ACLS Public Fellows

ACLS Public Fellows
Fellowship Details
Stipend: $50,000 – $78,000 dependent on position. Health benefits will also be provided.
Tenure: Two years; start dates will vary but range from September 2011 to as late as February 2012 (if security clearance is necessary)
The only way to apply for these positions is through the ACLS Online Fellowship Application system (ofa.acls.org). Please do not contact any of the agencies directly.
Application deadline: May 16, 2011, 3pm (EDT)
Notification of application status will occur early July 2011.
ACLS invites applications for the inaugural competition of its Public Fellows program. The program will place eight recent Ph.D.s in staff positions at partnering agencies in government and the non-profit sector for two years, beginning in some cases as early as September 2011. Fellows will participate in the substantive work of these agencies and receive professional mentoring. Compensation will be commensurate with experience and at the same level as new professional employees of the hosting agency and will include health insurance.

This program, made possible by a grant from The Andrew W. Mellon Foundation, aims to demonstrate that the capacities developed in the advanced study of the humanities have wide application, both within and beyond the academy.

ACLS seeks applications from recent Ph.D.s who wish to begin careers in administration, management, and public service by choice rather than circumstance. Competitive applicants will have been successful in both academic and extra-academic experiences.

Applicants must:
possess U.S. citizenship or permanent resident status
have a Ph.D. in the humanities or humanistic social sciences conferred between January 2008 and March 2011
not have applied to any other ACLS Fellowship programs in the 2010-2011 competition year, including the New Faculty Fellows program
Prospective applicants should read through all the positions listed below and be ready to choose one when beginning the online application process. Applicants may apply to only one position. The deadline for submitted applications is Monday, May 16, 3pm EDT, and complete applications will include: (1) completed application form; (2) cover letter tailored to a specific position; (3) resume; (4) candidate statement; and (5) one nomination letter. The only way to apply for these positions is through the ACLS Public Fellows program. Only complete applications, submitted through the ACLS Online Fellowship Application system (ofa.acls.org) by the deadline will be considered.

Submitted applications will undergo ACLS’ standard rigorous peer review process, which may include interviews by ACLS and by the hosting agency. Reviewers will look for: (a) applicant’s academic accomplishment and success; (b) demonstrated relationship between past experience and specified position; and (c) commitment to the public and/or non-profit sector. Applicants who advance to the interview stages will need to be available in the timeframe listed below.

Participating Agencies and Positions
Click on the positions to view the PDF of the full description, which includes detailed information on the hosting agency, the position, and requisite qualifications. Please do not contact any of these agencies with questions (i.e., on the position, benefits, etc.).

Association of American Universities (AAU)
— Policy Analyst
Council on Foundations
— Leadership Development Officer
Institute for International Education (IIE)
— Program Officer, Scholar Rescue Fund
National Institute for Technology in Liberal Education (NITLE)
— Program Officer
New York City Department of Cultural Affairs
— Cultural Programs Specialist
— Cultural Communications Specialist
U.S. Department of State
— two positions, various departments
ACLS will field only questions about the fellowship program itself and not on the positions or the organizations. Please carefully review the program description, the positions, and the sample application before contacting ACLS. Questions about the fellowship program can be directed in writing to fellowships@acls.org (no calls please).