State Policy Fellow

Announcement: State Policy Fellow This is a 2-year position beginning in summer 2026. Alabama Arise is a statewide nonprofit, nonpartisan coalition of congregations, organizations and individuals united in our belief that people in poverty are suffering because of state policy decisions. Through Arise, groups and individuals join together to promote state policies to improve the lives of people living in poverty. We recognize the decisive role that racism plays in creating barriers to political participation and economic equality and have made an organizational commitment to increase racial equity in all that we do. Using policy analysis, advocacy and organizing, Arise provides a structure in which Alabamians can engage in public debates to promote the common good. Alabama Arise is a founding member of the State Priorities Partnership, a national network coordinated by the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities, one of the nation’s premier policy institutes. The State Policy Fellowship is a project of the State Priorities Partnership. This is a two-year, research-focused fellowship dedicated to making change through careful research, thoughtful advocacy, and strong partnerships in a state policy context. To expand the diversity of voices that speak with authority in state policy debates, the program identifies highly motivated candidates who have a demonstrated interest in working on public policies that affect low-income communities, communities of color, LGBTQ communities, rural communities, and tribal communities, with particular interest in candidates who have experience working with and in communities that are underrepresented in state policy debates. Fellows research and analyze current policy issues; brief policymakers, journalists, and civic leaders; and engage with advocates and community groups. Fellows meet regularly with the other Fellows in their cohort and receive training and career development, work with mentors, and have access to ongoing professional growth opportunities. POSITION Alabama Arise seeks a State Policy Fellow to research and analyze tax and budget equity. The Fellow will focus on our state’s education budget, including the impacts of recent tax credits and tax expenditures. This role will support Arise’s multi-issue, member-driven agenda, which spans multiple budget issues and areas. This position will report to the Senior Policy Analyst and work on the Policy team. The ideal candidate is passionate about building a better Alabama for all and values dignity, equity, justice and inclusion. CORE RESPONSIBILITIES: Analyze state tax and budget policies to advance Arise’s goals, making life better for people in poverty and promoting economic and racial justice through state tax and budget advocacy. • Under the supervision of the Senior Policy Analyst, track and analyze state spending and budget proposals to inform or develop Arise policy positions. • Develop expertise in the education budget and long-term trends impacting education revenue and expenditures. • Advance effective policy recommendations in coordination with Arise’s staff and our member-directed policy agenda. • Engage with media, state policymakers and their staff, community partners and member groups to enhance shared understanding of policy goals. • Produce reports, fact sheets, blog posts, and other assets in support of tax and budget policy and legislative priorities. • Work in coordination with Arise’s Policy Analysts and Advocates, Legislative Director, Organizing Team, Communications Team, legislative champions, Arise members and other Arise partners to develop strategies and advance more equitable policies. CORE REQUIREMENTS: • Strong commitment to the mission and values of Alabama Arise, including a commitment to understanding and undoing systemic racial inequities. • A college degree plus two years of relevant research experience, OR a graduate degree in a related field. • Strong quantitative, writing, and presentation skills. • The ability to work on multiple tasks both independently and as part of a highly collaborative team, often on a time-sensitive basis. • Familiarity with state tax and budget policy issues and concepts, or a willingness to learn on the job. • A two-year commitment— candidates must be eligible to work full-time in Montgomery, Alabama for the duration of the program. • A working vehicle and willingness and ability to travel as needed, including for out-of-state conferences or in-state meetings. • Ability to meet deadlines, solve problems, work collaboratively and juggle multiple tasks. ADDITIONAL INFORMATION The state policy fellow is a full-time position that reports to the Senior Policy Analyst. The salary is $55,000 annually, in addition to a full benefits package including health and dental coverage, retirement contribution, paid vacation and sick leave, and professional development opportunities. This position is hybrid, meaning it must be based in Montgomery, Alabama, with the ability to travel to the office and the State House as needed, with the option to work remotely when in-person work is not required. As a 2-year fellowship, this position is not eligible for the Arise bargaining unit. HOW TO APPLY Submit applications to the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities at by Saturday, Feb. 28, 2026. Alabama Arise is an equal opportunity employer. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, creed, sex, age, disability, marital or parental status, sexual orientation, gender expression or identity, veteran or military status, or any other characteristics protected under applicable law. Apply tot his job