Communications and Advocacy Policy Fellow

About Us

HCM Strategists is a public policy consulting firm dedicated to improving higher education outcomes. Our team brings extensive government experience and deep public policy expertise to help leaders drive meaningful change. We believe in inclusive policymaking that amplifies voices and leads to real impact.

For more information, visit our website at www.hcmstrategists.com. 

Fellowship Overview

The HCM Fellowship Program is an exciting opportunity for passionate, collaborative, and organized individuals interested in education policy. Our fellows gain invaluable experience in policy and advocacy, supporting leaders across our education team in areas such as postsecondary finance, accountability systems, and workforce development.

The HCM Strategists Fellowship Program affords young professionals the opportunity for:

• Professional Growth: Work on diverse projects in workforce development and postsecondary education reform.
• Expert Interaction: Collaborate with experienced education experts and policymakers.
• Real-World Impact: See how policy and advocacy efforts translate into tangible initiatives.
• Technology Support: An HCM-owned device is provided if needed, with the agreement to return it at the fellowship’s end.
• Course Credit: Potential for course credit with academic department approval, if applicable.
  

Qualifications:

• Recent college graduate or current graduate student in communications studies/public policy and advocacy. Demonstrated interest in education and workforce policy and/or advocacy.
• Passion for education and equity issues.
• Intellectual curiosity, motivation, and desire to learn on-the-job. Must be a self-starter and can work independently and with a team.
• Strong research abilities. Some understanding of data analysis is preferred, with the ability to turn data-driven insights into strong narrative arcs.
• Ability to translate and broadly communicate complex research, policy and legislation topics for a variety of audiences.
• Design software experience required, including knowledge of Adobe Creative Suite, PowerPoint/Google Slides, and Canva
• Basic HTML/web editing skills. Experience with Squarespace websites is a plus but can be trained.
• Social Media management, marketing and analytics experience
• Strong writing and editing skills. Ability to write mission-aligned press releases and web content (blogs, news items, etc.). Ability to copy edit complex policy texts as needed.
• Media relations experience and media CRM software experience (we use Muck Rack)

Responsibilities: Fellows with HCM Strategists perform a variety of tasks that support our partners and staff in our legislative, media, research and policy, and administrative work.

• Conduct background research and analysis on a variety of state and federal policy issues.
• Monitor education policy-related publications for relevant news stories, related to client interests and activities.
• Contribute to the development of client deliverables, including presentations of findings, memos and reports, and general thought partnership.
• Research state and federal education activities, and related stakeholder and media engagement as appropriate.
• Attend meetings that may be of interest to clients and write a synopsis.
• Compile and assemble information requested by clients, as necessary.
• Review and provide feedback on both client and HCM-internal documents.
• Serve as “first-pen” for writing blog posts, op-eds and other collateral as well as follow HCM’s editorial content calendar in collaboration with the Director.  
• Monitor, manage, and create content for the firm’s social media channels and website.
• Contribute to a culture of diversity, equity, and inclusion.

Term: Winter/Spring 2026 

Hours and Compensation: This is an up to 20 hours per week paid opportunity, with a monthly stipend consistent with similar positions in the field. 

Location: This is a remote position.