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Innovation Fellow Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Clearpath, Inc.

AI Innovation Fellow

Washington, DC · On-site

$55K - $75K/yr

Job Summary ClearPath is seeking an AI Innovation Fellow to help accelerate the adoption of AI and emerging technologies across the federal government at a pivotal moment for American energy ...

ClearPath

AI Innovation Fellow

Washington, DC · On-site

$55K - $75K/yr

They are seeking an AI Innovation Fellow to help adopt AI and emerging technologies within the federal government, ensuring efficient use and scaling of AI systems that improve processes and create ...

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How much do innovation fellow jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 15, 2026, the average yearly pay for innovation fellow in the United States is $59,022.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $49,000.00 and $66,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Innovation Fellow vs Innovation Analyst?

AspectInnovation FellowInnovation Analyst
Required CredentialsTypically advanced degrees in business, engineering, or related fields; experience in innovation projectsBachelor's or master's degree; background in data analysis, business, or technology
Work EnvironmentResearch labs, corporate innovation teams, or government agenciesCorporate offices, consulting firms, or R&D departments
Employer & Industry UsageUniversities, government agencies, large corporationsBusinesses across industries, consulting firms
Common Search & Comparison IntentUnderstanding roles in innovation programs, career pathsAnalyzing innovation data, supporting strategic initiatives

The Innovation Fellow role focuses on leading innovation projects, often requiring advanced degrees and experience in research or development environments. In contrast, Innovation Analysts primarily support innovation efforts through data analysis and strategic insights. Both roles are integral to fostering innovation but differ in responsibilities, credentials, and work settings.

What are careers in innovation?

Careers in innovation involve developing new ideas, products, or processes to improve organizations or industries. Roles such as Innovation Fellow focus on research, strategic thinking, and collaboration to drive change, often requiring skills in problem-solving, creativity, and familiarity with emerging technologies. These careers are common in industries like technology, healthcare, and business development.

What are some common challenges innovation fellows face when integrating new ideas within established organizations?

Innovation Fellows often encounter resistance to change when introducing new concepts, especially in organizations with deeply rooted processes. Navigating organizational bureaucracy, securing buy-in from key stakeholders, and aligning innovative projects with existing business objectives are typical hurdles. Successful Fellows proactively communicate the value of their ideas, build cross-functional relationships, and remain adaptable as they iterate on their solutions. Developing resilience and strong persuasion skills can help overcome these challenges and drive meaningful impact.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an innovation fellow, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Innovation Fellow, you need a strong background in research, problem-solving, and project management, often supported by an advanced degree in a relevant field. Familiarity with innovation frameworks, data analysis tools, and collaborative platforms like Miro or Slack is typically expected. Outstanding creativity, adaptability, and communication skills help you generate and articulate novel ideas while working with cross-functional teams. These competencies are crucial for driving impactful innovation initiatives and translating creative concepts into actionable solutions.

What is an innovation fellow?

Innovation Fellows are professionals who work within organizations or programs to drive innovation, foster creative problem-solving, and implement new ideas or technologies. They often collaborate across departments to identify challenges, design solutions, and support the adoption of innovative practices. Innovation Fellows may work in sectors such as government, academia, healthcare, or business, and their roles can vary from project management to research and development. Their goal is to accelerate change and create a culture of innovation within their organization.
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What job categories do people searching Innovation Fellow jobs look for?

The top searched job categories for Innovation Fellow jobs are:

Innovation Fellow jobs near you
Infographic showing various Innovation Fellow job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 34% Full Time, 33% Part Time, and 33% Temporary. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $59,022 per year, or $28.4 per hour.

AI Innovation Fellow

Clearpath, Inc.

Washington, DC • On-site

$55K - $75K/yr

Temporary

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life

Re-posted yesterday

Job description

About ClearPath, Inc
ClearPath's mission is to accelerate American innovation to reduce global energy emissions. To advance that mission, we develop cutting-edge policy solutions on clean energy and industrial innovation. An entrepreneurial, strategic nonprofit, ClearPath (501(c)(3)) collaborates with public and private sector stakeholders on innovations in nuclear energy, geothermal, hydropower, natural gas, energy storage, critical minerals, carbon capture and heavy industry to enable private-sector deployment of critical technologies. Started in 2014 by entrepreneur Jay Faison, ClearPath is a conservative energy advocacy organization that engages in the direct education of policymakers within Congress, the White House, Executive Agencies with energy and environmental jurisdiction, and regulators.
ClearPath team members believe in small government, free markets, and American entrepreneurship. Those principles form the basis for how the team analyzes proposed clean energy and climate policy.
ClearPath Values:
  • Teamwork: We empower each other to accomplish our shared mission.
  • Purpose: We believe the principles of limited government, free markets, and fiscal responsibility are essential to achieving our mission.
  • Ownership: We empower teammates to visibly own and achieve goals.
  • Adaptability: We are open to new, complex ideas and test our assumptions to lead change and advance our mission.
  • Curiosity: We have a proactive desire to learn, grow, and improve ourselves, our ideas, and our mission in a thoughtful and focused way.
  • Credibility: We agree that being trustworthy and believable is everything for building and maintaining influence.

Job Summary
ClearPath is seeking an AI Innovation Fellow to help accelerate the adoption of AI and emerging technologies across the federal government at a pivotal moment for American energy, infrastructure, and technological leadership.
This role will be housed at ClearPath and work in close partnership in the federal government. This position will ensure the efficient use and rapid scaling of AI both internally and in partnership with the federal government including federal agencies and steering committees like the Federal Permitting Improvement Steering Council (Permitting Council). The Fellow will operate at the forefront of bipartisan action-helping scope, design, build, and deploy technology-driven AI systems that streamline, modernize, and improve processes and create efficiencies.
This is a hands-on, builder role for a technology-forward problem solver with high standards, urgency, and a bias toward action. You will help establish systems from the ground up, working with external consultants, technologists, and federal partners to bring AI-enabled solutions and tools into government processes that directly impact America's energy future.
This position is part of the ClearPath Conservative Leadership Program (CCLP), a highly selective leadership accelerator that places mission-driven professionals in high-impact roles in government to gain hands-on experience at the center of federal policy. In this fellowship role you will be expected to pursue educational placement opportunities in the Administration to broaden your portfolio and capabilities. This is a one-year, full-time placement with the possibility of mutual renewal based on performance, organizational needs, and shared interest.
Job Description
  • Design and build AI technology-enabled systems to modernize and streamline federal processes, with a focus on speed, accountability, and real-world outcomes.
  • Serve as a trusted advisor on AI and how it can modernize and improve data systems and processes working closely with federal officials and Administration partners.
  • Lead the development, scoping, testing, deployment, and optimization of AI-driven and data-enabled tools to improve efficiencies, timelines and transparency.
  • Partner with external consultants, technologists, and private-sector firms to design and implement modern solutions.
  • Translate the Administration AI vision into operational systems and executable projects.
  • Apply strong project management discipline to fast-moving initiatives, setting milestones, managing deliverables, and maintaining high-quality standards.
  • Think independently and creatively to identify new technology forward approaches to challenges.
  • Willingness to provide technical guidance and consult on other AI-driven and technology-enabled initiatives across ClearPath, as needed.
  • Operate effectively both autonomously and in collaborative, cross-functional environments.

Capabilities
  • Analytical Thinking - able to grasp the underlying concepts in complex information, identify root causes of problems, and formulate solutions based on a synthesis of information.
  • Information Seeking - driven by an underlying curiosity and desire to know more about things, people, or issues.
  • Creativity and Innovation - tend toward divergent thinking and the propensity to question existing practices; challenge commonly held assumptions; originate new or radical alternatives to traditional methods, processes, and products; and build on others' ideas.
  • Learning Agility - discern patterns in data, recognize relationships between concepts, and rapidly apply learning from one context to solve analogous problems in different contexts.
  • Quality Focus - ensure that all work in one's own area of the business, throughout the organization, by vendors, suppliers, etc. is performed with excellence and to high standards for quality and integrity.
  • Initiating Action - be self-starter and to take a lead role in improving or enhancing a product or service, avoiding problems, or developing entrepreneurial opportunities. Demonstrate a positive attitude toward getting things done and seek out additional responsibilities that may go beyond the scope of their formal job description.
  • Time Management - focus on completing all work tasks in a timely manner while remaining responsive enough to react to competing demands and shifting priorities.

Candidate Requirements
  • Bachelor's degree in a relevant field required.
  • 2-4 years of relevant professional experience, with increasing responsibility, in technology development, digital transformation, project management, or a related field. Experience in startup, government, policy, or fast-paced mission-driven environments is strongly valued.
  • Demonstrated experience working with modern technology systems, including exposure to artificial intelligence (AI) tools, data platforms, or software-enabled solutions; hands-on experience building or configuring systems is preferred.
  • Proven ability to lead projects end-to-end, from defining scope and requirements to testing, deployment, and continuous improvement.
  • Experience building systems or processes from the ground up, particularly in complex or regulated environments.
  • Strong execution mindset with high standards, attention to detail, and follow-through.
  • Ability to operate with significant autonomy, exercise sound judgment, and move work forward with urgency.
  • Comfortable working in a fast-paced, results-driven environment.
  • Willingness and ability to work in person, Monday through Friday, in Washington, DC.
  • A professional and personal commitment to ClearPath's mission and values.

Preferred Qualifications
  • Experience working on Capitol Hill, within the Executive Branch, or in a federal agency.
  • Background or strong interest in energy policy, infrastructure development, or federal permitting.
  • Mission-driven mindset aligned with ClearPath's commitment to American energy innovation.
  • Experience navigating bipartisan, cross-agency, or multi-stakeholder environments.

Compensation + Benefits
  • Competitive salary commensurate with experience
  • Comprehensive health, dental, vision, life, and disability insurance
  • Retirement Benefit offering an employer matching contribution of employee contributions $1 for $1 on the first 5% of pay contributed

At ClearPath, we value a diverse and inclusive workforce. We believe our team is the key to making an impact and fulfilling our mission. ClearPath is an equal opportunity employer. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status.

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