Our impact is a direct result of our people

Fellowship Program

Opening: Fall 2024 Education Policy Fellow

HCM Strategists is a public policy advocacy and consulting firm committed to improving education and health outcomes. Our team combines high-level government experience with a deep understanding of public needs, building strong relationships and employing innovative solutions to drive progress. We believe in inclusive policy-making that gives individuals a voice and leads to meaningful change.

For more information, visit our website at www.hcmstrategists.com.

Fellowship Overview

The HCM Fellowship Program is an exciting opportunity for passionate, collaborative, and organized individuals interested in education policy. Our fellows gain invaluable experience in policy and advocacy, supporting leaders across our education team in areas such as school finance, accountability systems, civics, and STEM education.

Fellowships are remote and fellows are paid a monthly stipend.

As an HCM fellow, you will play an essential role in supporting leaders across our education team as well as gain first-hand working alongside state and institutional leader on some of our nation's most pressing higher ed policy issues.
The HCM Strategists Fellowship Program affords young professionals the opportunity to:
• Gain firsthand experience working on various projects designed to communicate and advocate for specific policies in education reform.
• Have regular interaction with a team of education experts with decades of experience at all levels of government and with educational institutions, state and federal agencies, nonprofits, .etc.
• Experience how policy and advocacy work translate into real-life projects and initiatives.
• Learn how to work professionally with senior leaders across education advocacy organizations, state policymakers, and the business community.
When: Fall 2024
Compensation: This is a paid opportunity, with a monthly stipend consistent with similar positions in the field.
Status: This is a part-time (20 hours/week) remote fellowship.
Technology Provided: HCM will provide a Chromebook to fellows entering the program if the fellow is unable to acquire a device on their own. Fellows must agree to our Technology agreement, and all HCM equipment must be returned to HCM at the end of the fellowship term.
Course Credit: HCM will gladly work with the student's academic department to ensure the fellowship meets course requirements, which may earn the student course credit for the experience. The fellow is responsible for furnishing HCM with course requirements details to ensure the experience aligns with the required objectives.
- Demonstrated interest in education and workforce policy and/or advocacy, with knowledge of education policy preferred.
- Passion for education and equity issues.
- Intellectual curiosity, motivation, and desire to learn on-the-job. Must be a self-starter and have the ability to work independently and with a team.
- Strong research abilities. Some understanding of data analysis is preferred.
- Ability to translate and broadly communicate complex research, policy and legislation topics for a variety of audiences.
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
Fellows with HCM Strategists perform a variety of tasks that support our partners and staff in our legislative, media, research and policy, and administrative work. Specific responsibilities include:
- Research and Analysis: Conduct background research on state and federal education policy issues.
- Monitoring and Reporting: Track relevant news stories and policy publications.
- Client Deliverables: Assist in creating presentations, reports, and memos.
- Policy Research: Investigate state and federal education activities.
- Meeting Participation: Attend and summarize meetings relevant to client interests.
- Information Compilation: Gather and assemble requested information for clients.
- Document Review: Provide feedback on client and internal documents.
- Event Planning: Support general meeting planning tasks.
- DEI Contribution: Promote diversity, equity, and inclusion within our culture.
- Professional Growth: Work on diverse projects in K-12 and postsecondary education reform.
- Expert Interaction: Collaborate with experienced education experts and policymakers.
- Real-World Impact: See how policy and advocacy efforts translate into tangible initiatives.
- Technology Support: A Chromebook is provided if needed, with the agreement to return it at the fellowship’s end.
- Course Credit: Potential for course credit with academic department approval.

How to Apply:

To apply, please send the following to intern@hcmstrategists.com with "Fall 2024 Education Fellowship" in the subject line:

Cover letter
Resume
One writing sample (1-3 pages), particularly a policy position paper or memo with specific policy recommendations
Minimum of two professional references

Join Us

If you are enthusiastic about improving education policy and advocacy, we encourage you to apply to the HCM Fellowship Program. Together, we can make a difference in the lives of students and contribute to meaningful education reform.

HCM Strategists is an equal opportunity employer affording all employees and job applicants' fair and equal treatment. HCM complies with the letter and spirit of all applicable federal, state, and local laws prohibiting employment discrimination, including discrimination based on race, age, color, gender, religion, national origin, marital status, family responsibilities, sexual orientation, veteran status, and disabilities.

Where Deep Expertise Meets Passion and Drive

Intentionality in everything

We are industry-leading experts committed to intentionally listening to and partnering with our clients. Staying at the forefront of industry and learner data, we intentionally blend evidence with a practical eye for progress. We intentionally cultivate relationships that allow us to engage deeply, over time, in trusting, results-centered initiatives, and our work touches every aspect of the education system–working with students, parents, teachers, institutions, funders and state and federal policy leaders.

Embrace continuous learning

We know that opportunities borne from educational attainment improve lives and transform communities. At HCM, we are lifelong learners dedicated to improving learning opportunities for all, and particularly for historically marginalized and minoritzed populations.

Approach with nimbleness

We tailor our work to meet our clients’ unique circumstances and goals while utilizing our team’s deep expertise and understanding of the policies and practices that shape our education and training systems.

Operate through a DEI lens

We believe in leading and facilitating through an inclusive and collaborative process. We build into our work with clients a commitment to authentically engage the voices of learners and the lived experiences of leaders who have a stake in the policies and practices being developed. Equitable outcomes are at the heart and center of our work.

A focus on impact

We partner for the long-haul with clients that share our mission. Defining up front the impact we collectively seek, HCM’s team offers each client sharp analysis, deep policy acumen, clear advice and counsel, and creative problem solving.

Collaborative thought partners

We know changes in organizations, agencies, and public policy only happen when stakeholders coalesce around a shared mission. As strategic thought-partners, we leverage our vast network of partnerships at the institutional, state and federal levels to build the will and acumen for lasting improvements in educational opportunity.