Application Guide

How to Apply for Rebuild Democracy Fellow

at Rebuild Democracy

🏢 About Rebuild Democracy

Rebuild Democracy is a unique nonprofit that combines rigorous research on U.S. domestic threats to democracy with critical analysis of U.S. foreign policy impacts. They offer a chance to work on pressing issues like election integrity and sanctions, often overlooked by mainstream think tanks.

About This Role

As a Rebuild Democracy Fellow, you will conduct in-depth research on political and economic threats to democracy, including U.S. foreign policy's role. Your reports will directly inform advocacy and public debate, making this a high-impact role for those passionate about systemic change.

💡 A Day in the Life

A typical day might involve reading recent policy papers and news, then drafting a report section on sanctions' impact on democratic institutions. You'll likely have a check-in with your supervisor to discuss research direction, followed by data analysis or an interview with an expert. The rest of the day is dedicated to writing and revising, with flexibility to work remotely.

🚀 Application Tools

Generate Cover Letter

AI-powered, tailored for Rebuild Democracy

Interview Prep

Practice questions for this role

🎯 Who Rebuild Democracy Is Looking For

  • Has a background in political science, economics, or international relations with demonstrated research experience (e.g., thesis, published work).
  • Exhibits intellectual curiosity and open-mindedness, willing to challenge assumptions about U.S. foreign policy and democracy.
  • Possesses strong analytical skills to dissect complex issues like sanctions and military intervention.
  • Can produce clear, evidence-based written reports for both expert and public audiences.

📝 Tips for Applying to Rebuild Democracy

1

Tailor your resume to highlight research on U.S. foreign policy, sanctions, or democracy threats, not just generic political science work.

2

Include a writing sample that analyzes a specific U.S. foreign policy action (e.g., sanctions on Iran) and its democratic impact.

3

In your cover letter, explicitly name one threat to U.S. democracy you find critical and why it matters.

4

Mention any experience with open-source research or data analysis tools (e.g., Excel, R) to show technical rigor.

5

Research Rebuild Democracy's published reports and reference one in your application to show genuine interest.

✉️ What to Emphasize in Your Cover Letter

['Your understanding of the link between U.S. foreign policy (e.g., sanctions, interventions) and domestic democratic health.', 'A specific example of your research skills applied to a political or economic issue.', "Your alignment with the organization's mission to challenge mainstream narratives on democracy and foreign policy.", 'Your ability to work independently and produce high-quality analysis under a contract arrangement.']

Generate Cover Letter →

🔍 Research Before Applying

To stand out, make sure you've researched:

  • → Read Rebuild Democracy's latest reports on election security and sanctions to understand their analytical style.
  • → Study the organization's critiques of U.S. foreign policy, especially on military intervention and economic coercion.
  • → Familiarize yourself with key debates on democratic backsliding in the U.S. and global democracy indices.
  • → Look into the backgrounds of current fellows and staff to gauge the team's expertise and ideological range.
Visit Rebuild Democracy's Website →

💬 Prepare for These Interview Topics

Based on this role, you may be asked about:

1 What is the most significant threat to U.S. democracy today, and how does U.S. foreign policy exacerbate it?
2 How would you research the impact of unilateral economic sanctions on a target country's political system?
3 Describe a time you had to analyze a complex issue with limited data. What approach did you take?
4 How do you ensure your research remains objective while still advocating for democratic values?
5 What is your understanding of the term 'democracy' in the context of U.S. foreign policy? How does it differ from domestic democracy?
Practice Interview Questions →

⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Avoid overly partisan language; the organization values critical analysis over partisan advocacy.
  • Don't submit a generic cover letter without referencing specific issues the organization works on.
  • Avoid ignoring the foreign policy component; this role explicitly links domestic and international threats.

📅 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:

1

Application Review

1-2 weeks

2

Initial Screening

Phone call or written assessment

3

Interviews

1-2 rounds, usually virtual

✓

Offer

Congratulations!

Ready to Apply?

Good luck with your application to Rebuild Democracy!

← Back to Job Listing Apply Now →