State Policy Fellowship

The Center on Budget and Policy Priorities - in collaboration with the State Priorities Partnership, a national network coordinated by the Center - is seeking applicants for the State Policy Fellowship Program. Fellows will work for their host states for two years as policy analysts on state tax, budget, and public policy issues affecting low- and moderate-income communities and communities of color.

Aside from making a difference in low-and moderate-income communities, the Fellowship program is designed to grow the number of voices that speak with authority in state policy debates and to help launch policy careers. Successful applicants will be highly motivated candidates who have experience working with or in communities underrepresented in state policy debates and have a demonstrated interest in learning more about public policies that affect low-income and diverse communities and have implications for racial equity.

The Center on Budget and Policy Priorities is a high-caliber strategic policy institute that informs and shapes public policies to reduce poverty, promote equity, and build opportunity. It is known for its unique capacity to blend rigorous, timely analysis with effective communications that enable policymakers and the media to make use of its work. With its analysis, The Center focuses on improving the lives of people with low or moderate incomes and examines how policies affect particular groups, including Black, Indigenous, and other people of color, immigrants, people with disabilities, and LGBTQ+ people.

The State priorities Partnership is a network of 42 independent, non-profit research and policy organizations that use evidence and analysis to advance state policy that gives more people the opportunity to thrive and prosper. The State Priorities Partnership is coordinated by the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities. Fellows will be the employees of their host organization.

Position:

Working in five independent, highly respected policy organizations located across the country, State Policy Fellows analyze the impact of state budget and tax policy choices on low-income residents and communities of color and promote positive reforms.

The State Policy Fellowship is an exceptional opportunity to develop in-depth policy expertise. Fellowship responsibilities include tracking and analyzing legislative proposals and state budgets as well as conducting research and analysis on state budget, tax, and other issues to improve the lives of families from all backgrounds. Fellows will also produce reports, blog post, fact sheets, and other materials for use by policymakers, journalists, advocacy groups, and civic organizations and collaborate with community-based advocates to inform the public on the impacts of public policies on their communities.

Additionally, Fellows will participate in coordinated trainings and career development opportunities, work with mentors, and have access to network of current and former fellows as well ongoing opportunities for professional growth.

Fellowship Responsibilities

State Policy Fellows will work as research analysts as they:

• Develop expertise in issues such as state budget and tax policies, health care, housing, immigration, education finance, tribal policy, family economic security, economic development, and criminal legal reform.
• Produce reports and other materials for use by policymakers, journalists, advocacy groups, and civic organizations.
• Track and analyze legislative proposals and state budgets.
• Advance effective policy recommendations.
• Engage with media, policymakers and their staffs, and a broad array of state and community organizations.
• Collaborate with community-based advocates to engage the public on the impacts of public policies on their communities.

Core Requirements

• A college degree plus two years of relevant research experience OR a graduate degree in a related field.
• Strong quantitative, writing, and presentation skills.
• Demonstrated interest in working on state-level public policies affecting low-income communities, communities of color, and LGBTQ communities, and policies with implications for racial equity.
• A commitment to understanding and undoing systemic racial inequities.
• The ability to work on multiple tasks both independently and as part of a highly collaborative team, often on a time-sensitive basis.
• Familiarity with state tax and budget policy issues and concepts or a willingness to learn on the job.
• A two-year commitment— candidates must be eligible to work full time in the United States for the duration of the program.
• The ability and willingness to relocate to the state(s) they select.

Fellowship Locations And Areas of Focus

• Alabama Arise - Education Funding and Tax Policy
• California Budget and Policy Center - Healthcare and Tax Policy
• North Carolina Budget and Tax Center - Social Safety Net Programs
• New Hampshire Fiscal Policy Institute - Budget and Tax Policy
• Voices for Utah Children - State Immigration Policy and Access to Safety Net Programs

Applicants may select up to two locations or state organizations. Please list your top preference as “location preference 1.” Applicants must include a few sentences about their connection to or interest in each location. Applicants must be willing to relocate to the selected location.

Application Deadline: February 28, 2026, 11:59 p.m. EST

Terms of Employment: Full-time; exempt. This is a two-year term position.

Start Date: Summer 2026

Compensation: Fellows earn a minimum salary of $50,000 (Individual salaries will be negotiated by candidates and host sites. regional salary adjustments may be applied to higher-cost locations). Access to health benefits is included.

We ask that you submit several documents to help us learn more about who you are as an individual and as a candidate. Required documents include a cover letter, resume, and an equity and inclusion statement. Applications missing those three documents will not be considered. It is best to have these documents and materials prepared before starting the application.

Please visit https://www.cbpp.org/careers/fellowship/fellowship-application for more information.

The Center on Budget and Policy Priorities is an Equal Opportunity Employer that values and welcomes diversity in the workplace and strongly encourages all qualified persons to apply regardless of race, color, age, sex, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, genetic information, credit information, pregnancy or parental status, family responsibilities, personal appearance, creed, military or veteran status, religion, ancestry or national origin, union activities, disability, or other status protected by applicable law.