Background

As the country grapples with converging economic, health, climate and social crises, the administration’s Executive Order on Advancing Racial Equity and Support for Underserved Communities provides an opportunity to address entrenched disparities in the services and benefits provided by the federal government. To accomplish this, federal agencies must find talent, from all parts of society, who have the critical racial equity expertise to contribute to better decisions, systems and program delivery.

This fellowship invites experienced individuals from academia, nonprofit organizations, or state and local government, to work in a federal agency on priority programs and projects for up to two years. Federal fellowships will be focused on racial equity priorities and initiatives in service to the administration’s executive order.

The Program

Candidates interested in using their skills to serve the public through this racial equity fellowship must have a minimum of 90 days employment at a qualifying institution (academic, nonprofit, philanthropy, or state or local government). Applicants should have significant racial equity experience and will apply for a fellowship through the Partnership’s candidate application page.

To apply, federal agencies submit a position description(s) for a fellow assignment(s) through the Partnership’s application page. The Partnership will then identify potential candidates and match them to an agency’s need. After an agency confirms that a candidate is a good match for an agency’s needs, the Partnership will work directly with the fellows to prepare them for the federal workforce.

Onboarding

Fellows will attend sessions that will help them prepare to navigate the federal arena effectively, enabling them to maximize their impact from day one at their new agency. They will also receive tailored training and networking opportunities related to their fellowship. These sessions will include guest lectures from experts on the intersection between racial equity and government service.

Why Apply for a Fellowship?  

Interested candidates and home institutions should consider the following benefits:

• Fellows will make a long-standing impact on racial justice across the nation.
• Fellows’ home organizations will develop lasting relationships with federal agencies and their mission.
• Fellows will gain unique public service knowledge and experience without having to leave their current field or maneuver a long-term career change.
• Fellows will expand professional networks and develop career skills in a new context.

Federal Agencies Interested in Hosting Racial Equity Fellows

Each agency is responsible for managing Intergovernmental Personnel Act placements, with limited oversight from the Office of Personnel Management giving agencies maximum flexibility to develop assignments for incoming IPAs. However, this flexibility can often lead agencies to misunderstand candidate eligibility requirements, overlook recruitment opportunities and underuse the program in general. Through its Federal Fellowship program, the Partnership will help agencies take full advantage of how to source talent for racial equity priorities, using the IPA authority.

To apply, federal agencies submit a position description(s) for a fellow assignment(s) through the Partnership’s application page. The Partnership will then identify potential candidates and match them to an agency’s need. After an agency confirms that a candidate is a good match for an agency’s needs, the Partnership will work directly with the fellows to prepare them for the federal workforce.

Why Submit an Assignment for a Fellow?  

• Agencies will acquire diverse talent to execute mission critical work in service of Executive Order 13895
• Agencies will build relationships with non-federal employers and community partners, expanding the scope of the agency’s impact
• Agencies will benefit from a simpler talent search because the Partnership identifies and sources potential fellows.

Types of Fellowship Assignments

Federal agencies will submit a summary of the assignment for which they are seeking a fellow. Examples of assignment duties may include:

• Advising senior leaders on implementing strategic plans related to racial equity.
• Enhancing the transparency and integrity of a team’s research design and data analysis process.
• Developing policy interventions targeted to support underserved communities.