Executive Projects Fellow

Location: Remote

Hours: 20 – 30/week

Rate: $20/hour with opportunities for pay increases based on performance and tenure 

Duration: 9–12 months (flexible start date)

About First State Educate

First State Educate (FSE) is the only nonprofit in Delaware focused solely on strengthening school board leadership to improve student outcomes. We build the capacity of boards through training, research, and strategic partnerships, ensuring that governance decisions reflect community priorities and drive meaningful change in public education.

Role Summary

The Executive Projects Fellow provides high‑level support to the Executive Director, working on strategic initiatives that span program design, policy research, communications, stakeholder engagement, and event execution. This fellowship is designed as a formative bridge between school and professional leadership roles — ideal for recent graduates or those preparing for graduate study who want to apply academic knowledge to real‑world challenges and develop executive‑level experience in education policy and nonprofit strategy.

Key Responsibilities

• Advance strategic initiatives with the Executive Director: Support projects across FSE’s priorities — from school board training to statewide forums; requires ability to apply strategic decision‑making frameworks, synthesize complex inputs, and translate ideas into actionable steps.
• Conduct targeted policy and landscape research: Gather and analyze data on education governance trends and Delaware‑specific context; requires strong synthesis skills to produce concise briefs and recommendations for executive use.
• Develop and refine program materials: Create training content, event agendas, and digital learning tools; requires capacity to distill research into practical, user‑friendly resources that advance board and community goals.
• Manage project timelines and follow‑through: Coordinate milestones across multiple initiatives; requires organizational discipline and ability to prioritize in fast‑changing conditions.
• Draft external communications and materials: Write emails, one‑pagers, and social content for partners, funders, and board members; requires clear writing, adaptability to different audiences, and attention to tone and detail.
• Support events and convenings: Assist with planning, logistics, and materials for statewide forums and trainings; requires ability to anticipate needs, manage details, and represent the organization professionally in public settings.
• Contribute to special projects as priorities evolve: Take ownership of emerging tasks (e.g., AI policy pilots, podcast episodes, grant proposals); requires flexibility, problem‑solving, and willingness to navigate ambiguity.

Preferred Skills and Competencies

• Ability to connect details to broader strategy and anticipate next steps.
• Skilled at gathering, analyzing, and summarizing information quickly.
• Excellent writing and communication skills, with sensitivity to audience and tone.
• Strong organizational skills; able to manage multiple priorities simultaneously.
• Initiative and adaptability in a fast‑paced, entrepreneurial environment.
• Professionalism and relationship‑building skills with diverse stakeholders.
• Interest in public education, governance, and nonprofit leadership.

Professional Development & Mentorship

• Direct mentorship from the Executive Director, including exposure to decision‑making and leadership practices; guidance on graduate school preparation, career pathways, and professional skill‑building.
• Flexibility to tailor projects to the Fellow’s interests and career goals within FSE’s priorities.