ABOUT THE ORGANIZATION AND THE OPPORTUNITY

The Education Trust—West (ETW) seeks its 7th cohort of Russlynn Ali Summer Fellows for 2024. The goal of the Fellowship is to support people of color entering policy and advocacy leadership by laying the foundation for current and future policymakers, researchers, advocates, and educators to become lifelong leaders within California’s P-16 education ecosystem. Fellows will gain exposure to the issues, policies, and politics of the current California landscape through a cohort experience and will work on a project with an ETW team to advance educational equity and racial justice. The fellowship is open to college students and recent graduates.

ETW is committed to advancing policies and practices to dismantle the racial and economic barriers embedded in the U.S. education system. Through our research and advocacy, ETW improves equity in education from preschool through college, engages diverse communities dedicated to equity and justice, and increases political and public will to build an education system where all students will thrive.

This role is based in our Oakland office and is eligible for telework for up to 3 days per week. Fellows will be in the office at least two days a week including Tuesdays which is our mandatory, all-staff (including interns and fellows) in-office day. Fellows will have a dedicated workspace, an ETW laptop, and can access resources in the office such as conference rooms, printers, and office supplies. During in-office days, fellows will have the opportunity to socialize and get to know other ETW staff, interns, and fellows. Fellows should prepare to work remotely the week of July 1st - 5th. During this week, fellows will work on pre-assigned, independent projects.

TheFunding Adequacy Fellowreports to theTK-12 Policy Analyst with the Fellow’s work co-managed by both theTK-12 Policy Analystand the Director of TK-12 Policy.

This is a paid, full-time (37.5 hours/week) fellowship starting on June 17 and ending on August 23 for a term of 10 weeks.

ABOUT THE ROLE

The Funding Adequacy Fellow will work with the TK-12 Policy Team to research opportunities to increase revenue for California’s TK-12 education system through tax policy change. The Fellow will conduct policy analysis to build organizational knowledge on the relationship between California’s tax system and the ways education is funded locally and at the state level. The fellow will also explore policy change options for increasing education revenue either through structural changes or new revenue generation opportunities, potentially drawing from tax policies in states and countries where education systems are adequately and equitably funded.

The responsibilities and objectives for the role include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Conduct policy research on tax policy and adequacy in education funding
• Communicate research findings, analysis and recommendations clearly and effectively in a written and/or presentation format

IDEAL SKILLS AND CHARACTERISTICS

• Shared belief in Ed Trust’s mission and a commitment to improving educational equity
• Dedication in contributing to and maintaining an equitable working environment
• Commitment to “Walking the Talk,” which means operating with – and a willingness to develop – cultural competence, has an understanding that systemic and institutionalized racism significantly affect communities of color and the historical impact of privilege and power on American systems
• Excellent critical thinking, analytical skills, and problem-solving ability
• Communication skills, both verbal and written, including the ability to communicate complex concepts in a clear and accessible way
• Attention to detail
• Ability to organize work, prioritize tasks, and meet deadlines
• Willingness to receive, act upon, and provide constructive feedback

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE

The ideal candidate will possess the following qualifications and experience:

• College level: graduate student or recent graduate student. Recent students should be within 6 months of graduation when applying.
• Experience in document and literature review in education finance or related policy areas
• Orientation toward and understanding of racial equity in California’s education system

Nice to have but not required:

• Familiarity with tax policy and/or education finance
• Experience with quantitative financial analysis

COMPENSATION

The hourly rate for this position is $26 per hour for 37.5 hours/week. All fellows receive sick leave.

VACCINATION FOR COVID-19

At The Education Trust, the health and safety of our employees is of the utmost importance. As such, all Education Trust employees are required to be fully vaccinated and remain up to date on their vaccinations for COVID-19. Any new interns should be fully vaccinated and up to date on their COVID-19 vaccinations prior to their first day of work. Requests for accommodation due to medical or religious reasons will be reviewed by Human Resources. 

APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS

Please provide a cover letter and resume, combined into one document. In the file name, please write the name of the position you are applying for and your last name: e.g., “Funding Adequacy Fellow

_Robinson.”

We invite you to consider your cover letter as an opportunity to:

• Tell a story that illuminates your interest in education equity and Ed Trust–West’s mission
• Share how your background and experience make you the right fit for this position

Please submit your application materials at Recruitment (adp.com) by the deadline of February 27, 2024. Incomplete applications will not be accepted.

The Education Trust is an equal opportunity employer and welcomes candidates from diverse backgrounds. 

https://www.idealist.org/en/nonprofit-internship/8ce95602e0cb487b8e20682b830e3fbf-funding-adequacy-fellow-the-education-trust-west-oakland?utm_source=symplicity&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=listings-api