CIVIC BRIDGERS ENTERPRISE FELLOWSHIP
Democracy Project Associate
with R Street
The Civic Bridgers Enterprise Fellowship prepares
entry-level professionals with the knowledge, skills, mindsets of a bridger and then places them for a one or two-year term of service with R Street.
FELLOWSHIP ONBOARDING PROCESS
1
APPLY
BY NOV 15
Application Open 10/29 through 11/15
2
ZOOM INTERVIEW
BY NOV 15
Within a week, participate in a 30-minute Zoom interview with Civic Bridgers
3
REFERENCES
BY NOV 21
Provide and prepare references for phone call checks conducted by Civic Bridgers.
Civic Bridgers offers this Fellowship in partnership with R Street.
Here’s a little more about our organizations.
Civic Bridgers is a Minnesota-based nonprofit that prepares leaders to bridge divides by preparing them with the knowledge, skills, and mindsets to strengthen the connections between people and civic life. We envision:
A revival of pluralism (the idea that we can be strengthened, no divided by difference) led by Civic Bridgers.
A representative Democracy, where elected leaders serve their constituents without partiality toward those who share their ideology, background, or personal qualities.
A future where civic leaders model and uphold the virtues of humanity, humility, and accountability.
4
FINAL INTERVIEW
BY NOV 21
Meet with R Street and Civic Bridgers Team for a final, 60-minute interview in person (preferred) or on Zoom.
5
ONBOARD
BY DEC 1
Participate in an orientation training with Civic Bridgers, and lay groundwork for ongoing development plan.
6
START ROLE
BY DEC 10
Begin work at R Street. This position can be in person in D.C. or it may be hybrid (based in Minnesota with required travel to Washington, D.C.)
R Street Institute (RSI) is a leading think tank focused on solving complex public policy challenges through free markets and limited, effective government. We consistently offer credible, real solutions that foster individual liberty, competition, and economic freedom. We envision:
A free society, where public policy begins with freedom as its initial premise and governments exist primarily as guardians of inherent, inalienable rights.
An inclusive society that provides a place, a voice, and equal opportunity for all.
A just society that holds everyone accountable to the same laws.
POSITION DESCRIPTION
The Democracy Project Associate will enable R Street Institute’s Executive Team to implement a body of thought leadership activities that take the foundational principles that shaped our country and reimagine how they can be executed and expressed in the present and future to advance liberal democracy. It will also position the Executive Team to collaborate with civil society partners in Virginia, Georgia, Ohio, and California to reimagine and revitalize our systems of government and governance.
POSITION LOGISTICS
This is a full-time role, hybrid or in person.
A hybrid Fellow will live and work remotely in the Twin Cities, MN area and travel occasionally to Washington, D.C. to work directly at R Street with full reimbursement for travel and accommodations. An in person Fellow will live and work at the R Street offices in Washington, D.C. with flexibility for virtual work.
This is a Contract (1099) position. No benefits are included.
Compensation is benchmarked based on the Fellow’s residence (DC or Twin Cities).
Inquire with jill@civicbridgers.org
Ideal candidates will make a two-year commitment.
You may still apply if you are interested in one year.
Please note this in your personal statement.
POSITION OBJECTIVES
1
Relationship Mapping
Map existing relationships, identifying relationships between Executive Team (and other R Street staff) and external contacts, and known relationships between these external contacts.
Identify gaps in relationships needed to develop to move this work forward, with attention to ensuring ideological and geographic diversity.
Identify individuals or organizations that could fill those gaps, prioritizing potential for constructive collaboration and cross-ideological partnership
2
Relationship Development
Collaborate with members of the Executive Team to create a plan to establish and maintain needed relationships identified through the mapping process.
Support the execution of this plan e.g., provide reminders for important touchpoints, draft outreach materials, and facilitate follow-up activities.
In collaboration with the V.P. of Organizational Advancement (and other staff, as needed), develop and maintain a relationship management system—including tools and processes—that enables efficient documentation of interactions and progress.
Provide ongoing support in the drafting and refinement of outreach materials.
3
Resource and Coordinate Executive Team Thought Leadership Activities
Building on the work already underway for America’s 250th, collaborate with the Executive Team to identify how they will contribute thought leadership to advance this work.
In partnership with the Communications Department, determine the best mechanisms for broadcasting and building engagement with these ideas, such as writing, participation in conference panels, or hosting events.
In collaboration with relevant R Street departments - such as Communications and Business Development - develop an implementation plan that coordinates across Executive Team members to ensure alignment and synergy.
Execute the implementation plan, coordinating between the Executive Team and other departments/team, as needed.
Identify aligned events and outreach opportunities that support relationship development and buy-in building.
Highlight timely opportunities to write or speak about these issues in relation to current events.
Support post-event follow-up to strengthen and sustain relationships established through America 250 and other engagements.
QUALIFICATIONS
The ideal candidate will possess the following skills or qualifications
Collaboration: Comfortable working with members of an Executive Team and other members of senior leadership. Proactively shares information, invites input, and helps coordinate work across teams and partners. Committed to non-partisan approaches and cross-ideological engagement.
Communication and Influence: Communicates clearly and concisely, tailoring messages for different audiences. Understands or is willing to learn about different communication and engagement channels and tactics.
Initiative and Results-Mindedness: Acts proactively to move work forward, anticipating needs and identifying opportunities that advance the project’s objectives.
Management: Able to develop and execute plans towards desired goals. Good project management skills. Plans and organizes work effectively, manages time and tasks, and ensures deliverables are met to a high standard.
Relationship Management: Understands or is willing to learn about the democracy-related civil society ecosystem in Virginia, Georgia, Ohio, and California. Able to research and identify connections between individuals and organizations. Maintains accurate records of interactions, tracks follow-ups, and identifies new opportunities for engagement.
APPLICATION
We treat our candidates like the humans they are!
For this reason, our application is simple (no uploading your resume and then copying it over section by section) and all candidates receive a personalized response within 48 hours of applying.