Strategic Research Fellow

Job Description

POSITION OVERVIEW:
 
·       The Strategic Research Fellowship is a unique opportunity to launch your career while shaping the future direction of WETA/News Hour Productions.  
·       This is a turning point for public media. We see this fellowship as an opportunity to help transform WETA/NHP from its legacy operations to build new revenue streams and new ways of attracting and keeping audiences, members and financial supporters while reinforcing the mission and values of public media. 
·       We select 2 fellows who work collaboratively on 1-2 major research initiatives designed to build new organizational capabilities in areas where we need to advance significantly. This role requires exceptional self-starters who will proactively seek out expertise, build relationships across the organization, and take ownership of complex research projects that are interdepartmental and require an interdisciplinary approach. This is an ideal position for recent college graduates or early-career professionals who thrive on independence, enjoy connecting with experts to deepen their understanding, and want to apply their analytical skills to real-world strategic challenges while gaining mentorship and direct exposure to senior leadership. 
·       You will be working on projects that have true urgency and continue to build the value of public media for local and national platforms.  
 
PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES:
 
Research and Analysis 
You will conduct comprehensive research on assigned strategic priorities, which may span competitive intelligence in multiplatform media, emerging technologies and platforms, operational innovations, market trends, policy developments, and/or organizational best practices. This includes synthesizing complex information from available data, industry reports, case studies, interviews, and other primary research to generate actionable insights. You will be expected to independently identify knowledge gaps, seek out the right sources and experts to fill those gaps, and develop proficiency in new subject areas quickly to serve WETA/NHP's needs. 
Solution Development 
Beyond analysis, you will design potential solutions, explore implementation frameworks, and create detailed roadmaps for building new capabilities. This requires translating research findings into practical recommendations that account for our organizational context, resources, and constraints. 
Stakeholder Engagement and Expertise Seeking 
You will proactively identify and reach out to subject matter experts across the organization and externally to build your understanding and gather insights. This requires taking initiative to schedule conversations, conduct informational interviews, and build a network of advisors who can inform your research. You will present findings to leadership at various stages of the research process. Success in this fellowship requires the confidence and communication skills to reach out to senior leaders and external experts, the humility to know what you don’t know, to ask thoughtful questions, and synthesize what you learn into actionable insights. 
Knowledge Transfer 
A critical component of the fellowship is ensuring that the capabilities you develop are embedded within the organization. This includes creating comprehensive documentation, training materials, and tools that enable teams to continue the work beyond your fellowship term. 
Deliverables 
Work products will be dependent on the nature of the individual project, but deliverables could include presentations, leading discussions, developing work plans, documentation for knowledge transfer, and regular status updates and coaching sessions
 
 
ADDITIONAL SKILLS AND QUALIFICATIONS:
 
·        Bachelor's degree in any relevant field (business, policy, social sciences, humanities, or related discipline) 
·        Strong academic record demonstrating analytical thinking and intellectual curiosity 
·        Excellent written and verbal communication skills 
·        Demonstrated research experience (through coursework, independent projects, thesis work, and/or internships) 
·        Ability to synthesize information from multiple sources and draw meaningful conclusions 
·        Exceptional self-motivation and initiative, particularly in seeking out expertise and building relationships 
·        Leads with curiosity and a demonstrated willingness to learn 
·        Track record of proactively reaching out to others for information, mentorship, or collaboration 
·        Comfort with ambiguity and willingness to figure things out independently when resources aren't immediately obvious 
·        Strong organizational skills and attention to detail 
·        Confidence to engage with senior leaders and external experts, asking thoughtful questions and incorporating feedback 
 
Preferred: 
 
·        0-2 years of professional experience in research, consulting, strategy, or related fields 
·        Experience with research methodologies through academic projects or internships 
·        Relevant internship or work experience is a plus 
·        Familiarity with data analysis tools (Excel, R, Python, Tableau, or similar) 
·        Leadership experience in student organizations, volunteer work, or other settings 
·        Strong interest in public media 
 
 
EDUCATION:
 

• Bachelor's degree in any relevant field (business, policy, social sciences, humanities, or related discipline) 

 
WHAT WE OFFER:
 
Career Launch 
This fellowship provides an exceptional foundation for your career with exposure to strategic decision-making at the highest levels of the organization. You will work directly with senior leaders, gain a broad understanding of organizational operations, and develop professional skills in research, communication, stakeholder management, and strategic thinking that will serve you throughout your career. 
 
Mentorship and Professional Development 
Fellows receive dedicated mentorship from experienced professionals and have the opportunity to build relationships across WETA/NHP and with external experts in your research areas. We invest in your growth through regular feedback, skill-building opportunities, and guidance on career planning.  
 
Compensation and Benefits 
We offer a fellowship stipend as well as opportunities to grow knowledge and experience in relevant project areas. 
 
Collaborative Environment 
You will work alongside another Fellow, creating a built-in peer support system and collaborative partnership. The program emphasizes both independent contribution and teamwork, helping you develop skills in both areas. 
 
Application Process 
Interested candidates should submit the following materials: 

• Current resume 
• Cover letter explaining your interest in the fellowship and how your background prepares you for this role (maximum 1 page) 
• Original writing sample (maximum 2 pages) demonstrating analytical thinking and clear communication (research paper, policy brief, strategy memo, blog post, article, or similar) 
• Digital media sample or portfolio demonstrating facility with tools and storytelling if applicable 
• Contact information for 3 academic and/or professional references 

 
LOCATION
 
WETA and NewsHour Productions are Washington, DC established media and news organizations.  We are a largely local workforce based out of the Campbell Place office in Arlington, VA.  WETA and NewsHour Productions value employee flexibility when possible.  Most positions based in our Arlington, VA office will be onsite or hybrid, depending upon the role.
 
COMPANY OVERVIEW
 
WETA and its subsidiary NewsHour Productions LLC serve local and national public media audiences by producing and distributing content of intellectual integrity and cultural merit. Through broadcast, digital and community services, the organization offers compelling, diverse programming on five television channels, including primary channel WETA PBS, and on WETA Classical, the exclusive home for classical music in the nation’s capital; produces a portfolio of national television productions, including PBS NewsHour, recognized globally for bringing balanced, in-depth news coverage to all Americans; creates impactful documentaries with longtime production partners Ken Burns and Prof. Henry Louis Gates, Jr.; features a variety of content offerings on weta.org, WETA Passport, the PBS Video App and the WETA Classical App; and serves communities near and far with education and engagement initiatives that contribute to the company’s mission of public service. Benefits | WETA
 
EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY
 
WETA and NewsHour Productions are equal opportunity employers committed to diversity and inclusion in the workplace.  We prohibit discrimination and harassment of any kind based on race, color, sex, religion, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, genetic information, pregnancy, or any other protected characteristic as outlined by federal, state, or local laws.
 
This policy applies to all employment practices within our organization, including hiring, recruiting, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, leave of absence, compensation, benefits, training, and internships.  WETA and NewsHour Productions make hiring decisions based solely on qualifications, merit, and business needs at the time.
 

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