Program Fellow

TransitCenter Fellowship for Fall-Winter 2022-2023

TransitCenter is a private foundation that conducts research and advocacy and works nationally to improve public transit in ways that make U.S. cities more just and environmentally sustainable. To do this, we are committed to reforming how and by whom decisions about transit are made, bringing new perspectives, especially those of transit riders, into planning and policy work. We believe that supporting community-based activists and harnessing our own voice are critical to advancing the type of transit advocacy urgently needed in American cities. TransitCenter is seeking a part-time Program Fellow. Graduate students of diverse experience and backgrounds are welcome to apply for this paid fellowship.

The Program Fellow will gain experience at the intersection of research, advocacy, public policy, and philanthropy, and work on projects with real-world impacts on equity and environmental sustainability. The Program Fellow will primarily support TransitCenter’s research team, including work focusing on best practices of transit agency community engagement, evaluating how transit planning improves access to opportunity, and federal policy to fund public transit service. The Program Fellow will also support TransitCenter’s advocacy, agency practice, and communications teams as needed.

Eligibility: Any current graduate students interested in public policy, urban planning, transportation, and/or racial and social justice are eligible. Students enrolled in programs related to transportation planning, urban planning, public policy, public administration, and urban studies are the most likely fit, though we believe students of all backgrounds can make a contribution to our organization.

Must-haves: Strong critical thinking, research, analytical, writing, and communications skills. A respectful, collaborative, and entrepreneurial approach to work.

Nice-to-haves: Experience or interest in quantitative data analysis. Experience or interest in mapping, data analysis/visualization, and/or survey analysis. Experience or interest in qualitative research.

Duties: The Program Fellow will support full-time staff through research and writing assignments on specific subjects, and tasks for other projects and activities at the organization. Past research projects that Fellows have contributed to include TransitCenter reports on who holds power at public transit agencies, how transit can serve older Americans, and how to improve bus stops.

Time commitment:  Between 15-25 hours per week for four months. The schedule in the office will be mutually determined and depend on the Program Fellow’s school schedule. The Fellowship is for Fall 2022, with the possibility for an extension of four additional months through Spring 2023, based on performance.

Compensation: Our Fellows are compensated at $27 per hour.

Location: The Graduate Fellow can work remotely during conventional business hours or in person at our office in lower Manhattan.