UPDATED: Final deadline to apply is now March 15, 2020.
Job Title
Youth & Education Project Postgraduate Fellowship
Reports To
Director of Youth & Education Privacy
About Us
The Future of Privacy Forum (FPF) is a non-profit organization that serves as a catalyst for privacy leadership and scholarship, advancing principled data practices in support of emerging technologies. The Youth & Education Privacy team advises policymakers, academics, companies, districts, and states on child and student privacy law and best practices; oversees the Education Privacy Resource Center website, FERPA|Sherpa, and the review of applicants to the Student Privacy Pledge; and convenes stakeholders to ensure the responsible use of student data and education technology in schools. FPF’s Postgraduate Fellowships are designed to equip recent law school graduates with the skills to succeed in the privacy law profession, and to provide private and public employers with privacy professionals of exceptional knowledge, understanding, and commitment to privacy and individuals.
General Overview
This position will support FPF work on child and student privacy issues in the K-12 and higher education realm to support the fulfillment of grant deliverables, help respond to technical assistance requests from stakeholders, draft publications and resources, and other responsibilities as they arise. The ideal candidate will be a superior writer; have a strong desire to effect change in the world with a focus on compromise and bringing stakeholders together to find actionable solutions; be able to help translate complicated legal or technical topics for a layperson audience; have the ability to remain professional and impartial while working in a political environment; and a willingness to support team members. The Policy Fellow will interact regularly with leading senior figures in government, corporations, academia, advocacy groups, and law firms.
Importance of Fit
We are looking for someone who is enthusiastic about exploring the nuances of privacy in society; helping stakeholders reach consensus on ethical norms, policies, and business practices to address new privacy challenges; and the ability to thrive in a rapidly evolving policy environment. An ideal candidate will be able to maintain order and solve problems with creativity, determination, and collaboration.
Position Requirements:
The fellowship is a one-year, public interest position for recent law school graduates. Applicants should have:
- Outstanding verbal and written communication skills, including editing and proofreading skills.
- Demonstrated research skills and a superb ability to synthesize complex information into plain language.
- A demonstrated ability to work efficiently, meet deadlines, and manage multiple projects in a fast-paced environment.
- Strong work ethic, a collaborative mindset, flexibility, creativity, and professional demeanor.
- Ability to work effectively and seamlessly with a wide variety of people.
- Ability to travel occasionally for the organization.
Desired Attributes:
- Previous internships or other experience in education, privacy, security, technology policy, political campaigns, or government positions, particularly those demonstrate your ability to thrive in a fast-paced environment.
- Reputation for being entrepreneurial, energetic, positive, and focused.
- Deeply interested in exploring the nuances between protecting student privacy and the potential for data and technology to improve education.
FPF knows that having a diverse workforce is essential to our work. We do not discriminate against any candidate based on their race, color, religion, national origin, sex, gender identity or expression, physical or mental disability, pregnancy, or age. We encourage applicants who might not have a background in privacy apply anyways if they think they have the skills to be successful in the role.
Further, FPF prides itself on providing equal opportunities in employment and can make further accommodations to meet your accessibility needs. Please, send an email to [email protected] with the subject line “Application_PostGradYE” if you need assistance in submitting your application.
Salary and Benefits:
$65,000; includes excellent health, dental, and vision coverage, three weeks of vacation plus the week between Christmas and New Year’s and all federal holidays.
This is a full-time position based in the Washington DC office, but occasional remote work is acceptable and schedule accommodations can be made.
How to Apply:
Please send your resume, a cover letter, law or graduate school transcript if you are or were in school within the past two years, and two writing samples to [email protected], with subject line “Application_PostGradYE.” Please submit at least one sample that has not been edited by another party. Writing samples that are similar to blog posts or articles are especially useful. Interested applicants are encouraged to apply ASAP but no later than March 15.