Application Guide
How to Apply for KIP Spring 2027 - Operations Intern - Foundation for Research on Equal Opportunity
at Standtogether
🏢 About Standtogether
FREOPP is a nonprofit think tank that produces policy research and practical implementation strategies to expand opportunity for Americans below the national median income, with a focus on ideas that can earn bipartisan support and increase individual liberty. Stand Together Fellowships, which runs this internship, is a talent development program rooted in the Stand Together community's commitment to diversity of experiences and perspectives. Working here means contributing to policy solutions that aim to make a tangible difference in people's lives, not just producing academic papers.
About This Role
This Operations Intern role is a high-trust, hands-on position that goes far beyond traditional administrative tasks. You'll work directly with senior staff across operations, development, research, scheduling, data management, and special projects, helping to bring structure and efficiency to a fast-paced, growing organization. Because FREOPP is rapidly expanding, you'll be trusted with meaningful responsibilities and independent projects that directly improve how the organization operates.
💡 A Day in the Life
A typical day might involve coordinating schedules for senior staff, updating databases with donor or research information, and then diving into a special project like streamlining a process or researching a policy issue. You'll have regular check-ins with supervisors, but also significant independent work time to tackle problems and bring structure to new challenges as they arise.
🚀 Application Tools
🎯 Who Standtogether Is Looking For
- Highly motivated and adaptable, comfortable juggling routine details and unfamiliar problems with equal care and attention.
- Strong organizational and problem-solving skills, with the ability to learn quickly and bring structure to ambiguous situations.
- Interest in public policy, especially FREOPP's mission to expand opportunity for Americans below the national median income, and a commitment to individual liberty and bipartisan solutions.
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, as you'll interact with senior staff and handle high-trust responsibilities across multiple functions.
📝 Tips for Applying to Standtogether
Highlight any experience you have in operations, project management, or administrative support where you improved a process or brought order to chaos—FREOPP values proactive problem-solvers.
Demonstrate your interest in FREOPP's policy areas by referencing specific research or initiatives from their website, such as their work on expanding opportunity or increasing individual liberty.
Emphasize your ability to handle both routine tasks and independent projects; provide examples of times you managed details while also taking initiative on larger assignments.
Show that you're comfortable working remotely and with senior staff by mentioning any remote work experience or experience collaborating with leadership.
Tailor your resume to include keywords from the job description like 'operations,' 'development,' 'research,' 'scheduling,' 'data management,' and 'special projects' to pass any automated screening.
✉️ What to Emphasize in Your Cover Letter
["Your specific interest in FREOPP's mission and how your skills can support their operations as they grow.", 'Concrete examples of your ability to bring structure to a fast-paced environment, including any experience with process improvement or project management.', 'Your comfort with handling both high-level responsibilities and routine administrative tasks with equal care.', 'Your ability to work independently and collaboratively with senior staff, and your eagerness to learn quickly across a broad range of functions.']
Generate Cover Letter →🔍 Research Before Applying
To stand out, make sure you've researched:
- → Read FREOPP's recent research publications and policy recommendations to understand their focus areas and unique approach.
- → Learn about Stand Together Fellowships and their values, including their commitment to diversity and the principles of a free society.
- → Explore FREOPP's website to understand their organizational structure, key staff, and current initiatives.
- → Familiarize yourself with the concept of 'equal opportunity' policy debates and how FREOPP distinguishes itself from other think tanks.
💬 Prepare for These Interview Topics
Based on this role, you may be asked about:
⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Submitting a generic cover letter that doesn't mention FREOPP or its mission—they want to see genuine interest in their specific work.
- Downplaying administrative skills; this role requires attention to detail and willingness to handle backend tasks, so don't act like you're above them.
- Failing to demonstrate adaptability or problem-solving; the role is intentionally broad, so showing rigidity or a narrow focus could hurt your application.
📅 Application Timeline
This position is open until filled. However, we recommend applying as soon as possible as roles at mission-driven organizations tend to fill quickly.
Typical hiring timeline:
Application Review
1-2 weeks
Initial Screening
Phone call or written assessment
Interviews
1-2 rounds, usually virtual
Offer
Congratulations!