The Foundation for American Innovation champions the technology, talent, and ideas essential to American prosperity, security, and flourishing. FAI is a leading, innovative institution that works directly with the executive branch, Congress, and partners across the political spectrum to translate ideas into durable institutional reform. The Governance Program advances this builder culture by focusing on how public institutions are designed, staffed, and operated—seeking to improve government efficiency and effectiveness through stronger execution, institutional design, and public management, not simply budget cuts or headcount reduction.
About the Role
FAI seeks multiple Senior Fellows in Government Efficiency and Effectiveness to serve as subject-matter leaders within its Governance Program. This role is designed for an experienced practitioner or policy leader who has held senior responsibility in government and brings deep institutional knowledge, judgment, and credibility to questions of execution and reform.
Senior Fellows are responsible for shaping reform agendas in their areas of expertise, mentoring junior staff, and helping translate FAI’s work into real-world institutional opportunities. The role emphasizes leadership, stewardship, and strategic engagement rather than day-to-day project management.
Location: Washington, DC (preferred; flexible / hybrid considered)
Employment Type: Full-time or part-time (depending on role configuration)
Level: Senior Fellow or Distinguished Fellow (commensurate with experience)
Role Expectations
Senior Fellows are expected to:
- Provide intellectual and strategic leadership on issues related to government efficiency, effectiveness, and institutional reform
- Shape a coherent agenda of research, policy development, and engagement grounded in real governing experience
- Serve as a senior external voice for FAI with policymakers, practitioners, and partners
- Contribute to the development of talent and judgment across the Governance Program
Responsibilities
Agenda-Setting and Thought Leadership
- Identify priority institutional challenges and reform pathways based on firsthand experience
- Produce high-impact written work—essays, memos, reports, or commentary—that advances serious reform conversations
- Help define FAI’s approach to government efficiency and effectiveness across programs
Policy and Institutional Engagement
- Engage selectively with senior officials in the executive branch, Congress, and the broader governance ecosystem
- Advise on the design and sequencing of institutional reforms, including political and operational constraints
- Participate in briefings, roundtables, and convenings as a senior contributor
Team Leadership and Mentorship
- Advise and mentor analysts, senior analysts, and fellows within the Governance Program
- Provide judgment and perspective on research agendas, publications, and engagement strategies
- Collaborate closely with the Director of Governance and Program Managers to ensure coherence and impact
Ecosystem Stewardship
- Help build and sustain relationships with aligned institutions, practitioners, and funders
- Represent FAI in high-level external settings where credibility and discretion are essential
- Support the long-term development of a reform-oriented governance ecosystem
Who You Are
This role is intended for leaders with substantial experience in government or closely related institutions. Strong candidates will bring deep familiarity with the constraints of public administration, a record of responsible leadership, and an interest in improving how government executes its existing responsibilities. The ideal Senior Fellow values institutional stewardship, understands the political dimensions of reform, and is motivated to invest in the next generation of governing talent rather than simply advance personal visibility.
Benefits and Perks
Benefits, compensation, and time commitment will be structured based on seniority and role configuration. Options may include health benefits, research support, flexible scheduling, and competitive compensation commensurate with experience.
For full time roles, FAI offers:
- Health, dental, and vision insurance
- 401(k) with employer match (up to 6%)
- Annual performance bonus
- $1,000 annual book and research credit
- Monthly commuter benefit
- Unlimited vacation policy
- Competitive salary, commensurate with experience
Role Configuration
Senior Fellow roles may be structured as full-time, part-time, or hybrid appointments depending on mutual fit, availability, and program needs. FAI is open to candidates who wish to combine this role with advisory, academic, or other professional engagements, provided expectations are clearly defined.
How to Apply
FAI expects to hire multiple individuals for roles within the Governance Program and welcomes applications from candidates whose experience and perspective align with the focus of this role, even if their background does not fit a traditional policy career path.
Applicants should submit a résumé and a 1–2 page memo describing their point of view on government efficiency and effectiveness, their areas of expertise or interest, and the kinds of institutional problems they are most motivated to work on. The memo should reflect how the applicant thinks about execution, institutional design, and reform within the constraints of American self-government, rather than serving as a generic cover letter.
To apply, please complete this form.
FAI is an equal-opportunity employer. We review applications for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, ancestry, citizenship, age, uniformed services, genetic information, physical or mental disability, medical condition, marital status, or any other basis prohibited by law.
