Innovation Scholars: Job Description

Are you an early career professional or recent graduate with a passion for exploring solutions to wicked problems and critical national priorities? The U.S. Chamber Foundation is seeking top-tier candidates for a two-year full-time Innovation Scholar position in Washington D.C. that offers pay, benefits, and an intellectually stimulating environment at the intersection of business and government.

As an Innovation Scholar, you'll have the opportunity to work with our network of blue-chip companies, innovative small businesses, and major foundations that support the nation's long-term growth. You'll gain valuable real-world experience on cutting-edge issues and access the biggest thinkers in your field, including leaders in government and industry, located across the street from the White House.

Responsibilities

• Conduct research and draft reports on issues of concern to the U.S. business community, with a focus on topics related to emerging technologies and other critical national priorities.
• Support events focused on emerging issues associated with new and emerging geopolitical risks, exotic technologies, and strengthening the link between democracy and capitalism.

Benefits

• Real-world experience on cutting-edge issues: You'll work on projects related to critical national priorities and emerging issues, gaining valuable real-world experience, and developing a deeper understanding of the challenges facing the U.S. business community.
• Access to the biggest thinkers in your field: You'll have the opportunity to learn from and engage with experts in your field, including leaders in government and industry. This includes sessions with former White House officials, lawmakers, and Supreme Court clerks, as well as networking events and guest speakers from diverse fields.
• Unique experiences to learn from leaders in government and industry: As part of your duties, you'll have the opportunity to attend conferences and other events related to your field of study or interest. You'll also have the opportunity to engage with leading think tanks in Washington, D.C., participate in research projects, and attend roundtable discussions and brainstorming sessions with public- and private-sector leaders.
• Opportunity to make a significant contribution to our work while developing deeper subject-matter expertise and new skills: You'll play a key role in harnessing the power of business to solve problems in America and globally, while developing deeper subject-matter expertise and new skills in functional disciplines such as project management.

Career Development

• We're committed to providing professional development opportunities, mentorship, and coaching. 
• You'll receive training to enhance skills such as program management, public speaking, writing and communication, and data analysis and visualization.  
• Opportunities to build your professional network: You'll have the opportunity to meet and engage with a diverse group of industry leaders and experts, as well as other Innovation Scholars, building your professional network and expanding your career opportunities. 
• Personalized career coaching: We'll work with you to identify your career goals and help you develop a personalized career plan to achieve them. 
• Portfolio-building opportunities: You'll have the opportunity to build a portfolio of programs you participate in at area think tanks, and participate in research projects and policy initiatives with leading think tanks in Washington, D.C. 

In addition to these benefits, you'll receive a competitive salary of $65,000 per year with eligibility for benefits, including medical and dental coverage.

The Innovation Scholar position is a two-year full-time position, with in-person work required three days per week at our office near the White House. The other two days are optional for remote work. 

To be eligible for consideration, applicants must have legal authorization to work in the United States. We encourage high-potential candidates with an unusual level of curiosity and a clear commitment to helping businesses do well, do good, and prepare for the future to apply for this opportunity. We also encourage military veterans to apply. 

We recruit, employ, train, compensate, and promote without regard to race, religion, creed, color, national origin, age, gender, sexual orientation, marital status, disability, veteran status, or any other basis protected by applicable federal, state, or local law. Our recruitment and employment policies are inclusive. We respect both the spirit and letter of the laws of equal employment opportunity.