Public Policy Fellowship at National Disability Institute (NDI): Remote Opportunity | $20 Per Hour | Apply by 25 Oct 2026
Overview
The National Disability Institute is offering its 2027 Public Policy Fellowship as a virtual, part-time opportunity focused on disability rights, financial inclusion, economic justice, and public policy. The programme provides practical experience in legislative monitoring, policy research, and advocacy initiatives aimed at improving the financial well-being of families and individuals with disabilities. Two candidates will be selected to participate, with one position designated for an early-career applicant who has fewer than three years of public policy experience, and the second position open to candidates with greater subject expertise or experience who are seeking a career transition or bridge opportunity.
Who can apply
Applications are open without a specific educational level or degree requirement. The programme welcomes current students, recent graduates, people returning to the workforce, career changers, and candidates who gained relevant experience outside formal education. People with disabilities, including chronic illnesses, neurodivergent individuals, and those with mental health conditions, are strongly encouraged to apply, alongside applicants whose lived experiences in other marginalized communities inform their policy approach. Applicants are required to have reliable access to a computer or laptop, a strong internet connection, and must have their work restricted to anywhere within the United States.
What you get
Selected fellows receive a compensation rate of $20 per hour for working approximately 20 hours per week over a 24-week period. Total compensation is capped at $9,600, which includes paid time off but excludes paid federal holiday pay. Participants gain professional exposure by working alongside National Disability Institute staff, congressional representatives, federal agency staff, and national disability organizations while building a foundation for future studies or careers in economic advocacy and disability policy.
Requirements
Applicants should possess strong verbal and written communication skills, analytical and research abilities, and a demonstrated interest in economic justice, poverty reduction, and public policy for people with disabilities. Beneficial backgrounds include legislative research, disability advocacy, disability rights, finance law, economic policy, labour advocacy, and familiarity with regulatory and legislative processes.
How to apply
Interested candidates must submit their application materials by email to Ly Xīnzhèn M. Zhǎngsūn Brown through Kara Broadus at kbroadus@ndi-inc.org. The email subject line must read Policy Fellow Application, and the submission must include a resume, a cover letter explaining personal and professional experience along with interest in the National Disability Institute and goals for the fellowship, and two writing samples of no more than five pages each, with a combined total of at most ten pages. Attached files must include the applicant's full name and document description, and incomplete applications will not be considered. Finalists will be contacted for an initial phone interview and a subsequent final video interview.
Key dates
The application deadline is 25 October 2026. The fellowship runs for 24 weeks, beginning on 7 December 2026 and concluding on 4 June 2027.