Community Program Assistant Jobs in Silver Spring, MD

Description

The Program Assistant for Peacebuilding is responsible for assisting the Peacebuilding team with research, drafting policy pieces, attending external meetings and representing FCNL. Program Assistants are full-time staff members of FCNL through July 2027, collaborating with key staff members to build expertise in advocacy from a public interest perspective. Fellows gain first-hand knowledge of the legislative process and the organizing and communications work that is necessary for policy change.

The mission of this fellowship program is to provide young adults with an opportunity to start their careers in Washington, DC, and in the world of policymaking/advocacy. This might mean that a young adult is beginning their professional journey with us, or it might mean that a young adult has experience in other areas and comes to us with a desire to learn new skills. We will seek candidates who have shown a marked interest in pursuing FCNL core values through their work/studies (war-free world, Earth restored, equitable and just society, individual potential fulfilled). We will also seek candidates from ethnically, religiously, and racially diverse backgrounds. 

This program will provide professional development opportunities for its participants, a deeper understanding of faith-based advocacy, and hopefully a connection to our Quaker roots/values. This program will also seek to develop a cohort of Program Assistants, facilitating opportunities to build community between participants.

Typical Responsibilities Include:

• Advocacy: Supports the peacebuilding portfolio to lobby Congress and build grassroots support to encourage members of Congress to take action by providing them with information on critical issues.
• Outreach: Help build democracy by organizing campaigns that empower people around the country to engage with elected officials in Washington.
• Communication: Draft action alerts, blogs, policy briefs, and background reports to keep constituents informed and to express FCNL's position to Congress and the administration.
• Research: Attend congressional committee hearings and coalition meetings and analyze documents and reports.
• Connect Faith and Action: Live your values by advocating for issues of peace and justice.

Requirements

Minimum Qualifications:

• An 11-month commitment is expected - candidates must be eligible to work in the U.S. without sponsorship from September 2026 until July 2027.
• Demonstrated research, analytical, and writing skills.
• Strong interest in a career in lobbying, public policy, or advocacy.
• Highly motivated and proven ability to manage numerous tasks and deadlines.
• Readiness to take initiative and responsibility.

Preferred Qualifications:

• 1-2 years of relevant experience in public policy analysis, political and social action, peace and justice education, community organizing, volunteer community service, or lobbying.
• Proficiency with Quorum, or similar experience, a plus.
• Familiarity with congressional procedures.
• Collaborative and consultative approach to preventing and solving problems.

Job Commitments:

• Available to live within commuting distance to Washington, DC for the entirety of the Program Assistant Fellowship.
• Commit to attending the entirety of the Fellowship. Program Assistants are responsible for making their own housing arrangements - FCNL does not cover the cost of housing.
• Engage with Quaker spaces, which includes visiting at least one Quaker Meeting to connect with our faith-based network and become familiar with Quaker practices.
• Available for in-person support at Annual Meeting/QPPI conference November 2026 and Spring Lobby Weekend conference in March 2027.  

Compensation & Benefits:

• PA/Fellows are paid hourly $24.85 on the basis of a 37.5 hour work week
• Relocation reimbursement within the scope of our policy 
• Employer retirement contributions
• Employer Paid healthcare, dental, and vision insurance
• Generous paid time off
• Commuter Benefits with WMATA and Capital Bikeshare
• Monthly Internet & Telephone stipend
• Wellness Initiatives
• Professional development fund to advance your career

Work Week: This is a full-time non-exempt position, based on a 37.5-hour work week. The person is expected to work in person from our Washington, D.C. office with the option to telework on certain days. More time in the office may be necessary some weeks, depending upon events in Congress, coalition partners, and the Administration. Annually this individual will need to be available for in-person/virtual support at our fall Annual Meeting and Spring conference.

As part of our AJEDI commitment, FCNL strives to make market job offers that are market competitive while maintaining the equilibrium with internal equity of the team. We believe the world can be a better place when candidates do not have to negotiate up their job offer and can trust the best possible offer is being made. For this reason, all FCNL job offers are final. FCNL is committed to hiring and retaining a diverse workforce. We are proud to be an Equal Opportunity workplace. All Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, protected veteran status or any other characteristic protected by law.

To be considered, please apply by July 20, 2026 ET.

APPLICATION MATERIALS

A completed application will include:

• A cover letter telling us about yourself, why you want to work at FCNL, and what experiences you would bring to advance the work of the organization. The first page should include a copy of your answers to the application questions. 
• Resume (including education, work, extracurricular, and volunteer experience).