Innovation Scholars: Job Description

Are you an early career professional or recent 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., with the option to renew. This position 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 and other critical national priorities. 

• Provide analytical and operational support on special projects aligned with critical national priorities, as needed. 

• Support events focused on emerging issues associated with new and emerging geopolitical risks, exotic technologies, and strengthening the link between democracy and capitalism. 

• Contribute to the design and execution of innovation pilots, research projects, and experimental programs, including scoping questions, testing approaches, and documenting lessons learned. 

• Collaborate across teams within the U.S. Chamber Foundation and the broader Chamber ecosystem to connect research, programming, and external engagement. 

Benefits

• 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 sessions with former White House officials, lawmakers, and Supreme Court clerks, as well as networking events and guest speakers from diverse fields. 

• Unique experiences to learn from leaders in government and industry: As part of your duties, you'll be invited to attend conferences and other 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 attend roundtable discussions and brainstorming sessions with public- and private-sector leaders. 

• 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

• We're committed to providing professional development opportunities, mentorship, and coaching. 

• You'll gain experience in enhancing skills such as program management, public speaking, writing, communication, data analysis, and data visualizations. 

• 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. 

In addition to these benefits, you'll receive a competitive salary of $65,000 per year with eligibility for benefits, including medical and dental coverage. 

The Innovation Scholar position is a one-year full-time position, with the option to renew for a second year. The position requires in-person work 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 legal authorization to work in the United States. We encourage high-potential candidates 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. Interviews are conducted on a rolling basis until the application closes.  

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, religion, creed, color, national origin, age, gender, sexual orientation, marital status, disability, veteran status, or any other basis protected by applicable federal, state, or local law. Our recruitment and employment policies are inclusive. We respect both the spirit and letter of the laws of equal employment opportunity.