The Government Relations Fellowship is a competitive one-year program designed to provide high-potential individuals with the opportunity to:
Highly motivated individuals with a master’s degree in a relevant field and one to two years of experience are encouraged to apply. Preference will be given to applicants with experience working in a hospital setting, state legislature, U.S. Congress, or other policy-based position. All applicants should have a demonstrated commitment to cancer policy, health care access and patient advocacy.
Structure of the fellowship
The Government Relations Fellowship is designed to provide high-potential individuals with the opportunity to further develop their leadership style and analytical skills, and to gain exposure in every aspect of health policy, including:
- State policy
- Federal policy
- Advocacy
- Legislative affairs
- Regulatory affairs
- Policy research
- Policy implementation
The fellowship will begin with a two-month rotation and shadow experience with senior leaders at Dana-Farber and outside the Institute. After the rotation and for the duration of the fellowship, the fellow will lead and participate in legislative activities on the state and federal level.
The fellow will report directly to the Vice President of External Affairs, who will provide valuable mentoring and strategic advice on project involvement. The fellow will receive a competitive salary and benefits package.
Application process
Applications for the 2013-2014 fellowship must be received by November 15, 2012, and should be mailed to:
Danielle Thompson, MPP
Government Relations Fellow
Dana-Farber Cancer Institute
450 Brookline Avenue, HS-412
Boston, MA 02215
The completed application must include all of the following materials:
- Resume
- Written statement of interest in the Fellowship Program and how it would further the applicant's career objectives (1-2 pages)
- Official graduate school transcript
- Two letters of recommendation, one of which must be from a graduate school professor
Please mail all application materials, including letters of reference, in a single package. All application materials must also be submitted online at: www.dana-farber.org/careers. (Search for Job ID: 22930). Finalists will be invited to Boston for an interview in December 2012. Fellows will be selected in mid-December 2012, and will begin the Fellowship in summer 2013.
Please direct questions about the fellowship program to Danielle Thompson at: Danielle_Thompson@dfci.harvard.edu.
Frequently asked questions
What transcript should I send? Should I include my transcript with my application or should I have the school send it directly to Dana-Farber?
Applicants in a two- to three-year master's program should send the most recent official transcript from their current program. Applicants in a one-year master's program (in which a transcript is not currently available) should send an official transcript from the program they most recently completed. In this scenario, applicants should also send a list of the classes they are currently taking and plan on taking during their program. Official transcripts must be submitted with all other required application materials in a single application package.
If I am selected to come to Boston for an interview, will Dana-Farber reimburse my travel expenses?
Yes. Dana-Farber will reimburse reasonable travel expenses for finalists, including airfare, one night's hotel accommodations, meals, and transportation to and from the airport and hotel.
Do I need to submit my application electronically and via snail mail?
Yes. All applicants must apply for the position online at: www.dana-farber.org/careers. (Search for Job ID: 22930). Hard copies of all application materials must also be mailed in a single package.
Can my application be postmarked by the deadline date?
No. The application must be received at Dana-Farber by the deadline date of November 15, 2012. This is to ensure that there is enough time to thoroughly review all applications prior to selecting the finalists.
Can I apply if I will be graduating in August?
Yes, you can apply. The fellowship start date is flexible.
Can I apply if I am an international student?
Yes, if you have an advanced degree from a U.S. accredited institution. Dana-Farber does not sponsor work visas for Government Relations Fellows.
If I am selected for and accept the fellowship, do I have to leave my current job?
Yes, you would have to leave your current job and become the Dana-Farber Government Relations Fellow for the entire year.
Does the completion of the fellowship guarantee me a job at Dana-Farber?
No. Completion of the Fellowship Program does not guarantee you a job at Dana-Farber. However, your performance during the fellowship may provide you with many great job opportunities at the Institute and elsewhere.
Where can I learn more about the Boston healthcare market?
The Center for Studying Healthcare Change recently produced a good overview of the healthcare market in the Boston metropolitan area. Read the report
Current fellow
Danielle Thompson, MPP
Fellowship Year: 2012-2013
Graduate School: Heller School for Social Policy and Management (Brandeis University)
Contact us
For more information about Dana-Farber's Government Relations Fellowship program, contact:
Danielle Thompson, MPP
Government Relations Fellow
Dana-Farber Cancer Institute
450 Brookline Avenue, HS-412
Boston, MA 02215
Phone: 617-582-7560
Email: Danielle_Thompson@dfci.harvard.edu