities to foster non-traditional collaboration with people and groups that hold divergent beliefs and points of view to jointly identify and solve problems
• Diversity, equity, and inclusion: We seek to embrace and include diversity in all of its forms in our work, and our belief is that through the use of data and research, more equitable opportunities and outcomes will be achieved.

POSITION OVERVIEW

The Data Foundation's Graduate Fellow program engages early-career professionals and advanced degree candidates who contribute to specific research or policy projects. Graduate Fellows bring fresh perspectives and specialized expertise to support the organization's mission while developing their own expertise in data policy and evidence-based policymaking. This fellowship provides a pathway for promising talent to engage with meaningful work in data and evidence policy.

Graduate Fellows are situated within one of the Data Foundation’s programmatic areas: data policy, evidence capacity, climate data collaborative, or special projects. The specific program area will be determined based on the Fellow's background, interests, and organizational needs. Fellows work closely with program directors and senior staff to support ongoing initiatives and contribute to thought leadership in their assigned area.

This part-time fellowship position may be based in Washington, DC or remote in the United States, with expectations for an Eastern Time Zone work schedule in consultation with the Fellow's supervisor. The fellowship runs from September 2025 through December 2025, with an expectation of approximately 20 hours per week on average. The Data Foundation is an equal opportunity employer.

ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Conduct research and analysis on data policy and evidence-based policymaking topics within assigned program area
• Support project execution and contribute to policy recommendations and strategic insights
• Draft research summaries, policy briefs, blog posts, fact sheets, and other written materials that address timely issues of relevance to the Data Foundation and key stakeholders
• Assist with stakeholder engagement and consultation activities
• Contribute to white papers, articles, and the development of policy options on issues related to data and evidence use
• Support events sponsored by the Data Foundation to provide accessible dialogue about relevant concepts and issues
• Participate in collaborative projects with Data Foundation staff and fellows
• Contribute to organizational efforts to identify emerging needs, priorities, and opportunities in assigned portfolio

QUALIFICATIONS AND COMPETENCIES

• Current or recent graduate student pursuing a Ph.D. or Master's degree in relevant fields, including but not limited to public policy, data science, public health, public administration, climate and environment, economics, statistics, evaluation, policy analysis, or related disciplines
• Demonstrated interest in the Data Foundation's mission and core issue areas
• Ability to communicate clearly and effectively, particularly through written materials and in presentations to a variety of audiences
• Strong research and analytical skills with demonstrated fluency in research methods
• Knowledge of or interest in data policy, evidence-informed policymaking, program evaluation and evaluation policy, climate mitigation and environmental policy, food insecurity policy, transparency, or related areas
• Ability to work effectively on multiple projects in both collaborative and independent situations
• Self-motivated, creative, and organized with ability to meet deadlines
• Support for the core values of the Data Foundation

REQUIRED EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

• Current enrollment in or recent completion of a graduate degree program. Academic coursework or research experience in policy, research, or analysis is preferred.

LOCATION

Either:  Washington DC, Hybrid Work Arrangement (in-office and remote); or Fully-remote in the United States

FELLOWSHIP AND WORK STUDY APPLICATION PROCESS

The Data Foundation offers a $5,000 stipend for this four-month fellowship, with an expectation of approximately 20 hours per week on average. Fellows receive access to Data Foundation resources, professional development opportunities, recognition on the organization's website, and a 1-year Data Coalition individual membership.

Individuals interested in this fellowship should submit a (1) self-written cover letter explaining your interest in the Data Foundation's mission and relevant experience, (2) resume or CV, and (3) self-produced writing sample (3-5 pages) demonstrating research and communication skills (writing samples must not be written by generative AI). Applications must be submitted using the online portal on this page. Applications will be considered on a rolling basis, with initial reviews beginning August 11, 2025. 

This role is open to graduate students with federal and state work study qualifications AND graduate students without work study qualifications. If work-study qualified, please mention at the top of your letter of interest.

Multiple fellowship offers may be made from this posting.