Position Description

Douglass Project Fellows work independently and in project teams on communications, fundraising, program planning, research, evaluation, and visit coordination initiatives. Additionally, Douglass Project Fellows may have the opportunity to take part in seminars and workshops to further their understanding and participation in the public discourse around criminal legal system reform. Fellows will be trained as virtual prison visit facilitators and will have the opportunity to facilitate a visit during their summer. 

The Frederick Douglass Project is committed to equity, diversity, and inclusion. Our commitment to valuing the humanity and dignity of all individuals is reflected in our Fellowship program. We are seeking applicants from a wide range of backgrounds so that we can advance our goal of achieving equity and diversity in the workforce and because we value the input of those with lived and varied experience.

Fellowship Design

The Douglass Project Fellowship maximizes learning opportunities and ensures Fellows make meaningful contributions to our work. The Fellowship Program begins with a Summer Fellowship. Based on performance during the summer, fellows may be considered for full year academic fellowships, with flexible schedules to accommodate the Fellow’s availability.

Summer Fellows should anticipate working 35 hours a week. Work is largely conducted remotely and the organization largely operates on an Eastern time work day. Summer Fellows will work with supervisors to create an individualized schedule that optimizes opportunities for teamwork and collaboration, aligns with project timelines and organizational goals, and ensures work-life balance. Participation in several weekly meetings is required, and fellows will be expected to be generally available and reachable during normal business hours. The Douglass Project is intended for individuals who are able to make the Fellowship  their primary commitment over the course of the 8-week program. 

Fellows are employees of the Douglass Project, and will be paid biweekly based on the hours worked, up to 35 hours per week. Fellows will be paid at a rate of $20/hour. Fellows record daily activities and submit brief weekly progress summaries based on assigned projects. The Summer Fellowship will run from June to August, with exact dates to be determined in the mid-Spring and in accordance with the Fellow’s academic schedule. Evaluation of Fellows’ contributions over the Summer period combined with the needs of the organization will determine eligibility for the ongoing Academic Fellowship. 

Academic Fellowships are part-time positions that require a minimum of 5-10 hours of work each week. Similar to the Summer Fellowship, work is conducted remotely and schedules are flexible and Fellows are paid for their time on an hourly basis.

If your school provides an opportunity to earn course credit for completing externships AND/OR if your school offers grants for students who intern in the public service/non-profit sectors, please contact fellows@douglassproject.org to learn more about the Douglass Project’s Externship program.