Careers

Job Title: Inaugural Online Safety Fellow 

Location: Washington, D.C. (Hybrid) 

Position Type: Fellowship (Part-time) 

Grant Award: $10,000 ($5,000 per semester) 

Program Dates: September 2024 - May 2025 

‍Overview: FOSI is seeking a dedicated and innovative graduate student or PhD candidate for the position of Inaugural Online Safety Fellow. This position will play a pivotal role in shaping the future of FOSI's Fellowship Program. This is not just an opportunity to contribute to existing efforts, but to lay the foundational framework for a program that will grow and evolve over time. The fellow will have the unique responsibility of creating the program from the ground up, ensuring its design allows for expansion and longevity. 

‍Fellowship Goals:
- Develop and establish the structure, objectives, and strategies for the FOSI Fellowship Program.
- Design innovative solutions and forward-thinking strategies that address online safety challenges, setting the stage for future fellows.
- Create a sustainable model that will allow the Fellowship Program to expand and remain impactful in the years to come. 

‍Key Responsibilities:
Program Development and Strategy 
- Inaugural Year Focus: In the inaugural year of the fellowship, the primary focus will be on developing and establishing the foundational structure of the Online Safety Fellowship Program. The fellow will be responsible for creating a strategic framework that will guide the program’s growth and sustainability in the years to come.
- Design and implement new initiatives and resources that address emerging challenges in online safety. 
- Establish a clear vision and roadmap for the program’s expansion, ensuring its alignment with FOSI’s long-term strategic goals. 
- Collaborate closely with FOSI’s leadership to integrate the fellowship program into the broader organizational strategy, setting the stage for its success and longevity. 

‍Other Fellow Responsibilities:
Research and Policy Development 
- Conduct in-depth research on emerging online safety issues to inform the program’s direction. 
- Develop actionable policy recommendations that align with FOSI’s mission and strategic objectives. 
- Prepare reports, policy briefs, and other written materials that will guide future fellows. 
Community and Stakeholder Engagement 
- Build and maintain relationships with key stakeholders, including policymakers, industry leaders, and young advocates, to foster a collaborative approach to online safety. 
- Participate in conferences, workshops, and events to represent FOSI and present research findings, while also promoting the Fellowship Program.
Strategic Leadership Development 
- Identify and mentor future fellows, helping to build a pipeline of talent that will sustain the program’s growth. 
- Contribute to the creation of leadership development opportunities within the program, ensuring that future fellows are well-equipped to make a significant impact in the field of online safety. 
Special Projects and Legacy Building
- Lead special projects that will set the foundation for the Fellowship Program’s future success. 
- Establish a legacy of innovation and thought leadership that will define FOSI’s approach to online safety for years to come. 

‍Qualifications:
- Graduate student or PhD candidate in a relevant field (e.g., Public Policy, Law, Cybersecurity, Education, Communications, or Business Management).
- Strong research and analytical skills with a focus on online safety, digital rights, or related fields. 
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to translate complex topics into clear, actionable insights. 
- Experience in program development or project management is highly desirable.
- Demonstrated interest in online safety, digital citizenship, and policy advocacy. 

‍Preferred Qualifications:
- Experience with policy analysis, particularly in the areas of technology and online safety. 
- Familiarity with the digital landscape and the challenges facing families and children online. 
- Proven ability to work collaboratively with diverse stakeholders, including policymakers, industry leaders, and youth advocates. 

‍Application Process Interested candidates should submit a resume, a cover letter detailing their interest in the fellowship and relevant experience, and a writing sample that demonstrates their research and analytical skills. Applications should be submitted by September 1st to fosi@fosi.org. The fellowship program starts September 30th. The grant award to the fellow is $10,000 ($5,000 per semester), 3 days a week in-person based out of our Downtown DC office location. Metro benefits and a lunch stipend are included. FOSI understands that not all students have class schedules that allow them to be in person 3 days a week for this fellowship. We ask students who are interested in this fellowship to apply and we will work around class schedules.