EPI- Congressional Labor Fellow

AFL-CIO; Washington (District of Columbia); Hybrid; USD 77,000 - 94,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Benefits package

Job summary

The Economic Policy Institute, in collaboration with AFL-CIO, offers a 12-month congressional fellowship for mid-career professionals in Washington, D.C. The role places you in a Labor Caucus office as a legislative assistant or policy analyst, providing hands-on policy training and leadership development.

The fellow will perform duties set by the host office and participate in EPI educational activities, with compensation of $85,000 and a benefits package.

Qualifications

• Exceptional written and oral communication skills essential for drafting policy documents.
• Strong research and analytical abilities to synthesize complex information.
• Ability to manage a broad portfolio in a fast-paced, politically sensitive environment.
• Team player with relationship-building skills to work with colleagues and stakeholders.

Responsibilities

• Conduct in-depth research on policy issues and legislative initiatives.
• Analyze legislation and prepare policy recommendations for Labor Caucus Members.
• Draft legislative documents, briefs, talking points, and speeches.
• Prepare briefing materials and statements for hearings and meetings.
• Monitor legislative activity and track progress of bills.

Skills

Communication

Research

Adaptability

Interpersonal skills

Education

Bachelor's degree

Job description

The Economic Policy Institute’s intensive 12-month congressional fellowship program offers mid-career professionals an opportunity for hands‑on public policy training and leadership development. The fellow will be placed in the office of a Member of the Congressional Labor Caucus, where they will serve in a full-time capacity, learning the work of a legislative assistant or policy analyst. The fellowship is sponsored by EPI in collaboration with the AFL‑CIO and is designed to provide a unique educational opportunity to individuals with a labor movement background - the chance to gain insight into the legislative process and to develop a deep understanding of policy formation and implementation at the federal level.

The fellow’s duties and responsibilities will be determined by their host congressional office and may include some or all of the following:

Legislative and policy support

• Conduct in-depth research on assigned policy issues and legislative initiatives.
• Analyze existing or proposed legislation and prepare policy recommendations for the Members of the Labor Caucus.
• Draft legislative documents, including bills, amendments, Dear Colleague letters, and floor statements.
• Prepare briefing materials, talking points, and speeches for congressional hearings, floor debates, and meetings.
• Monitor legislative activity and track the progress of bills pertinent to the assigned policy portfolio.

Communication and oversight

• Collaborate with other congressional and committee staff to advance the Labor Caucus Members’ legislative and policy priorities.
• Attend briefings, trainings, and other educational workshops to deepen knowledge of labor policy and congressional procedure.
• Assist with congressional oversight activities and prepare reports, statements, or memoranda on various issues.
• Draft content for office communications, including press releases, newsletters, and social media posts.

In addition to congressional office responsibilities, the fellow will be expected to participate in educational and professional development activities provided by EPI as part of the fellowship program.

Required qualifications

• Education: Bachelor's degree preferred
• Experience: Experience with the labor movement as a member, an organizer, or staff (minimum 1-2 years)
• Demonstrated commitment to worker justice: Either through personal or professional experience, or community-related activism aimed at improving the living conditions of workers.
• Policy knowledge: Interest in public policy and ways to use it to support American workers

Skills and competencies

• Exceptional communication skills: Excellent written and oral communication skills are essential for drafting complex policy documents and interacting with diverse groups.
• Strong research and analytical abilities: Ability to conduct thorough, independent research and effectively synthesize complex information under tight deadlines.
• Adaptability and Initiative: Proactive, organized, and capable of managing a broad portfolio of issues in a fast-paced, politically sensitive environment.
• Interpersonal skills: A team player with strong relationship-building skills to work effectively with colleagues, constituents, and stakeholders.

Program details

• Duration: 12 months, beginning in early 2027 and concluding in December, 2027.
• Compensation: The fellowship offers an annual salary of $85,000 and includes a benefits package.
• Workplace/Supervision: Day-to-day work responsibilities will be determined by the fellow’s host congressional office.
• Location: Fellows must reside in or relocate to the Washington, D.C. metropolitan area. As a condition of employment, EPI requires all staff to provide proof of updated COVID-19 vaccination per the guideline established by D.C. Health. Currently, D.C. Health recommends updated (2025) boosters for everyone six months or older. The Fellow should assume that their regular daily workplace would be reporting to a congressional office on Capitol Hill, Washington D.C.
• Occasional hybrid or remote work may be available as permitted by the host office.

EPI believes that having a diverse and inclusive workplace not only strengthens the institute’s work but is also essential for understanding and creating economic policies that support all working people. We encourage applicants who bring lived experience and non-traditional backgrounds to apply to our positions.

EPI is an equal opportunity, fair chance, affirmative action employer, committed to building a diverse and inclusive workforce. All qualified applicants will be considered for employment without regard to race, color, creed, national origin, sex, age, disability, marital status, sexual orientation, military status, prior history of arrest or conviction, caregiver status, or other categories protected by law.