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Job Listing: Senior Fellow, Government Efficiency and Effectiveness

The Fai, Washington, District of Columbia, United States


Job Listing: Senior Fellow, Government Efficiency and Effectiveness The Foundation for American Innovation champions the technology, talent, and ideas essential to American prosperity, security, and flourishing. We are builders, hackers, and scholars advancing an optimistic vision of the future—aligning technology with human ends to forge a more perfect union between innovation and the American republic.

FAI works directly with the executive branch, Congress, and partners across the political spectrum to translate ideas into durable institutional reform. The American 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.

To support this mission, FAI is seeking multiple

Senior Fellows

in Government Efficiency and Effectiveness

to serve as subject‑matter leaders within its

American Governance Program .

About the Role 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)

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.

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.

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