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Political Fellow Jobs (NOW HIRING)

William Paterson University

$46K - $63K/yr

Applications will be considered in areas such as Political Science, Public Administration, Urban ... Fellows will teach a 3/3 load during the time of their appointments in a planned and supported ...

BlueLabs, Inc.

Strategic Analytics Fellow

$25/hr

Fellows will engage with work that focuses on some of the most important current political issues ... all while building professional analytics experience and developing a wide range of technical ...

Documented

Research Fellowship

Washington, DC · Remote

Research Fellowship Location: Virtual, Washington D.C. preferred Experience: 2 years relevant ... our political system. Our investigations have revealed the secret internal training videos of ...

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How much do political fellow jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 27, 2026, the average yearly pay for political 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 a political fellow?

Political Fellows are individuals who participate in fellowship programs designed to provide hands-on experience in politics, policy, or government. These fellowships often involve working closely with elected officials, political organizations, or advocacy groups, and may include responsibilities like policy research, event planning, communications, and constituent outreach. Political Fellows typically gain valuable insights into the political process, expand their professional networks, and develop skills relevant to public service or political careers. Programs may vary in length, focus, and eligibility requirements, but they generally aim to prepare participants for future leadership roles in the political sphere.

What are some common challenges political fellows face when transitioning from academic studies to hands-on policy work?

Political Fellows often experience a shift from theoretical learning to the fast-paced, practical demands of policy and advocacy work. Adapting to tight deadlines, managing multiple projects, and navigating the complexities of stakeholder engagement can be challenging. Fellows typically work closely with seasoned professionals, which provides valuable mentorship but also requires strong communication and collaboration skills. Embracing feedback and remaining flexible are key to thriving in this dynamic environment.

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

To thrive as a Political Fellow, you need a solid understanding of political science, public policy, and current affairs, often supported by a relevant degree or prior policy experience. Familiarity with data analysis tools, legislative tracking software, and research databases is typically required. Strong written and verbal communication, analytical thinking, and networking abilities are crucial soft skills for this role. These qualities enable Political Fellows to effectively support policy initiatives, contribute to research, and build relationships with stakeholders.

What is the difference between Political Fellow vs Policy Analyst?

AspectPolitical FellowPolicy Analyst
Required CredentialsTypically a bachelor's degree, often in political science, public policy, or related fieldsUsually a bachelor's or master's degree in public policy, political science, or economics
Work EnvironmentInternship or temporary position within government, nonprofit, or political organizationsResearch-focused role in think tanks, government agencies, or consulting firms
Employer & Industry UsageUsed by political campaigns, government offices, and advocacy groupsCommon in policy research organizations, government departments, and consulting firms

While both roles involve engagement with public policy and politics, a Political Fellow typically participates in internships or temporary programs to gain experience, whereas a Policy Analyst conducts research and analysis to inform policy decisions. The roles often overlap in skills and industry usage, but differ mainly in scope and career stage.

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The top searched job categories for Political Fellow jobs are:

Political Fellow jobs near you
Infographic showing various Political Fellow job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 80% Full Time, 19% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 85% Physical, and 15% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $59,022 per year, or $28.4 per hour.

Postdoctoral Research Fellow

University of Pennsylvania

Philadelphia, PA • On-site

$67K/yr

Full-time

Medical

Re-posted 27 days ago

University Of Pennsylvania rating

8.1

Company rating: 8.1 out of 10

Based on 81 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

168th of 623 rated colleges and universities

Job description

Description
Project: Transitioning through Uncertainty - Sociopolitical Feedback from Clean Energy Manufacturing Investments
University of Pennsylvania, Department of Political Science | Philadelphia, PA
Position Overview
The Penn Environmental Politics Lab seeks a post-doctoral research fellow to support a two-year research project, beginning in July 2026. This one-year appointment, with possibility for renewal for a second year contingent on performance and availability of funding, is designed for a social scientist who has recently completed (by July 2026) a PhD in political science, economics, public policy, sociology, environmental studies, or a related field.
The fellow will be based at the University of Pennsylvania in Philadelphia and will work closely with PI Parrish Bergquist. They will have access to Penn's research community including seminars, workshops, and symposia hosted by the political science department, the Kleinman Center for Energy Policy, Perry World House, the Program on Opinion Research and Election Studies, the Annenberg Center for Public Policy, the Wharton Climate Center, and many other centers and departments. While physically based in Philadelphia, the fellow will also engage regularly with the full research team at Stanford University, the University of Michigan, and Northwestern University.
About the Project
The US energy transition is unfolding against a backdrop of dramatic policy reversals, investment uncertainty, and deep political division. Our study, funded by the Alfred P. Sloan Foundation, examines how firms, workers, and communities respond to clean energy industrial policy in the current moment of flux. The research team - PI Parrish Bergquist (University of Pennsylvania), and Co-Investigators Sara Constantino (Stanford University), Michael Shepherd (University of Michigan), and Elizabeth Thom (Northwestern University) - is conducting a multi-method study that will include a process-tracing analysis of federal clean energy policymaking, analysis of how clean energy manufacturing firms mobilize politically in response to policy uncertainty, an original longitudinal panel survey of clean energy manufacturing workers, and qualitative case studies of six communities hosting clean energy manufacturing facilities.
This Postdoctoral Research Fellowship is supported by the Alfred P. Sloan Foundation under Grant No. G-2026-79331.
Responsibilities
  • Lead or co-lead data collection efforts for one or more work packages, including conducting elite interviews, designing and implementing surveys and interviews with clean energy manufacturing executives and workers, and conducting background research and fieldwork in communities hosting new manufacturing facilities.
  • Collaborate with the research team to analyze data and produce academic manuscripts and policy-relevant outputs.
  • Contribute to project management, including coordinating data collection timelines, managing research assistants, and supporting team communication across institutions.
  • Pursue independent research questions emerging from the project in coordination with the PIs.
  • Occasionally travel to study sites across the US to conduct fieldwork.

Compensation and Benefits
• Stipend: Commensurate with University of Pennsylvania guidelines, currently set at $67,000/year
• Benefits: Full health insurance package per University of Pennsylvania policy
Qualifications
Desired Qualifications
We are looking for a motivated, intellectually curious scholar with:
• A record of research on American politics, energy and climate policy, American political economy, or a closely related area
• Experience conducting original empirical research, preferably using both quantitative and qualitative methods
• Strong writing skills and a track record of producing scholarly work for publication
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills, including experience conducting interviews or other fieldwork
• Ability to work independently and manage multiple tasks and timelines simultaneously
• Enthusiasm for working in a collaborative, multi-institutional team environment
Application Instructions
How to Apply
To apply, please upload the following materials to: https://apply.interfolio.com/184237
  • cover letter describing interest in the project and your relevant experience
  • CV
  • three letters of recommendation
  • writing sample

Please direct questions to PI Parrish Bergquist at pberg@sas.upenn.edu.

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About University of Pennsylvania

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The University of Pennsylvania, the largest private employer in Philadelphia, is a world-renowned leader in education, research, and innovation. This historic, Ivy League school consistently ranks among the top 10 universities in the annual U.S. News & World Report survey. Penn has 12 highly-regarded schools that provide opportunities for undergraduate, graduate and continuing education, all influenced by Penn's distinctive interdisciplinary approach to scholarship and learning. As an employer Penn has been ranked nationally on many occasions with the most recent award from Forbes who named Penn one of America's Best Employers By State in 2021.

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