Higher Education Graduate Intern

Higher Education Graduate Intern 

Flexible Location or Virtual | 10 Hours/Week | September 2024 – May 2025  | Compensated at $25/Hour

The Century Foundation (TCF), a progressive think tank focused on reducing inequality in the U.S., seeks a part-time Graduate Intern for a one-year period to support our research on access, equity, and affordability in higher education.

Job Reporting and Details

The Graduate Intern will report to and work closely with our Higher Education Fellows on projects related to financial aid and college admissions, particularly FAFSA completion and admissions policies post-affirmative action. As we grapple with a higher education system that locks families out through high costs, the Graduate Intern will help our team advocate for evidence-based solutions through state and federal policy.

This is an ideal position for a current graduate student seeking to conduct research that will advance public understanding of critical policy issues in higher education.

Responsibilities 

• Conduct qualitative research on issues relating to access, equity, and affordability.
• Write reviews of academic literature and internal policy memos.
• Organize interviews with policymakers, practitioners, and stakeholders, at the national, state, and local level.
• Contribute to and/or coauthor 1-2 TCF publications summarizing research findings and recommending evidence-based policy solutions to address issues of college access and affordability.

Qualifications 

• Bachelor’s degree, with a preference for current graduate students.
• Proven ability to work independently and as part of a collaborative team.
• Experience conducting qualitative research, including designing interview protocols, conducting interviews with policymakers and stakeholders, and analyzing qualitative data.
• Experience with reviewing and synthesizing academic literature and policy documents.
• Familiarity with issues in higher education policy, including financial aid, college admissions, and affirmative action.
• Demonstrated initiative in taking on responsibilities and contributing to project goals.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Commitment to the mission of reducing inequality and promoting access to higher education for all students and families.

Compensation 

The Graduate Intern will be compensated $25 per hour on a 10 hour workweek. This part-time contractual position will start in September 2024 and end May 2025. It does not include benefits.

This position does not have a location requirement. The Graduate Intern may work out of our offices (in Washington, D.C. and New York, NY), fully remotely, or on a hybrid schedule.

Current graduate students, including master’s and doctoral students interested in public policy and higher education, are encouraged to apply.

Apply

Please apply with a resume and cover letter via BambooHR. If you have any issues accessing the hiring portal, please reach out with questions to hr@tcf.org. The deadline for submission of application materials is Friday, August 2, 2024.

About The Century Foundation

The Century Foundation is a progressive, independent think tank that conducts research, develops solutions, and drives policy change to make people’s lives better. We pursue economic, racial, gender, and disability equity in education, health care, and work, and promote U.S. foreign policy that fosters international cooperation, peace, and security. TCF has offices in New York City and Washington, D.C. You can learn more at tcf.org.

The Century Foundation is committed to diversity and building an inclusive environment for people of all backgrounds. Everyone is encouraged to apply, including women, LGBTQIA people, people of color, and people with disabilities. Applicants must be eligible to work in the United States.