The Aspen Institute Economic Opportunities Program is accepting nominations for its next class of Job Quality Fellows. Here are answers to some of the most frequently asked questions about the Fellowship. Please email additional questions to eop.program@aspeninst.org.
Who is eligible to nominate or to apply for the Job Quality Fellowship?
This is an “open call” for people to nominate themselves or others. As the text of the call for nominations indicates, there are preferences for individuals at or near the top levels of their organizations directly involved in developing and directing their organization’s strategies. Note that this Fellows’ group will differ from the prior groups. The selection in the first two sections intentionally spanned across a range of fields, types of organizations, and job quality strategies and tools. We will be focusing in this class on the intersection between workforce development and worker organizing/advocacy. The Fellowship will select leaders of organizations working to improve the quality of jobs and who have an interest in helping workers to understand and defend their rights at work. We plan to select ten Fellows and expect that about half will be from workforce development and training organizations and others will join from labor unions, workers’ centers, and other worker rights advocacy organizations. Building workers’ understanding of and capacity to defend their rights and protections in the workplace and workforce development and training are complementary. We seek leaders of initiatives that intentionally connect efforts in these two areas.
How do I receive the application materials?
To receive the application materials, you must be nominated for the Fellowship through this form. Starting on 12/01/2021, we will send application materials to nominees that meet our eligibility qualifications. Then, to be considered for the Job Quality Fellowship, eligible nominees must complete the provided application materials by 1/04/22. So that eligible nominees have sufficient time to receive and complete the application materials by 1/04/22, we ask that you please submit all nominations by Monday, December 15, 2021.
How and when will nominees receive the link to the application materials?
Program staff is regularly checking all nomination contact information received during the open application period. Applications will be sent out to nominees on the first Monday or Thursday following their nomination. So, there is a slight processing delay between nomination and the transmission of the application form. However, if that link is not received, please send an inquiry to eop.program@aspeninst.org.
How can applicants confirm that their application materials are received?
Applicants will receive a confirmation of submission at the end of their application. They will not be notified via email. Only applicants selected for further consideration will receive a follow-up. If you believe your materials were not submitted successfully, you may direct technical inquiries to eop.program@aspeninst.org.
Will the Aspen Institute provide notice to those who apply and are not selected in this cohort of Fellows?
We will send a notice of the selection of the 2022-2023 Fellows and information summarizing the selection process to all individuals who submitted applications. We expect to send that information in the closing days of January, just prior to public release of the Fellows list.
Does the application require letters of recommendation or promise of release or support time from the nominee’s employing organization?
Letters of recommendation are not required, nor is documentation of release of support time at this stage. Support from the nominee’s employing organization may be discussed in the later stage of the selection process.
My organization is primarily or exclusively involved in research, advocacy, or philanthropy, and the issues we focus on include promoting better job quality. Is this a focus area in selecting Fellows for this cohort?
Selection will prioritize practitioners. While research, advocacy, and philanthropy play important roles in addressing job quality, these fields are not the focus of this call for nominations. While this is an “open call,” the emphasis in the Job Quality Fellowship will be on people involved in developing or implementing strategies to address the issues identified above as priorities for this cohort of Job Quality Fellows. Please do consider nominating practitioners you know who might be a fit and thank you for your work to promote better job quality.
What time commitment is expected of Fellows for in-person meetings and other work at home beyond those sessions?
If conditions are safe and allow, we would expect two in person meetings, entailing a 3–4-day commitment for each. Fellows will also be expected to participate in virtual full group and working group sessions during the 2022-2023 programming.
Is budget support from the nominee or their employer organization required? Will Fellows’ travel and related expenses be reimbursed?
The Economic Opportunities Program will cover travel expenses associated with attending Job Quality Fellowship meetings. Airfare, lodging, and food during each meeting will be covered directly by EOP. Any ground transportation or other associated meeting costs will be reimbursed. There is not a stipend for Fellows in this program.
Why become a Job Quality Fellow?
- Fellows will connect with a diverse network of peers engaged in work that addresses job quality.
- In-person meetings will offer a safe harbor for the discussion of difficult issues as well as connections to resources and support.
- The research knowledge, network connections, and field leadership efforts of the Aspen Institute Economic Opportunities Program will be marshalled to support the Fellows’ work.
- Fellows and their organizations will be highlighted for their innovative leadership.
- Fellows will contribute to the development and communication of a new narrative around job quality that supports their efforts.
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