Criminal Justice Policy Graduate Fellow (Innovation Lab)

About Future Caucus:

Future Caucus has an audacious mission: activate young leaders to bridge the partisan divide and build a more functional democracy. Future Caucus is a national, nonpartisan organization dedicated to supporting the next generation of elected leaders. We provide the resources, networking, and capacity-building opportunities for these policymakers to forge productive partnerships on critical national issues. 

In 2013, Future Caucus organized the nation’s first and only caucus for young members of Congress, the Congressional Future Caucus, to build coalitions on future-oriented challenges. Future Caucus also scaled this model into more than 33 state legislatures, each with a Future Caucus consisting of young, high-potential legislators, and now engages more than 1,800 young legislators nationwide. Learn more at www.futurecaucus.org.  

Job Title: Criminal Justice Reform Graduate Fellow (Innovation Lab)

Reports To: Director, Innovation Lab

Term/Duration: 12 months between January 1, 2025 and December 31, 2025

• The Fellowship requires a commitment of up to 20 hour/week
• Fellows will receive a professional training stipend of $1000/month. (As a public service and professional development opportunity, a Graduate Fellowship is not an offer of employment and Fellows are not eligible for employee benefits).
• Limited travel may be required as a part of our Innovation Lab field trips with lawmakers

Role Overview:

We seek a highly motivated and dynamic graduate student to serve as a Criminal Justice Reform Graduate Fellow - Innovation Lab. In this role, you will manage and enhance the Criminal Justice Reform pillar of our Innovation Lab. You will work closely with lawmaker fellows, experts, and stakeholders to facilitate discussions and drive collaborative initiatives within the program. This position offers a unique opportunity to contribute to policy innovation and leadership development while gaining valuable experience in policy management and legislator relations.

Responsibilities will include:

Pillar Management & Lawmaker Support:

• Develop a deep understanding of policy issues within the Criminal Justice Reform pillar, including policy challenges and emerging trends.
• Collaborate with lawmakers, mentors, and experts to identify innovative policy solutions and facilitate monthly meetings.
• Coordinate and oversee webinars, workshops, and events focused on policy innovation, ensuring engaging content and meaningful discussions.
• Provide individual support and mentorship to lawmakers participating in our Innovation Fellowship, guiding them in their project development and policy research.
• Assist lawmakers in connecting with relevant experts, resources, and organizations to enhance the impact of their initiatives.

Research and Policy Analysis:

Stay updated on the latest trends, research, and best practices related to innovative policy development.

Conduct policy analysis, white paper reviews, and case studies to inform lawmakers’ projects.  

Requirements

• Currently enrolled in a graduate program with a focus on public policy and innovation in Criminal Justice Reform. 
• Strong interest in state-level policy, particularly Criminal Justice Reform policy
• Exceptional communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to engage effectively elected officials and other diverse stakeholders.
• Proactive, self-motivated, and capable of working independently and collaboratively within a team.

Benefits

• Flexible schedule accommodating academic commitments.
• Hands-on experience in program management, policy development, and stakeholder engagement.
• Opportunity to contribute to innovative solutions addressing real-world challenges.
• Networking opportunities with policymakers, experts, and industry professionals.

The priority deadline for applications is Monday, Nov. 18, 2024.