Transportation Fellow

ORGANIZATION SUMMARY

Founded in 1976, the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation (CBCF) is a non-profit organization focused on eliminating disparities within the global black community by developing leaders, informing policy and educating the public. Our primary focus areas are Education, Public Health, Economic Empowerment and the Environment. Applicants may visit the web site at www.cbcfinc.org, to view more information on CBCF programs and initiatives.

POSITION SUMMARY

Reporting to the Vice President, Center for Policy Analysis and Research, the State Farm Transportation Fellow will study under the Center for Policy Analysis and Research (CPAR) as part of a 12-month fellowship program. CPAR is responsible for new and existing research and policy analysis and initiatives of the CBCF, and the dissemination of information thereof in CBCF’s core focus areas of Education, Public Health, Economic Empowerment and the Environment. Additionally, conducts grant writing, while engaging with stakeholders and/or partnering with like-minded organizations in cohesion with other CBCF departments.

The Transportation Fellow will be responsible for the production of policy analysis and research as it relates to transportation, sustainability, and equity. The fellow will analyze best practices and policy solutions for the promotion of integrated and comprehensive efforts with maximum impact in black communities and be responsible for policy analysis, research, data collection and the dissemination of research findings and relevant information to inform CBCF partners, stakeholders and the general public. The fellow will develop a rapport with key leaders in transportation; lead ALC’s transportation equity issue forums, attend briefings, conferences and seminars; and produce issue briefs, fact sheets and other publications.

WORKING RELATIONSHIPS

A.    Reports to: Vice President, Center for Policy Analysis and Research

B.    Directly Supervises: N/A

C.    Indirectly Supervises: N/A

D.    Type of Supervision Received:  Direct to minimal

E.    Internal Relationships: Maintains close coordination with CBCF departments including External Affairs and Communications and Marketing to facilitate timely production of publications, policy events, and programming in the area of environmental sustainability.

F.     External Relationships: Interact with Members of Congress and their staff as well as other elected officials, donors and supporters, executives and key staff of stakeholder organizations with whom CBCF partners, and other stakeholders as defined by CBCF priorities.

SPECIFIC RESPONSIBILITIES

Essential Functions

• Conduct research and analysis in transportation as it relates to the intersectional analysis in economic opportunity, public health, education, and environmental sustainability to advance policy initiatives of interest to CBCF.
• Research, analyze, and stay abreast of economic, public policy and social issues as it relates to the State Farm fellowship to facilitate reports and information gathering and dissemination.
• Produce white papers, policy briefs and recommendations, fact sheets, and other documents in a timely manner for distribution.
• Synthesize information in a variety of formats for different audiences.
• Present research findings to internal and external stakeholders and serve a representative or spokesperson on panels and events as necessary.
• Organize policy forums and events with CBCF partners, stakeholders and other like-minded organizations in the areas of economic opportunity, transportation policy, and environmental sustainability.
• Collaborate with existing and new partners and sponsors on policy related research and event content.
• Develop and maintain database of critical audiences in policy areas of focus.
• Responsible for other duties and projects as assigned.
• Manipulate and analyze datasets in Microsoft excel or one or more statistical analysis software packages, e.g. SPSS, STATA, SAS.
• Conduct quantitative research and analyze policies using qualitative research and data analysis software.
• Write reports, briefs and fact sheets on research studies.
• Produce varying deliverables within specified project guidelines and timelines
• Assemble and succinctly present information, conclusions, and recommendations.

Required Special Skills:

• Excellent quantitative research and policy analysis skills; experience with qualitative research and data analysis software a plus.
• Strong working knowledge and demonstrated sufficient experience with SPSS or similar equivalent and Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint; and knowledge of Microsoft Access a plus.
• Transferable analytical and statistical skills in policy areas outside of expertise.
• Effective communication of CPAR deliverables as it relates to the State Farm fellowship to a variety of constituents and stakeholders across a variety of mediums (internal and external).
• Comprehensive knowledge of public policy, political environment, federal government, and legislative and regulatory process.
• Professional public image with excellent oral and written communication skills.
• Proven project management skills and experience in designing, managing, and delivering high quality projects on time.

SPECIFICATIONS:

A.    Knowledge: Ph.D. or advanced degree in public policy, engineering, environmental science, economics, urban planning, political science, education, or other relevant advanced degree. At least four years of post-graduate, professional experience conducting research and/or policy analysis in the areas of transportation policy and/or poverty alleviation, housing, environmental science, or economic opportunity for a social policy research organization, academic institution, or governmental agency or office.

B.    Skills and Abilities: Highly intelligent, self-motivated, and methodologically sound in quantitative and qualitative research and analysis. Maturity, excellent judgment and a passion for CBCF’s mission are essential. Experience assembling and succinctly presenting information, conclusions, and recommendations is required. Ability to effectively work independently and as part of a cohesive team is necessary. Exceptional written and oral communication skills; and effective time management with the ability to prioritize and manage multiple projects simultaneously in a professional and conscientious manner. Planning and organizational skills with attention to details mandatory. Ability to proofread and edit is required.

C.    Physical Requirements: Applicant must be confident and reliable with the ability to work well in a fast-paced environment with strict deadlines. Must be able to manage simultaneous priorities. The ability to effectively and efficiently produce in periods of heavy workloads is an essential function of this position. Must be able to work some evenings, weekends based on the project/event.

Please include the following with your application:

• Cover Letter 
• A 3-5 page writing sample that showcase ability to think critically and analyze complex information. Examples: Policy memo, white paper, issue brief.
• Essay Response: You are working in the office of a congressional member as a transportation equity subject matter expert. Draft a memo to your congressional member discussing a policy issue that you deem most critical to the advancement of the Black community, and why your representative should prioritize the policy issue on his/her agenda, and how s/he can create awareness on the issue. Be sure to cite your sources. [1,000 word maximum]

Fellowship Duration is 12 months.