CBCF Technology and AI Research Fellow

ORGANIZATION SUMMARY

Founded in 1976, the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation (CBCF) is a non-profit organization focused on eliminating disparities within the global Black community by developing leaders, informing policy and educating the public. Our primary focus areas are Education, Public Health, Economic Empowerment, and the Environment. Applicants may visit the web site at www.cbcfinc.org, to view more information on CBCF programs and initiatives.

SUMMARY OF POSITION

Reporting to the Vice President of Policy Analysis and Research, the Technology and AI (Artificial Intelligence) Research Fellow will study under the Center for Policy Analysis and Research (CPAR) as part of a 12-month fellowship program sponsored by the American Institutes for Research (AIR) Opportunity Fund.

About CPAR

CPAR is responsible for new and existing research and policy analysis and initiatives of the CBCF, and the dissemination of information thereof in CBCF’s core focus areas of Public Health, Technology Equity, Economic Empowerment, Civic Engagement, and Education. Additionally, CPAR oversees the AVOICE digital archive, and conducts grant writing, while engaging with stakeholders and/or partnering with like-minded organizations in cohesion with other CBCF departments.

About AIR Opportunity Fund

The AIR Opportunity Fund invests in innovative research and bold solutions to expand opportunities for all. Backed by a $225 million commitment from AIR, we work alongside our partners to improve education and workforce development, promote safe and secure neighborhoods, and enhance health outcomes and community well-being. Through collaboration and evidence-based approaches, we strive to empower individuals, strengthen communities, and foster lasting, positive change.

The Technology and AI Research Fellow will be responsible for the production of policy analysis and research related to issues of technology and artificial intelligence (AI), with a specific focus at the intersections of workforce and education. The fellow will analyze best practices and policy solutions for the promotion of integrated and comprehensive efforts with maximum impact in Black communities and be responsible for policy analysis, research, data collection and the dissemination of research findings and relevant information to inform CBCF partners, stakeholders and the general public. The fellow will develop a rapport with key leaders in technology and AI; lead tech equity issue forums, attend briefings, conferences, and seminars; and produce issue briefs, fact sheets, and other publications. 

WORKING RELATIONSHIPS

1. Reports to: Vice President of Policy Analysis and Research
2. Directly Supervises: N/A
3. Indirectly Supervises: N/A
4. Type of Supervision Received:  Direct to minimal
5. Internal Relationships: Maintains close coordination with CBCF departments including External Affairs and Communications and Marketing to facilitate timely production of publications, policy events, and programming in the area of environmental sustainability.
6. External Relationships: This fellowship is a joint position with the American Institutes of Research Opportunity Fund, and thus entails some joint reporting to AIR Opportunity Fund leadership; Interact with Members of Congress and their staff as well as other elected officials, donors and supporters, executives and key staff of stakeholder organizations with whom CBCF partners, and other stakeholders as defined by CBCF priorities.

SPECIFIC RESPONSIBILITIES

A. Essential Functions

• Conduct research and analysis in technology and AI as it relates to the intersectional analysis of workforce participation and technology education to advance policy initiatives of interest to CBCF and the AIR Opportunity Fund. Experience with or knowledge about building and evaluating technologies is a plus.
• Research, analyze, and stay abreast of economic, public policy, and social issues as it relates to the fellowship to facilitate reports and information gathering and dissemination.
• Produce white papers, policy briefs and recommendations, fact sheets, and other documents in a timely manner for distribution.
• Synthesize information in a variety of formats for different audiences.
• Present research findings to internal and external stakeholders and serve as representative/spokesperson on panels and events as necessary.
• Organize policy forums and events with CBCF partners, stakeholders and other like-minded organizations in the areas of technology and AI, the workforce, and education.

B. Additional Functions

• Responsible for accurate and effective communication of CPAR deliverables to a variety of constituents and stakeholders across a variety of mediums (internal and external).
• Work closely with existing and new partners and sponsors on policy related research and event planning.
• Develop and maintain database of critical audiences in policy areas of focus.
• Responsible for other duties and projects as assigned.

C. Required Special Skills:

• Advanced degree or Ph.D. in public policy, tech policy, emergent technology, political science, education, or other relevant advanced degree.
• At least four years of post-graduate, professional experience conducting research and/or policy analysis in the areas of tech policy and other key fellowship focus areas (workforce and education) for a social policy research organization, academic institution, or governmental agency or office.
• Excellent quantitative research and policy analysis skills; experience with qualitative research and data analysis software a plus.
• Strong working knowledge and demonstrated sufficient experience with SPSS or similar data analysis software and Microsoft Office tools (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, etc.).
• Transferable analytical and statistical skills in policy areas outside of expertise.
• Effective communication of CPAR and AIR deliverables as it relates to the fellowship to a variety of constituents and stakeholders across a variety of mediums (internal and external).
• Comprehensive knowledge of public policy, political environment, federal government, and legislative and regulatory process.
• Professional public image with excellent oral and written communication skills.
• Proven project management skills and experience in designing, managing, and delivering high quality projects on time.

Fellow Duration is 12 months

APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS

1. Cover Letter and Resume
2. 2 Letters of Recommendation
3. A 3–5-page writing sample that showcases your ability to think critically and analyze complex information. Examples: Policy memo, white paper, issue brief.
4. Essay Response: You are working in the office of a congressional member as a tech equity subject matter expert. Draft a memo to your congressional member discussing a policy issue that you deem most critical to the advancement of the Black community, and why your representative should prioritize the policy issue on their agenda, and how they can create awareness on the issue. Be sure to cite your sources. [1,000-word maximum]