Fellowship Program

The NAFO Federal Advocacy Fellowship offers a hands-on, immersive experience in forestry advocacy – right in Washington, D.C. 

NAFO fellows are integrated members of the NAFO team, not observers on the sidelines. They work closely with NAFO’s policy, communications, and government affairs teams while receiving mentorship and professional development from leaders working at the forefront of private working forest issues. 

The NAFO Federal Advocacy Fellowship is a chance to do meaningful work, build relationships in the nation’s capital, and contribute to the policy conversations shaping the future of sustainable forestry. 

A Competitive Washington, D.C. Fellowship 

NAFO selects a small cohort of fellows through a competitive application and interview process. We look for candidates who bring intellectual curiosity, strong judgment, leadership potential, and the ability to contribute meaningfully in a fast-moving policy environment. 

Learn By Doing 

Fellows are matched with substantive projects based on NAFO’s priorities and their own interests, experience, and strengths. Past fellows have: 

• Researched and helped develop federal legislative proposals. 

• Researched emerging policy and market trends and translated their findings for NAFO leaders and members. 

• Developed educational materials for policymakers, forestry sector partners, and NAFO staff. 

• Researched and developed recommendations for wildlife conservation initiatives with potential for national application. 

• Participated in high-level policy discussions with senior policymakers, partner organizations, and industry leaders. 

Fellows also present their work to NAFO staff, building the ability to distill complex issues, communicate their thinking clearly, and incorporate feedback to strengthen their work. 

The Fellowship Experience 

The fellowship is structured to build knowledge, confidence, and responsibility over time. Fellows begin with onboarding and training on private working forests, NAFO’s priorities, and its federal and international advocacy work. From there, they take on a mix of individual and collaborative projects with guidance from NAFO staff and subject-matter experts. Throughout the experience, fellows sharpen skills in research, policy analysis, project management, creative problem-solving, and presenting ideas and recommendations to senior audiences.  

The experience culminates in a capstone presentation, where fellows select a project, research area, or body of work from their time at NAFO and develop it into a polished presentation for staff. With guidance and feedback along the way, fellows refine their approach, identify the most important takeaways, and communicate their work clearly to a senior audience. 

NAFO operates in a hybrid work environment that combines focused independent work with in-office collaboration. Fellows are part of the day-to-day rhythm of the organization, working alongside staff and other cohort members. Fellows learn from one another, tackle a demanding Washington experience together, and build professional relationships that extend beyond individual project assignments. 

Mentorship and Professional Development 

Some of the most valuable parts of the fellowship happen beyond individual projects. Fellows engage with NAFO leadership, policy experts, leaders from NAFO member organizations, government officials, and other professionals whose work intersects with forestry, policy, and advocacy. 

The program also provides individualized mentorship, giving fellows opportunities to talk candidly with experienced professionals about career paths, professional goals, and opportunities across policy, advocacy, communications, forestry, and related fields. 

Preferred Qualifications 

• Currently enrolled in or recently graduated from an accredited graduate program. Preference will be given to candidates in environmental, policy, communications, or a related discipline. 

• A demonstrated interest in forestry, sustainability, public policy, or federal advocacy. 

The NAFO Federal Advocacy Fellowship is a paid position. 

How to Apply 

Applications are not currently open. Stay tuned for details about the next cohort and application period.