How to apply for Congressional Leadership Academy Manager

About National Foster Youth Institute

The National Foster Youth Institute (NFYI) is a unique advocacy organization founded by then-Congressmember Karen Bass in 2012, dedicated to ensuring that current and former foster youth have a seat at the table in policymaking. Unlike many nonprofits, NFYI is led by and for individuals with lived experience in the child welfare system, creating pipelines of leadership that connect foster youth directly with Members of Congress to drive systemic reform. Working here means being part of a transformative movement where personal experience is not just valued but is central to changing the systems that impact foster youth.

About the role

As the Congressional Leadership Academy Manager, you will oversee NFYI's flagship 6-to-9 month program that trains current and former foster youth (ages 18–30) in community organizing, legislative process, child welfare policy, and strategic storytelling. You will be responsible for recruiting participants, coordinating monthly skill-building workshops, planning an in-person convening, and managing relationships with Congressional offices. This role is impactful because you will directly empower foster youth to become leaders and advocates, ensuring their voices shape federal child welfare policy.

A typical day

A typical day might involve coordinating with Congressional offices to schedule a workshop, reviewing applications for the next CLA cohort, and facilitating a virtual training session on strategic storytelling. You might also spend time mentoring participants, updating the Programs & Impact Director on progress, and researching child welfare policy to incorporate into upcoming sessions. The role blends program management, advocacy, and direct engagement with foster youth and policymakers.

Who National Foster Youth Institute is looking for

• Has direct lived experience in the foster care system or deep personal connection to child welfare issues, with a strong understanding of the challenges facing current and former foster youth.
• Demonstrates at least 3–5 years of experience in program management, youth development, or advocacy, preferably in a nonprofit or policy setting, including curriculum development and event planning.
• Possesses knowledge of the legislative process and child welfare policy, with experience working with policymakers or on Capitol Hill (DC-area candidates preferred).
• Exhibits exceptional organizational and communication skills, with the ability to manage multiple cohorts, coordinate remote trainings, and build relationships with diverse stakeholders, including Congress members and foster youth.

Tips for this application

• Highlight any personal connection to foster care or child welfare—NFYI values lived experience and wants to see how your background informs your commitment to their mission.
• In your resume, quantify your program management achievements, such as the number of participants trained, events organized, or policy outcomes influenced, to demonstrate your ability to manage the CLA effectively.
• Research NFYI's Congressional Leadership Academy and mention specific components (e.g., monthly workshops, in-person convening) in your cover letter to show you understand the program's structure and goals.
• If you have experience working with Members of Congress or on legislative issues, emphasize it—NFYI seeks someone who can navigate Capitol Hill and build relationships with congressional offices.
• Address your ability to work remotely while coordinating with DC-based partners; if you're in the DC area, note that as a plus, but also showcase your virtual collaboration skills.

What to cover in your cover letter

Your cover letter should emphasize: (1) your personal or professional connection to foster care and why NFYI's mission resonates with you; (2) your experience managing youth programs or leadership academies, including curriculum design and participant support; (3) your knowledge of child welfare policy and the legislative process, and how you would leverage that to enhance the CLA; and (4) your ability to build relationships with diverse stakeholders, including foster youth, congressional staff, and advocacy partners.

Research before applying

• Explore NFYI's website, especially the Congressional Leadership Academy page, to understand the program's history, structure, and past participants' experiences.
• Research NFYI's founder, Karen Bass, and her work on foster care reform to understand the organization's origins and policy priorities.
• Look into recent federal child welfare legislation and NFYI's advocacy efforts, such as the Family First Prevention Services Act, to speak knowledgeably about current issues.
• Find and connect with NFYI staff or alumni on LinkedIn to gain insights into the organization's culture and the CLA's impact.

Likely interview topics

Based on the job description, expect questions about:

• How would you design a training curriculum that balances skill-building in community organizing, legislative process, and storytelling for foster youth with varying levels of experience?
• Describe your experience working with policymakers or on Capitol Hill. How would you approach building and maintaining relationships with Congressional offices to support the CLA?
• NFYI values lived experience. How has your background (personal or professional) prepared you to mentor and support current and former foster youth in a leadership program?
• What strategies would you use to recruit and retain participants from diverse backgrounds across the country, ensuring the program is accessible and inclusive?
• How would you measure the success of the Congressional Leadership Academy, and what metrics would you use to evaluate its impact on participants and policy change?

Common mistakes to avoid

• Avoid generic language about 'helping youth' without specific references to foster care policy or NFYI's unique model of lived-experience leadership.
• Do not overlook the importance of legislative knowledge—applicants who focus only on youth development without demonstrating policy or Capitol Hill experience may be seen as unprepared.
• Avoid failing to address the remote nature of the role; candidates who don't show ability to work independently and coordinate virtually may be less competitive.