Job summary
Job post source
This job is directly from J Street
Job overview
The Lonnie Dounn Congressional Fellowship at J Street is a part-time internship for undergraduate students to gain experience working in congressional offices and learn about legislative processes while supporting J Street's mission.
Responsibilities and impact
Fellows will support congressional offices with constituent outreach, research on bills, attending hearings, administrative tasks, and participate in J Street seminars and networking events.
Compensation and benefits
The fellowship pays $18 per hour for 10-20 hours per week, offers flexible scheduling, and may coordinate with universities for course credit.
Experience and skills
Applicants should have strong communication, organizational, and interpersonal skills, attention to detail, and an interest or knowledge of Congress and the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
Career development
The fellowship offers mentorship, training, networking opportunities, and practical experience in congressional offices, enhancing career prospects in advocacy and public policy.
Work environment and culture
J Street values an inclusive, diverse, and welcoming workplace committed to equity and respect for all employees and fellows.
Company information
J Street is an organization focused on pro-Israel, pro-peace advocacy, engaging in political and community efforts to advance peace and security in the Israeli-Palestinian context.
Team overview
Fellows work under the J Street U Operations and Programming Coordinator and are placed in various congressional offices for practical experience.
Job location and travel
The fellowship is based in Washington, DC and requires in-person attendance.
Application process
Applicants must submit a cover letter, resume, three references, and a written response to a prompt; applications are reviewed on a rolling basis with possible interviews and additional materials required for congressional office placement.
Unique job features
This fellowship uniquely combines legislative experience with advocacy training and networking in a politically engaged environment focused on Middle East peace.
Company overview
J Street is a prominent advocacy group based in the United States that focuses on promoting American leadership to end the Israeli-Palestinian conflict peacefully and diplomatically. Founded in 2008, J Street supports a two-state solution and advocates for policies that align with this vision through lobbying, public campaigns, and educational initiatives. The organization generates revenue through donations, memberships, and fundraising events. Key historical moments include its rapid growth and influence in U.S. politics, particularly within the Democratic Party, and its role in shaping public discourse on Middle Eastern policy.
How to land this job
Position your resume to highlight your strong written and verbal communication skills, organizational abilities, and attention to detail, as these are key for supporting congressional office functions and research tasks.
Emphasize any experience or interest in government, legislative processes, or the Israeli-Palestinian conflict to align closely with the fellowship's focus and J Street's mission.
Apply through multiple platforms including J Street's official website and LinkedIn to maximize your visibility and chances of placement in congressional offices.
Connect with current or former fellows and J Street U Operations staff on LinkedIn; start conversations with ice breakers like asking about their experience working with Congress or how the fellowship helped their career.
Optimize your resume for ATS by incorporating keywords from the job description such as 'constituent support,' 'researching bills,' 'communication skills,' and 'organizational skills' to pass initial screenings.
Use Jennie Johnson's Power Apply feature to automate tailored applications, locate multiple application portals, and identify LinkedIn contacts, allowing you to focus more on networking and preparing for interviews.
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