Policy Start Fellowship

About the Fellowship: 

The Massachusetts Taxpayers Foundation (MTF), in partnership with the Association of Independent Colleges and Universities of Massachusetts (AICU Mass) and its member schools, is offering a 14-month Policy Start Fellowship (PSF) for graduates from communities that have been historically underrepresented in state policy research work.

The PSF is available to recent graduates from AICU Mass member undergraduate and graduate programs from communities historically underrepresented in policy work in Massachusetts. 

The PSF will provide educational and professional benefits by providing real-world exposure to policy-making, professional experience as a policy researcher, and mentoring and networking to get the Fellow started on a career in policy. The Fellow will have the opportunity to participate in The Parntership, Inc.’s early career Associates program, which helps professionals build their careers and leadership capabilities.

Job description: 

The Fellow will conduct independent research and assist Senior Researchers on more extensive projects. The Fellow will be assigned policy work related to analyzing, assessing, and making recommendations to improve the use of public resources to advance equitable and sustainable economic opportunity around the Commonwealth. This work will also include research to track demographic and economic trends that affect equitable economic opportunity. The Fellow will author, contribute to MTF publications, and present to MTF members and larger policy audiences. 

As part of the PSF, the Fellow will have the opportunity for networking and mentoring opportunities provided through MTF and AICU Mass. These opportunities will help the Fellow to successfully embark on a policy or related career at the end of the PSF. 

Responsibilities: 

• Conducting research in assigned public policy issues areas; 

• Drafting MTF policy bulletins and research papers for publication; 

• Tracking relevant local, state, and federal fiscal and policy action; 

• Providing MTF members, policymakers, and stakeholders with updates, summaries, and analyses of topic-specific policy developments; 

• Presenting research and analysis to a variety of audiences; 

• Representing MTF at meetings, policy working groups, and discussions with public officials; 

• Assisting with communications, outreach, and engagement for MTF publications and events; and 

• Other duties as assigned.

Skills and Experience: 

MTF values diversity in background and experiences and seeks candidates from communities historically underrepresented in state policy research work committed to MTF’s mission to promote equitable and sustainable economic growth across the Commonwealth. 

The PSF is open to applicants who (a) have recently completed undergraduate or graduate coursework at an AICU Mass member institution or expect to complete such coursework as of the inception of the Fellowship; (b) have extensive lived experience in communities that have been historically underrepresented in state policy research work; and (c) have a strong mix of the following qualifications: 

• Educational experience conducting and presenting on public policy research; 

• Interest in pursuing a career related to public policy; 

• Strong written and oral communication skills; 

• Capacity to multi-task, work independently, take initiative and meet deadlines; 

• Commitment to working collaboratively in a small-team environment; and 

• A post-secondary degree.

Salary and benefits: 

The Fellowship is full-time for a period of 14 months. Compensation will be between $60,000 and $70,000. MTF provides benefits, including health insurance, paid leave, and a 401(k) retirement plan. 

Work Arrangements: 

Start Date: September 2024. This is a hybrid position with in-person work two days a week. 

Application/Interview Details: Interested applicants should apply by submitting a resume to Pablo Suarez at PSuarez@masstaxpayers.org. 

About MTF: 

MTF is a non-partisan, non-profit research organization widely recognized as the Commonwealth’s premier public policy research organization. MTF provides public and private decision-makers with unbiased and timely research and constructive solutions that drive public policy, strengthen the state and local finances, and position the Commonwealth for equitable and sustainable growth.