The William Worthy Jr. Diversity Fellowship

The Whistleblower Fellowship Program honors the memory of William Worthy Jr., a courageous black journalist, civil rights activist, and whistleblower advocate, by establishing the William Worthy Jr. Diversity Fellowship. The William Worthy Jr. Diversity Fellowship is a one-year full-time paid position that seeks to promote diversity and provide an entry point for underrepresented populations into the legal and/or journalism field.

About The Position:

Whistleblower Network News is an online whistleblower rights focused newspaper published by the National Whistleblower Legal Defense and Education Fund, a public-interest law firm. This position will involve working one-on-one with the Trustees of the Fund and also the leading whistleblower rights attorneys from Kohn, Kohn & Colapinto, LLP to learn about the current state of whistleblower law in the United States as well as around the world. Fellows will write for Whistleblower Network News and learn what it takes to defend whistleblowers against powerful opponents and ensure corporate and governmental accountability.

The Fellow will engage in journalism and social/legal activism in the tradition trailblazed by William Worthy. The duties of the fellow include:

• Undertaking key public policy assignments as a part of the Fund’s pro bono programs, designed to expand the scope of whistleblower protections, including attending meetings with government officials, journalists, and other advocates;
• Assisting with the Fund’s online programming, including assisting with website development and drafting blogs and articles for publication with outlets such as Whistleblower Network News;
• Providing administrative support as needed;
• Conducting research and writing assignments to support pro bono cases that advance whistleblower rights.

Requirements:

• Successful and/or near completion of an undergraduate degree by start of fellowship program;
• An interest or background in journalism (including working for a college newspaper, a blog, or college radio station), advocacy, or related field;
• A demonstrated commitment to diversity;
• Strong commitment to whistleblower protection; and
• Academic excellence

Other Factors That May Be Considered:

• Interest in pursuing a law degree or advanced degree in a related field such as journalism or public policy;
• Experience in online journalism, online political activism, or online publishing;
• Identifies with a group that is historically underrepresented in the legal profession;
• Has demonstrated an interest in issues affecting underserved populations;
• Has a strong background in community engagement; and/or
• Submits a compelling personal application.

Please note that all qualified persons are encouraged to apply, particularly first-generation college students and students committed to advancing opportunities for communities and populations who lack access to justice.

The Fund seeks to foster a collegial and inclusive office culture. As a result, applicants should value a workplace that respects differences regarding race, ethnicity, age, gender identity, and expression, and sexual orientation.

Application/Position Details:

The appointment is a 12-month term position. The stipend range is $40,000-$45,000, plus benefits, depending on experience. Please fill out the online application and attach a resume, personal statement, undergraduate transcript (official or unofficial), and list of three references.

Suggested prompts for personal statement:

• What does social justice mean to you?
• How do you think whistleblower law contributes to the social justice movement?
• As demonstrated by William Worthy Jr., effecting meaningful change often requires tremendous courage, tell us about a time when you were courageous in the face of adversity?
• How does rhetoric influence whether a whistleblower is considered a hero or a rat?

Also, if you’re working on political campaign, volunteer or paid, and can’t start until November, you are fully eligible to apply. Please make note of this in your application.

Applications accepted on a rolling basis. We urge you to submit an application as early as possible, regardless of your start date.

The Whistleblower Fellowship Program and the National Whistleblower Legal Defense and Education Fund are equal opportunity employers and are committed to ensuring that our workplaces are free from any form of discrimination or harassment. All hiring or selection decisions are in full compliance with the D.C. Human Rights Act, Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, the Age Discrimination Act, the Americans with Disabilities Act, and other laws prohibiting discrimination in employment. All qualified applicants are encouraged to apply for all open positions and will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, age, sex, sexual orientation, marital status, disability status, personal appearance, gender identity or expression, family responsibilities, political affiliation, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.