TechCongress is building 21st century government with technology talent through our Congressional Innovation Fellowships. We are bridging the divide between Congress and the technology sector by placing tech savvy individuals like you to work with Members of Congress and Congressional Committees in order to build capacity in Congress, train cross-sector leaders — who can understand the challenges of government and in the technology community — and keep Congress up to date about the latest challenges and opportunities relating to technology.

As a Congressional Innovation Fellow you will:

• Work with TechCongress to choose a placement with a Member or Congress or Congressional Committee and report directly to a senior staffer (like a Chief of Staff or Staff Director) in that office from January 2019 to December 2019.

• Perform duties similar to other Congressional staff by applying your experience in technology to a variety of work, including:

• Researching relevant policymaking (on issues like encryption, autonomous vehicle regulations, health IT, government hacking, privacy, open data, cyber/data security and many others)

• Helping educate Members and staff about these issues.

• Researching legislation.

• Preparing for and organizing Committee hearings, markups, or investigations.

• Building coalitions with partners and other groups.

• Develop and produce a fellowship project on an issue of your choosing. Past projects include writing and introducing legislation, and organizing an association of tech staffers.

• Support TechCongress by writing about and presenting on your experience periodically, and represent TechCongress and the Congressional Innovation Fellows at meetings or events.

What we’re looking for in our Fellows:

• A technical background or ability, with experience working in or studying the technology sector.  Training can be formal (college, graduate school, the military) or informal (self-trained).

• Great interpersonal and communications skills.

• Ability to explain technology to those that aren’t as familiar with technology tools or concepts.

• Track record of success taking initiative and working with others.

• Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, collaborative environment.

• Committed to helping get Members of Congress and Congressional staff up to speed on technology issues.

No experience working in or with government? Great! We’re not looking for that. The Congressional Innovation Fellowship program is an opportunity to expose technology leaders like you to Capitol Hill. It is first and foremost and educational experience, giving you a one-of-its-kind education into how Congress and the government works.

The Fellowship

The Congressional Innovation Fellowship provides a unique opportunity to change Congress by injecting desperately needed technological expertise into the Legislative Branch.

The fellowship is a twelve-month residency on Capitol Hill, running from January to December, with an optional 13th month the following January.  Fellows work directly for a Member of Congress or Congressional Committee for the duration of their residency and may spend their time on technology-related issues like emerging technologies, AI and automation, election security, data privacy, encryption, cybersecurity or defense technology policy.  Typical duties may include:

• Briefing Members and staff about technology issues

• Researching legislation

• Preparing for hearings or markups

• Meeting with stakeholder groups and building coalitions

Find more information at: https://www.techcongress.io/the-fellowship/