Recruiting Congressional Innovation Fellows through 9/30
Travis Moore
Now recruiting for the 2017 Class of Congressional Innovation Fellows through September 30th!
TechCongress is building 21st century government with technology talent through our Congressional Innovation Fellowship. We are bridging the divide between Congress and the technology sector by placing tech savvy individuals like you to work with Members of Congress and Congressional Committees in order to build capacity in Congress, train cross-sector leaders -- who can understand the challenges of government and in the technology community -- and keep Congress up to date about the latest challenges and opportunities relating to technology.
Applications are at TechCongress.io/apply
As a Congressional Innovation Fellow you will:
Work with TechCongress to choose a placement with a Member or Congress or Congressional Committee and report directly to a senior staffer (like a Chief of Staff or Staff Director) in that office from January through December 2017.
Perform duties similar to other Congressional staff by applying your experience in technology to a variety of work, including:
Researching relevant policymaking (on issues like encryption, health IT, privacy, cyber/data security and many others)
Helping educate Members and staff about these issues
Writing legislation
Preparing for Committee hearings, markups, or investigations
Building coalitions with partners and other groups
Develop and produce a fellowship project on an issue of your choosing. Past projects include writing and introducing legislation, and organizing an association of tech staffers.
Support TechCongress by writing about and presenting on your experience periodically, and represent TechCongress and the Congressional Innovation Fellowship at meetings or events.
What we’re looking for in our Fellows:
College graduate, with at least two years of work or postgraduate study.
Tech savvy, with experience working in or studying the technology sector.
Great interpersonal and communications skills.
Ability to explain technology to those that aren’t as familiar with technology tools or concepts.
Track record of success taking initiative and working with others.
Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, collaborative environment.
Committed to helping bring government into the 21st century.
Technical ability is a big plus.
No experience working in or with government? Great! We're not looking for that. The Congressional Innovation Fellowship is an opportunity to expose technology leaders like you to Capitol Hill. It is first and foremost and educational experience, giving you a one-of-its-kind education into how Congress and the government works.
TechCongress offers you a $70,000/year stipend and reimbursements of up to $2,500 for relocation, $1,200 for necessary travel and/or equipment costs and $350/month for health benefits. TechCongress has a collaborative, mission-driven, and fun culture.
Questions? You can contact us by sending a note to tra...@techcongress.io.
About TechCongress
TechCongress is an 18 month old startup non-profit, incubated at the Open Technology Institute at New America. We've got great staff and advisors doing all we can to bridge the gap between government and the technology community. We are nonpartisan and work with a diverse set of political voices, and do not take positions on issues. We work hard in an intentional and productive manner, and have fun while we do it. We are building a new generation of technology leaders, and support our staff and fellows with professional development, networking, and freedom to tinker and test new ideas. Above all, we are vigilantly focused on adding value—to our people, our institutions and our society.
The first set of Congressional Innovation Fellows are serving with two of the most influential members of Congress—Rep. Sander Levin (D-Mich.), Ranking Member on the House Committee on Ways and Means, and Rep. Jason Chaffetz (R-Utah), Chairman of the House Oversight Committee—and shaping the conversation on issues ranging from modernizing health care with technology to the Apple/FBI encryption debate.
Equal Employment Opportunity
TechCongress values an inclusive and diverse workplace. We are an equal opportunity employer committed to hiring a diverse workforce at all levels of the organization thereby creating a culture that allows us to better serve our clientele, our employees, and our communities. We value and encourage the contributions of our employees and fellows and strive to create an environment where everyone can reach their full potential and drive outstanding results. All qualified applicants will receive consideration without regard to race, national origin, age, sex, religion, disability, sexual orientation, marital status, veteran status, gender identity or expression, or any other basis protected by local, state, or federal law. This policy applies with regard to all aspects of one’s employment and fellowship, including hiring, transfer, promotion, compensation, eligibility for benefits, and termination.