Laughing Gull Foundation S.O.A.R. Fellowship
To create a more equitable and just US South, Laughing Gull Foundation seeks to support emerging leaders, especially ones from communities closest to the challenges we address. We are excited to announce the launch of the SOAR (Social Change, Organizing, Advocacy, and Resilience) Fellowship in 2024. We are seeking passionate and dedicated individuals who think outside the box, help us engage with our community of partners in new and exciting ways, and challenge us all to work better, smarter, and more sustainably as we address pressing issues.
This two-year salaried fellowship (with benefits) is more than a professional development opportunity; it’s a platform for emerging leaders to engage in meaningful work, contribute to lasting social change, and build influential networks. The SOAR fellow will be immersed in a dynamic environment that nurtures their skills, hones their leadership abilities, and empowers them to be even more of a driving force in the pursuit of a more just future.
Qualifications and Ideal Candidate Profile
- Recent college/university graduate (Preference is given to those who have graduated in the past 1-2 years)
- A strong commitment to racial equity and social justice
- Has been described as a “go-getter,” “ambitious,” or “progressive;” has a tenacious, forward-looking spirit and is a committed problem-solver
- Is curious and open-minded; respectful, empathetic, and inclusive; cares deeply about our work and the people it impacts; embraces building strong connection and relationships
- Demonstrated interest in and desire to learn about philanthropy, policy advocacy, direct service, and/or work in the nonprofit sector, with particular focus on LGF grantmaking program areas
- Strong alignment with LGF core values and culture
Role and responsibilities:
- Tasks will be assigned based on fellow’s interests and career goals and may include:
- Research, data organization, and analysis
- Administrative support for LGF staff including Salesforce database management support, organizing documents, and designing project work flows in monday.com project management tool
- Writing grantee reports for board communication
- Support with board meeting preparation and implementation
- Grantmaking support including reviewing grant applications and managing intake of requests through the website
- Writing blog posts and updating the website
- Providing administrative support for LGF-led webinars
- Attend occasional site visits with LGF staff
- Attend conferences with LGF staff
- Attend Board meetings with LGF Board and staff
Additional eligibility and selection criteria:
- Resident of, experience living in, and/or expressed interest in building a career in the US South
- Ability to work from LGF offices in Durham, NC, at least 2 times per week
- Strong communication (written and oral) and interpersonal skills
- Demonstrated track record of academic achievement
- Ability to proactively take initiative, seek to overcome challenges, and suggest solutions
Salary: $50,000/year plus benefits including medical and dental insurance, cell phone stipend, HSA or student loan repayment stipend, and retirement account in 2nd year.
We actively invite and encourage people of all races, national origins, genders/gender identities/gender expressions, sexual orientations, people impacted by the justice system, and individuals with disabilities to apply.
Application Process and Timeline:
March 1, 2024: Deadline to apply.
March 15, 2024: LGF selection committee will narrow applicant pool and notify all applicants of their decision to advance to a first-round interview or not by this date.
April 19, 2024: LGF selection committee will invite final round applicants for in-person interview (LGF will pay for travel associated costs) by this date.
Position start date: July 2024
