What is the Senior Fellows Program?

The FAS Senior Fellows Program is designed to capitalize on a unique policy window, with talented policy experts, to advance innovative policy priorities that drive positive change. Think of it as dedicated “change the world” time with other smart, mission-driven people.

Why FAS?  

Does FAS sound like an organization that you would be energized to join?  Is it aligned to your values?

The Federation of American Scientists (FAS) takes quite seriously our role as a beacon and voice for the science community.  

FAS has a rich history: after the devastating bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki in 1945, a group of atomic researchers – deeply concerned about the use of science for malice – created an organization committed to using science and technology to benefit humanity.  

The group they created – the Federation of Atomic Scientists – soon became the Federation of American Scientists in recognition of the hundreds of scientists across diverse disciplines who joined together to speak with one voice for the betterment of the world.  

Today, we are a group of entrepreneurial, intrepid changemakers, forging a better future for all through the nexus of science, technology and talent. We value equity, inclusion, and transparency.  As a collective, we are building an organization focused on being impact-driven, customer-focused, and growth-oriented as a force for good in the world.

Skills and Expertise: Must Haves

What skills do you need to show proficiency (or higher) in order to be a strong candidate?

FAS is seeking individuals who are leading lights in their respective fields and have contributed in meaningful ways to shaping policy discourse and implementation. These individuals have demonstrated an ability to set aside pre-existing thinking and harness a solutions-oriented mindset to tackle challenges across science and technology policy. Additional skills that would contribute to a successful fellowship experience include:

• Strong listening, research, synthesis, writing, critical thinking, communication, organizational and collaborative skills.
• Experience building partnerships and collaborating across networks.
• Experience working in an entrepreneurial culture, recruiting people, building partnerships, designing convenings, and collaborating across diverse interest groups
• Ability to coordinate and collaborate with diverse teams.
• Commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion and pursuing it within the mission of FAS
• Willingness to learn, give, seek and implement feedback.

To Sum It Up…

What’s the “elevator pitch” for the role?

FAS created the Senior Fellows Program to platform incredible talent. FAS seeks individuals with a track record of policy engagement willing to harness an entrepreneurial mindset and join our FAS team.  We know that top talent is at the core of shaping and driving policy change. This is perhaps the most evident during the transition of Administrations and Congressional representation. With every federal election cycle the priorities, people, and policies shift in new and significant ways. This election cycle is no different.  With those changes come an opportunity to reflect on what has been accomplished, review wins, losses and opportunities, and reevaluate where policy change remains possible.

As FAS continues to tackle rapidly-developing and cross-cutting issues across science and technology policy with fresh and innovative solutions, we are seeking individuals with a track record of driving impact on issues aligned with FAS priorities and who are willing to harness an entrepreneurial mindset to continue to advance those priorities in partnership with FAS. 

We are curating a cohort of 3-5 FAS Senior Fellows to help us make this aspiration a reality. Senior Fellows would craft an ambitious and actionable scope of work which they would hone in partnership with the FAS team, and execute through a variety of activities, including but not limited to:

• Thought Leadership: Serve as an expert voice and resource for FAS on key issue areas as well as new domains of work it is seeking to expand into. Be available to participate in external events on behalf of FAS such as workshops and roundtables, as well as FAS-hosted or sponsored webinars and panels. 
• Convening Power: Propose and execute gatherings on priority areas which include key policy stakeholders who can assess the current status, future opportunities and/or areas for which harm mitigation will be required across the policy landscape.
• Community Engagement and Network-Building: Help cultivate relationships and broker partnerships between FAS and key research, policy, and advocacy communities. Collaborate with others in the Senior Fellows cohort to identify complementary areas of inquiry and opportunities for engagement.
• Mentorship: Serve as a mentor providing subject matter expertise and guidance for FAS staff, participants in FAS policy accelerators and workshops. Engage with FAS staff to advise, develop, or expand current offerings and propose ideas for growth.
• Publications & Social Engagement: Contribute short-form blog posts and op-eds, as well as long-form analysis and memos for publication on the FAS website. Partner with FAS staff to optimally position Senior Fellows’ activities in social media contexts.

Individuals affiliated with FAS as Senior Fellows receive the following benefits:

• Participate in a monthly call with FAS CEO/Principals.
• Engage bi-weekly with FAS staff.
• Dialogue and share learnings with current Senior Fellows cohort colleagues.
• Receive designation as a Senior Fellow on the FAS website.
• Have an FAS email address for the duration of their tenure as a Senior Fellow.
• Able to apply for grant funding with FAS acting as the host organization, subject to written prior approval from FAS leadership.

Work Environment 

We envision that members of this cohort would commit to up to 6 months of direct FAS engagement with a weekly commitment of 15-20 hours a week, depending on the Fellow’s capacity, of which 1-2 days per week would be in person at the FAS office in Washington, DC.  Senior Fellows will be self-directed and collaborate closely with FAS team members as thought partners.

Since Senior Fellows’ terms are for up to 6 months, there is an option to renew dependent upon funding availability and interest from the Fellow and the Federation of American Scientists.

Salary Range

We will provide a monthly stipend from $11,250 to $15,000 per month; the stipend will depend on your hours worked, ranging from 60-80 hours per month.  

Hiring Statement

Don’t check off every box? Apply anyway! Studies have shown that women and people of color are less likely to apply for jobs unless they meet every listed qualification. At FAS we are dedicated to building a diverse and inclusive workplace, and developing new voices. If you’re excited about this role but your past experience doesn’t align perfectly, we encourage you to apply anyway – you might just be the right candidate.

The Federation of American Scientists is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, marital status, amnesty, or status as a covered veteran in accordance with applicable federal, state and local laws. The Federation of American Scientists  prohibits discriminating against employees and job applicants who inquire about, discuss, or disclose the compensation of the employee or applicant or another employee or applicant.  Employment is contingent on successful verification of eligibility to work in the United States.

Questions

For any questions you have about the role, please contact [email protected].