Public Policy Fellow

Reports to: Director of Public Policy
Classification: Exempt
Organization: The Center for Community Solutions (Community Solutions)

Location: Columbus, Ohio

Salary Range: $70k-90k

About The Center for Community Solutions

The Center for Community Solutions (Community Solutions) provides strategic leadership and organizes community resources to improve health, social, and economic conditions through demographic research, nonpartisan policy analysis and advocacy, and clear, accessible communication.

The Policy Fellow plays a key role in advancing Community Solutions’ mission by conducting applied research, analyzing public policy, and communicating insights that drive meaningful improvements in community well-being.

Position Summary

The Policy Fellow is responsible for researching, analyzing, planning, recommending, implementing, and evaluating policies related to health, social, and economic conditions. This role contributes to Community Solutions’ applied research and policy agenda by independently conducting policy analysis, monitoring legislative changes, developing written products, influencing decision-makers, and serving as a leader across projects and teams.

The Fellow will address complex issues at the community, regional, state, and national levels and may work on grant-funded initiatives and fee-for-service consulting projects.

Essential Responsibilities

Policy Research, Analysis & Monitoring

• Conduct in-depth analysis of health, social, and economic policies, legislation, public budgets, and regulatory actions.
• Monitor legislative and regulatory developments at federal, state, and local levels.
• Attend or view legislative hearings; engage with policymakers and their staff to inform and influence decisions.
• Maintain current expertise on policy trends and emerging issues affecting Community Solutions’ priority areas.

Writing, Communications & Media

• Write and publish high-quality reports, fact sheets, policy briefs, articles, commentary, blog posts, and op-eds.
• Translate complex policy information into clear and accessible content for diverse audiences.
• Serve as a spokesperson to media and represent Community Solutions in public forums.
• Use social media and digital tools to communicate policy updates and amplify Community Solutions’ work.

Stakeholder, Community & Coalition Engagement

• Build and maintain strong relationships with elected and appointed officials, community leaders, advocacy groups, and partner organizations.
• Represent Community Solutions in coalitions to advance shared policy goals.
• Develop and maintain a broad network of professional and community contacts for collaboration and intelligence gathering.
• Influence opinions and decisions through verbal and written communication.

Leadership, Collaboration & Project Management

• Develop project plans and budgets; lead or serve as a primary contributor across teams and initiatives.
• Provide programmatic direction and coordination.
• Make frequent operating decisions, manage complex relationships, and reassess decisions using sound judgment and discretion.
• Identify innovative approaches to addressing policy issues and opportunities to improve Community Solutions’ research processes.

Resource Development & Organizational Support

• Write grants and consulting proposals to secure resources for Community Solutions projects.
• Cultivate relationships with donors, foundations, and consulting clients.
• Identify opportunities for fee-for-service consulting or grant-funded work.
• Perform additional duties as assigned to support organizational mission and strategic priorities.

Essential Competencies & Interpersonal Skills

• Communication (written and verbal)
• Public speaking and media engagement
• Collaboration & teamwork
• Adaptability and flexibility
• Problem-solving and decision-making
• Goal setting and initiative
• Technical reading and writing
• Ability to influence, persuade, and advise
• Relationship building and rapport
• Emotional intelligence
• Cultural competence
• Ability to manage multiple tasks concurrently
• Attention to detail and strong organizational skills

Qualifications

Required:

• Combination of education and experience generally equivalent to a Master’s degree in health, social sciences, public policy/administration, or a related field.
• Minimum 5 years of experience in policy research, analysis, governmental affairs, or related roles.
• Strong writing, verbal communication, and public speaking skills.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office, Outlook, and familiarity with legislative tracking tools (e.g., Gongwer, Hannah News Service).
• Deep understanding of federal, state, and/or county legislative and executive policymaking processes.
• Experience reading, drafting, or analyzing legislation and public budgets.
• Ability to work independently, adapt to changing priorities, and accept constructive feedback.
• Ability to exercise judgment, discretion, and persistence while influencing others.
• Personal cell phone for business use.
• Valid Ohio driver’s license, reliable transportation, current auto insurance, and insurability.

Preferred:

• Knowledge of health and social issues in Ohio.

Physical Demands & Work Environment

• Typical office setting with frequent sitting, standing, walking, and reaching.
• Occasional lifting up to 10 lbs.
• Approximately 10% local and regional travel for meetings and stakeholder engagements.

Community Solutions is a permanent hybrid working environment. All employees are expected to work from their assigned office in Downtown Cleveland or off Capitol Square in Columbus at least two days per week. At this time, remote work locations must be within the state of Ohio.

All staff must understand and value racial equity as an organizational operating principle and be committed to continued learning on issues related to race, equity, diversity, and inclusion.

The Center for Community Solutions provides generous benefits including:

· Ample paid time off including up to 4 weeks of PTO, and 15 paid sick days annually, 11 paid holidays per year, and a week-long office closure between Christmas and New Year.

· 401(k) retirement plan with automatic employer contribution of 3% of salary plus employer match of 0.5% for every 1% of employee contribution up to 4% of salary.

· Annual budget for professional development which covers conferences, trainings, and associated travel.

· Tuition reimbursement opportunities for current students and support for employees seeking student loan forgiveness as employees of a nonprofit organization.

· High deductible health plan with employer covering 100% of the premium for the employee’s coverage and a monthly contribution to a Health Savings Account on the employee’s behalf.

· Main offices in Class A office buildings in central downtown location with lake views in Cleveland and overlooking Columbus Commons in Columbus. Access to building amenities including free access to the fitness center in the Cleveland building.

The specific statements shown in each section of this description are not intended to be all-inclusive. They represent typical elements and criteria necessary to successfully perform the job. At the employee’s request, reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the job.

Employment and tenure with The Center for Community Solutions

are based on the “at will” principle of employment.

The Center for Community Solutions is an Equal Opportunity Employer M/F/V/D/SO.

1300 E. 9th Street, Suite 1700, Cleveland, OH 44114

175 S. 3rd Street, Suite 350, Columbus, OH 43215

P: 216-781-2944 // F: 216-781-2988

www.CommunitySolutions.com

Pay: $70,000.00 - $90,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• 401(k) matching
• Dental insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Employee discount
• Flexible schedule
• Health insurance
• Health savings account
• Life insurance
• Loan forgiveness
• Paid sick time
• Paid time off
• Parental leave
• Professional development assistance
• Travel reimbursement
• Tuition reimbursement
• Vision insurance

People with a criminal record are encouraged to apply

Work Location: Hybrid remote in Columbus, OH 43215