The Stand Together Fellowships has announced applications for its 2026–2027 Koch Associate Program (KAP), featuring a Program Associate position with the Mercatus Center. The role is based in Virginia and is part of a broader career accelerator initiative aimed at developing early to mid-career professionals in public policy, research, and social entrepreneurship. The program is designed to equip participants with practical skills, mentorship, and experiential learning opportunities while they work with partner organizations and contribute to policy research and academic programming. Fellowship Program Blends Work Experience With Leadership Development The Koch Associate Program (KAP) is structured as a hybrid professional development pathway combining full-time work at partner organizations with weekly learning sessions through Stand Together Fellowships. Participants in the 2026–2027 cohort will: Work four days per week at partner organizations Spend one day per week in structured fellowship learning Engage in leadership development and experiential training Build long-term career pathways in policy and social impact sectors The initiative emphasizes developing “social entrepreneurs” who aim to address systemic challenges through innovation, institutional reform, and policy-driven solutions. Program Associate Role Focuses on Research and Academic Operations The Program Associate position at the Mercatus Center supports academic research, fellowship programming, and operational coordination within one of the United States’ prominent policy research institutions. The Mercatus Center is based at George Mason University and focuses on advancing research related to economics, markets, and institutional frameworks that support human flourishing. The associate role is designed for candidates interested in: Higher education administration Public policy research Academic program coordination Event planning and communications The position is primarily based in the Fairfax, Virginia office. Core Responsibilities Include Program Support and Research Operations The Program Associate will play a central role in ensuring smooth execution of research and fellowship activities across the organization. Key responsibilities include: Coordinating academic fellowship programs and research initiatives Supporting event planning, including evening and weekend programming Managing scheduling and administrative logistics for program staff and scholars Assisting with office operations, including reception duties and inventory management Preparing program reports, notes, and internal documentation Supporting communications and website content development Copy editing academic and policy-related publications The role requires strong organizational skills and the ability to manage multiple tasks across overlapping projects. Additional Opportunities in Research, Data, and Media Depending on experience and interests, the position may also include expanded responsibilities in specialized areas such as: Data and Program Evaluation Collecting and analyzing participant feedback Managing databases and survey tools Evaluating program outcomes and effectiveness Supporting research impact reporting Media and Communications Supporting podcast production for policy programs Designing digital content and visual materials Managing social media communication strategies Contributing to communications for initiatives such as the F.A. Hayek Program These additional responsibilities allow the role to expand into research support, analytics, and public engagement. Candidate Profile Emphasizes Analytical and Organizational Skills Applicants are expected to hold a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution and demonstrate strong capabilities in administrative and analytical work. Essential qualifications include: Excellent attention to detail Strong written and verbal communication skills Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite Ability to manage multiple projects independently Strong problem-solving and organizational abilities Interest in economics, public policy, or classical liberal thought The organization emphasizes initiative, adaptability, and the ability to improve internal systems and workflows. Preferred Skills Include Data Analysis and Media Production While not required, candidates with additional technical or creative skills are encouraged to apply. Preferred qualifications include: Experience with data tools such as Stata or Python Familiarity with survey and database systems Experience in event coordination or program management Skills in Adobe Creative Suite (Premiere Pro, Illustrator) Background in podcast production or social media content creation These skills may allow candidates to contribute to communications, evaluation, and digital engagement projects. Application Requirements and Submission Format Applicants must submit their materials as a single PDF document, including: A cover letter with three reasons for interest in the Mercatus mission Salary expectations A detailed resume Candidates are encouraged to clearly demonstrate alignment with the program’s mission and interest in policy-driven research and institutional development. Commitment to Diversity and Ethical Hiring Practices Stand Together Fellowships emphasizes inclusive recruitment practices and states that applications are welcomed from candidates of all backgrounds, including differences in: Race and ethnicity Gender identity and expression Religion and belief systems Disability status National origin and citizenship Political affiliation and personal background The organization also notes that artificial intelligence tools may assist in application screening, but final hiring decisions are made by human reviewers. Advancing Policy Research and Professional Development The Program Associate role within the Koch Associate Program reflects a broader effort to develop professionals who can contribute to academic research, public policy innovation, and institutional reform. By combining hands-on experience at the Mercatus Center with structured leadership training, the program aims to prepare participants for long-term careers in research, policy analysis, and organizational leadership. VISIT OFFICIAL WEBSITE TO APPLY For more opportunities such as these please follow us on Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp, Twitter, LinkedIn and WPChannel Disclaimer: Global South Opportunities (GSO) is not the organization offering this opportunity. For any inquiries, please contact the official organization directly. Please do not send your applications & CVs to GSO, as we are unable to process them. Due to the high volume of emails, we receive daily, we may not be able to respond to all inquiries. Thank you for your understanding.