Innovation Scholar

ABOUT US:
The U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation harnesses the power of business to create solutions for the good of America and the world. We anticipate, develop, and deploy solutions to challenges facing communities—today and tomorrow.

POSITION OVERVIEW:
Are you a recent college or grad school 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 one-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, the energy and environment sector, and other critical national priorities
• Support events focused on emerging issues associated with demographics, energy and environment, exotic technologies, and 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 AMAs with former White House officials, lawmakers, and Supreme Court clerks, as well as networking events and guest speakers from diverse fields.
• Professional development opportunities: You'll receive professional development training to enhance your skills, including program management, public speaking, writing and communication, and data analysis and visualization. Additionally, you'll have access to career coaching and mentorship opportunities to help you grow your career.
• Unique experiences to learn from leaders in government and industry: As part of your duties, you'll be invited to attend a portion of the SXSW conference and other conferences and 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 policy initiatives, and attend roundtable discussions and brainstorming sessions with experts and policy makers.
• 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:

• Long-term commitment to your career development: We're committed to supporting your long-term career development, including providing professional development opportunities, mentorship and coaching, and access to industry leaders and experts.
• 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

The Innovation Scholar position is a one-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 graduated in the last 12 months and have legal authorization to work in the United States. We encourage high-potential graduates 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.

To apply, please submit your resume, cover letter, and response to this prompt through our online application system:

• "Imagine you are the lead researcher for a project exploring the impact of emerging technologies on the U.S. economy over the next decade. Please provide a one-page executive summary of your research plan, outlining your approach, key research questions, and potential impact of your work. Be sure to highlight any innovative or unconventional ideas you would bring to the project."

We look forward to hearing from you and helping you grow your career while making a significant contribution to our work!

We recruit, employ, train, compensate, and promote without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, disability, marital status, status as a protected veteran, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law. Our talent acquisition and employment policies are inclusive. We respect both the spirit and letter of the laws of equal employment opportunity.