Economic Policy Institute

Congressional Labor Fellow

Based in Washington, DC

 

Program Overview
The Economic Policy Institute’s intensive 12-month congressional fellowship program offers mid-career professionals an opportunity for hands-on public policy training and leadership development. The Fellow will be placed in the office of a Member of the Congressional Labor Caucus, where they will serve in a full-time capacity, learning the work of a legislative assistant or policy analyst. The fellowship is sponsored by EPI in collaboration with the AFL-CIO and is designed to provide a unique educational opportunity to individuals with a labor movement background – the chance to gain insight into the legislative process and to develop a deep understanding of policy formation and implementation at the federal level.

 The fellow’s duties and responsibilities will be determined by their host congressional office and may include some or all of the following:

Legislative and Policy Support:

• Conduct in-depth research on assigned policy issues and legislative initiatives.
• Analyze existing or proposed legislation and prepare policy recommendations for the Members of the Labor Caucus.
• Draft legislative documents, including bills, amendments, Dear Colleague letters, and floor statements.
• Prepare briefing materials, talking points, and speeches for congressional hearings, floor debates, and meetings.
• Monitor legislative activity and track the progress of bills pertinent to the assigned policy portfolio.

Communication and Oversight:

• Collaborate with other congressional and committee staff to advance the Labor Caucus Members’ legislative and policy priorities.
• Attend briefings, trainings, and other educational workshops to deepen knowledge of labor policy and congressional procedure. 
• Assist with congressional oversight activities and prepare reports, statements, or memoranda on various issues.
• Draft content for office communications, including press releases, newsletters, and social media posts.
• In addition to congressional office responsibilities, the fellow will be expected to participate in educational and professional development activities provided by EPI as part of the fellowship program. 

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree preferred
• Experience with the labor movement as a member, an organizer, or staff (minimum 1-2 years)
• Either through personal or professional experience, or community-related activism aimed at improving the living conditions of workers.
• Interest in public policy and ways to use it to support American workers

Skills and Competencies

• Excellent written and oral communication skills are essential for drafting complex policy documents and interacting with diverse groups.
• Ability to conduct thorough, independent research and effectively synthesize complex information under tight deadlines.
• Proactive, organized, and capable of managing a broad portfolio of issues in a fast-paced, politically sensitive environment.
• A team player with strong relationship-building skills to work effectively with colleagues, constituents, and stakeholders.

Program Details

• Duration: 12 months, beginning in early 2026 and concluding in December 2026.
• Compensation: The fellowship offers an annual salary of $85,000 and includes a benefits package.
• Workplace/Supervision: Day-to-day work responsibilities will be determined by the fellow’s host congressional office.
• Location: Fellows must reside in or relocate to the Washington, D.C. metropolitan area. As a condition of employment, EPI requires all staff to provide proof of updated COVID-19 vaccination per the guidelines established by D.C. Health. Currently, D.C. Health recommends updated (2025) boosters for everyone six months or older. The Fellow should assume that their regular daily workplace would be reporting to a congressional office in Capitol Hill, Washington D.C. Occasional hybrid or remote work may be available as permitted by the host office.

How to Apply
Interested applicants should submit a cover letter explaining their relevant experience, how this fellowship will advance their career goals, and interest in being a Labor Fellow with the Congressional Labor Caucus, a résumé, and a writing sample. The fellow will receive a conditional offer pending their final interview with a host congressional office.

EPI believes that having a diverse and inclusive workplace not only strengthens the institute’s work but is also essential for understanding and creating economic policies that support all working people. We encourage applicants who bring lived experience and nontraditional backgrounds to apply to our positions. 

EPI is an equal opportunity, fair chance, affirmative action employer, committed to building a diverse and inclusive workforce. All qualified applicants will be considered for employment without regard to race, color, creed, national origin, sex, age, disability, marital status, sexual orientation, military status, prior history of arrest or conviction, caregiver status, or other categories protected by law.

Apply here: http://aflcio.exacthire.com

Equal Opportunity Employer