Our impact is a direct result of our people

Fellowship Program

Opening: Fall/Winter 2025 Education Policy Fellow

HCM Strategists is a public policy consulting firm committed to improving higher education outcomes. Our team brings extensive government experience and deep public policy expertise to help leaders drive meaningful change. We believe in inclusive policymaking that amplifies voices and leads to real impact.

For more information, visit our website at www.hcmstrategists.com.

Fellowship Overview

The HCM Fellowship Program is an exciting opportunity for passionate, collaborative, and organized individuals interested in education policy. Our fellows gain invaluable experience in policy and advocacy, supporting leaders across our education team in areas such as postsecondary finance, accountability systems, and workforce development.

Fellowships are remote and fellows are paid a monthly stipend.

  • Fellows with HCM Strategists perform a variety of tasks that support our partners and staff in our legislative, media, research and policy, and administrative work. Specific responsibilities include:

    • Conduct background research on state and federal education policy issues.

    • Track relevant news stories and policy publications.

    • Develop client deliverables, including presentations, reports, and memos.

    • Analyze state and federal education activities.

    • Attend and summarize policy meetings relevant to client interests.

    • Review and provide feedback on internal and client documents.

    • Assist in planning meetings and events.

    • Must be a current student or recent graduate (master’s or Ph.D.) from a graduate program in public policy, higher education leadership and/or administration, or a related field.

    • Must be based in the United States.

    • Strong interest in higher education policy and a commitment to advancing equity in education.

    • Self-motivated, intellectually curious, and comfortable working both independently and in team settings.

    • Strong research skills; data analysis knowledge is a plus.

    • Ability to communicate complex topics clearly to various audiences.

    • Excellent verbal and written communication skills.

    • Professional Growth: Work on diverse projects in workforce development and postsecondary education reform.

    • Expert Interaction: Collaborate with experienced education experts and policymakers.

    • Real-World Impact: See how policy and advocacy efforts translate into tangible initiatives.

    • Technology Support: An HCM-owned device is provided if needed, with the agreement to return it at the fellowship’s end.

    • Course Credit: Potential for course credit with academic department approval.

Join Us

If you are enthusiastic about improving education policy and advocacy, we encourage you to apply to the HCM Fellowship Program. Together, we can make a difference in the lives of students and contribute to meaningful education reform.

HCM Strategists, LLC is an equal opportunity employer affording all employees and job applicants' fair and equal treatment. HCM complies with the letter and spirit of all applicable federal, state, and local laws prohibiting employment discrimination, including discrimination based on race, age, color, gender, religion, national origin, marital status, family responsibilities, sexual orientation, veteran status, and disabilities.

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Where Deep Expertise Meets Passion and Drive

Intentionality in everything

We are industry-leading experts committed to intentionally listening to and partnering with our clients. Staying at the forefront of industry and learner data, we intentionally blend evidence with a practical eye for progress. We intentionally cultivate relationships that allow us to engage deeply, over time, in trusting, results-centered initiatives, and our work touches every aspect of the education system–working with students, parents, teachers, institutions, funders and state and federal policy leaders.

Embrace continuous learning

We know that opportunities borne from educational attainment improve lives and transform communities. At HCM, we are lifelong learners dedicated to improving learning opportunities for all, and particularly for historically marginalized and minoritzed populations.

Approach with nimbleness

We tailor our work to meet our clients’ unique circumstances and goals while utilizing our team’s deep expertise and understanding of the policies and practices that shape our education and training systems.

Operate through an equity lens

We believe in leading and facilitating through an inclusive and collaborative process. We build into our work with clients a commitment to authentically engage the voices of learners and the lived experiences of leaders who have a stake in the policies and practices being developed. Equitable outcomes are at the heart and center of our work.

A focus on impact

We partner for the long-haul with clients that share our mission. Defining up front the impact we collectively seek, HCM’s team offers each client sharp analysis, deep policy acumen, clear advice and counsel, and creative problem solving. 

Collaborative thought partners

We know changes in organizations, agencies, and public policy only happen when stakeholders coalesce around a shared mission. As strategic thought-partners, we leverage our vast network of partnerships at the institutional, state and federal levels to build the will and acumen for lasting improvements in educational opportunity.