Position Overview

Arkansas Advocates for Children and Families (AACF) seeks a two-year, full-time education and fiscal policy fellow in our Little Rock office, to begin on July 1. This position will conduct analyses, outreach, and communications related to education policy, as well as state budget, tax, and public assistance programs that impact financing of the public education system (infant through 12th grade). This position must support AACF’s equity statement and be committed to supporting equity in all areas of the work.

The annual salary for this two-year fellowship is $50,000, including benefits such as health and dental insurance along with vacation and sick leave. The policy fellow will work full-time in person in the Little Rock office. We value diversity and equity in our work and in our workplace and strongly encourage BIPOC individuals, LGBTQIA+ individuals, members of other historically disenfranchised populations, and applicants with lived experience to apply.

Qualifications

Must meet fellow requirements as set forth by the State Policy Fellowship Program, which include:  

• A college degree plus two years of relevant research experience or a graduate degree with an emphasis in research and analysis in public policy, public affairs, economics, law, social work, public health, or a related field  
• Demonstrated interest in working on state-level public policies affecting low-income communities, communities of color, and LGBTQ communities, and policies with implications for racial equity 
• A commitment to understanding and undoing systemic racial inequities 
• Strong quantitative, writing, and presentation skills 
• The ability to work on multiple tasks both independently and as part of a high collaborative team, often on a time-sensitive basis 
• Familiarity with state tax and budget policy issues and concepts or a willingness to learn on the job 
• A two-year commitment to the program – candidates must be eligible to work full time in the United States for the duration of the program 
• Live in Central Arkansas or the ability and willingness to move to Central Arkansas to work in-person in the Little Rock office 

Responsibilities

• Participate in a career development program with other fellows in the cohort that is overseen by the State Priorities Partnership. This includes program orientation, professional development opportunities, including two policy conferences and mentorship throughout 
• Analyze educational laws, rules, regulations, and data and develop policy recommendations designed to improve educational outcomes and education and related systems (e.g., school-based health services) 
• Conduct research and develop expertise in state budget and tax policies related to education, as well as intersecting programs (e.g., mental health and developmental disabilities services in school settings) 
• Collaborate with community-based advocates to develop person-centered reforms and policy proposals 
• Produce reports, fact sheets, blogs, and other materials for use by policymakers, journalists, advocacy groups, and civic organizations 
• Track and analyze legislative proposals and state budget developments 
• Engage with media, policymakers and their staff, and a broad array of state and community organizations to help inform and shape policy debates 
• Meet workplan deliverables that are developed by you and your supervisor 
• Must have reliable transportation to attend meetings locally and around the state 
• Must have the ability to travel and attend national conferences as requested by the State Priorities Partnership

Application Process

Applicants must apply through the State Policy Fellowship Program. Applicants who meet the criteria and are interested in applying may contact Christin Harper, AACF Policy Director, for questions: charper@aradvocates.org. 

Application Timeline

• Jan 16, 2025 at 1:00 PM CST – Applicant information session. Register here for this virtual session
• Feb 28 – Application closes at 11:59 ET (10:59 PM CST)
• Early March – CBPP and Fellowship alumni will review and rate applications and provide state groups with their review
• Mid- March – AACF will begin interviewing applicants
• Mid-April through Mid-May – AACF will select a Fellow
• July 1 – Fellowship begins

About Arkansas Advocates For Children And Families

AACF was founded in 1977 by a group of prominent Arkansans who believed that children needed an “independent force to provide information and education to parents and citizens about our state’s policies toward children and families.” For 45 years, AACF has provided leadership, research, and advocacy to promote wide-ranging reforms that have improved the lives of Arkansas’s children. The mission of AACF is to ensure that all children and their families have the resources and opportunities to lead healthy and productive lives and to realize their full potential. To carry out its mission, AACF serves as a voice for children at the Arkansas State Capitol and in Washington, D.C., gathers and analyzes data to support public policy that serves all children and families, and organizes coalitions of diverse groups to drive change across the state.

Equity at AACF
AACF has been a dynamic and effective voice for Arkansas’s children and families, guided by a vision calling for equity for all children. AACF’s work spans all policy areas impacting Arkansas’s children and families, including child welfare, economic security, COVID-19 response, early childhood, education, health, hunger, immigrant children and families, juvenile justice, tax and budget, and racial equity. Learn more about these policy areas at www.aradvocates.org/issues.

In all of this work, AACF’s racial equity focus strives to align mission and stated values with organizational practices and programs. It recognizes that structural inequity has been embedded in our national and state culture and policies and has had a lasting effect, as seen today in disparities in children’s outcomes across race and many other identities. AACF believes in intentionally engaging diverse perspectives throughout its work and is committed to amplifying the voices and wisdom of those most directly affected by systemic oppression, with a focus on building a more equitable and inclusive Arkansas to truly serve every child and family.

Read more about AACF’s history and work at www.aradvocates.org.