Program Assistant Fellowship 2026-2027

FCNL•Washington, DC

55d•$25•Hybrid

About The Position

For more than five decades, FCNL has invested in young leaders who are passionate about advancing change. Through the Program Assistant Fellowship, participants work as full-time staff members of FCNL from September 2026 through July 2027 and collaborate with experienced advocates to build expertise in lobbying and advocacy from a public interest perspective. Fellows work under the title “Program Assistant” and work directly with FCNL staff, gaining first-hand knowledge of the legislative process and the organizing and communications work that is necessary for policy change. The mission of this program is to provide young adults with an opportunity to start their careers in Washington, D.C., and in the world of policymaking/advocacy. This might mean that a young adult is beginning their professional journey with us, or it might mean that a young adult has experience in other areas and comes to us with a desire to learn new skills. We will seek candidates who have shown a marked interest in pursuing FCNL core values through their work/studies (war-free world, Earth restored, equitable and just society, individual potential fulfilled). We will also seek candidates from ethnically, religiously, and racially diverse backgrounds. This program will provide professional development opportunities for its participants, a deeper understanding of faith-based advocacy, and hopefully a connection to our Quaker roots/values. This program will also seek to develop a cohort of Program Assistants, facilitating opportunities to build community between participants.

Requirements

An 11-month commitment is expected – candidates must be eligible to work in the U.S. without sponsorship from September 2026 – July 2027.
Demonstrated research, analytical, and writing skills.
Strong interest in a career in lobbying, public policy, or advocacy.
Highly motivated and proven ability to manage numerous tasks and deadlines.
Readiness to take initiative and responsibility.
Comfortable working in an office environment that reflects the Quaker testimonies of peace, equality, simplicity, and truth, and working within the Quaker, nonpartisan process of FCNL.
Commitment to involving, promoting, and respecting participants from various backgrounds and perspectives.
Available to live within commuting distance to Washington, DC for the entirety of the Program Assistant Fellowship.
Commit to attending the entirety of the Fellowship, ending July 2027.
Engage with Quaker spaces, which includes visiting at least one Quaker Meeting to connect with our faith-based network and become familiar with Quaker practices.
Available for in-person support at Annual Meeting/QPPI conference November 12-14, 2026 and Friends Changemaker Weekend conference in March 2027.

Nice To Haves

1-2 years of relevant experience in public policy analysis, political and social action, peace and justice education, community organizing, volunteer community service, or lobbying.
Proficiency with Quorum, or similar experience, is a plus.
Familiarity with congressional procedures.
Collaborative and consultative approach to preventing and solving problems.
Very well-organized, detail-oriented, thorough, and responsive.
Strong organizational, problem-solving, and analytical skills. Able to timely manage priorities, projects, and workflow.

Responsibilities

Advocacy: Support an assigned portfolio to lobby Congress and build grassroots campaigns to encourage constituents and members of Congress to take action by providing them with information on critical issues.
Outreach: Help build democracy by organizing campaigns and workshops that empower people around the country to engage with elected officials in Washington.
Communication: Draft action alerts, letters, and background reports to keep constituents informed and to express FCNL’s position to Congress and the administration.
Research: Attend congressional committee hearings and coalition meetings and analyze documents and reports.
Connect Faith and Action: Live your values by advocating for issues of peace and justice.
Hospitality: Program Assistants take weekly shifts at the front desk to ensure a proper welcome to all office guests and to receive any phone calls from constituents.