Graduate Student Lead

Deadline: Wednesday, March 27th by end of day (midnight)

QUOI is seeking a Graduate Student Lead to guide and support a team of 2-4 undergraduate analysts as they carry out an investment cycle for QUery On Inc. focused on the money in politics space.

The facilitator will play a pivotal role in mentoring the undergraduate team as they survey the sector, focusing on journalistic efforts and other projects aimed at mitigating the adverse effects of money on political transparency and citizen welfare. With support from this role, the undergraduate analysts will help the QUOI board narrow their areas of priority and eventually arrive at a set of investments to be made.

Role Description

As the Graduate Student Lead, your primary responsibility will be to mentor and guide the undergraduate analysts in their survey of the sector, identifying grant making opportunities, and structuring a grant making cycle.

You will ensure that their efforts to develop strategic recommendations are coherent, comprehensive, and aligned with QUOI's mission. Your role involves fostering a collaborative environment, providing guidance, and ensuring the quality and relevance of the student analysts’ work. Note: students will not be conducting original academic/emperical research.

Key Responsibilities

  • Team Leadership and Mentoring: Provide ongoing mentorship to undergraduate analysts.

  • Research Oversight: Guide the team in surveying the sector effectively, ensuring a broad and thorough review of existing efforts related to the impact of money in politics.

  • Strategic Alignment: Ensure that the team's recommendations are aligned with QUOI's strategic objectives and focus areas, particularly in supporting journalistic endeavors and projects combatting the negative impacts of money in politics.

  • Collaborative Engagement: Act as the primary liaison between the undergraduate team and QUOI staff.

  • Project Management: Oversee the planning, execution, and delivery of research activities, ensuring the team adheres to timelines and quality standards without conducting original empirical research.

  • Grantmaking Cycle Structure: Design and implement a structured grantmaking cycle, from initial call for proposals through to evaluation and selection, ensuring a transparent and efficient process that aligns with QUOI's mission and strategic goals.

  • Reporting and Recommendation: Prepare and present comprehensive reports summarizing the team's findings and recommendations to QUOI's board, highlighting potential areas for investment.

Qualifications

  • Currently enrolled in a graduate program, with a strong preference for backgrounds in political science, public policy, journalism, philanthropy, or related fields.

  • Demonstrated experience in mentoring or leading teams.

  • Solid understanding of the philanthropic sector and the dynamics of money in politics.

  • Excellent analytical, organizational, and communication skills, with the ability to synthesize and present complex information effectively.

  • Proven ability to work collaboratively in a team setting and to manage projects efficiently.

  • Commitment to advancing transparency and accountability in political processes.

  • Preference for candidates who can commit at least a year to this project.

Benefits

  • Opportunity to lead and mentor a dynamic team of emerging researchers and strategists.

  • Hands-on experience in strategic planning and philanthropic investment within a prominent organization.

  • Flexible work schedule to accommodate academic and professional commitments.

  • Competitive compensation and a chance for professional growth in the field of philanthropy.

Application Process

Interested candidates should submit the following to nicolas@post.harvard.edu:

  • A detailed resume/CV highlighting relevant experience and qualifications.

  • Your requested hourly rate.

  • An academic writing sample.

  • The answer to the following question: What is an example of a strategic project you have led, preferably within the context of philanthropy, political science, or public policy?

Applications are accepted on a rolling basis. We encourage early applications to ensure consideration for this role.