Youth Research & Learning Fellow

Apply Description LOCATION Candidates must be located and a student at a university within an hour of one of the following US cities: Los Angeles, Atlanta, Houston, Philadelphia, or Detroit SUPERVISOR Program Officer, US Programs TIMELINE 6-month project (November-mid December; January-March); 15-20 hours weekly ABOUT INTERNATIONAL YOUTH FOUNDATION (IYF®) The International Youth Foundation (IYF) is a global nonprofit with an exceptional 36-year history of connecting young people with opportunities to transform their lives. We partner with young people and with foundations, governments and global corporations to provide essential life skills and industry-specific training that helps youth bridge the gap from wherever they are into meaningful employment. We focus on meaningful employment because equipping youth with the right skills and connecting them to good jobs is the single most effective way to address all the challenges they may face such as hunger, violence, or the global effects of climate change. Since its inception, IYF has made a global impact, reaching youth in 182 countries through more than 600 local partners, directly serving over 8 million young people in person and reaching another 6 million online. https://iyfglobal.org/ PURPOSE OF THE ROLE The Youth Research and Learning Fellow will serve as a critical youth voice in the development of a new Passport to Success® curriculum package for the age of AI. The Fellow will conduct research on emerging workforce trends, AI’s impact on education and employment, and the skills young people need to thrive in a rapidly changing world. Through engagement with peers, industry insights, and user-centered research, the Fellow will help ensure the reimagined 12-lesson learning package is relevant, practical, and responsive to the aspirations, concerns, and experiences of today’s young people. Working closely with IYF’s team, the Fellow will contribute recommendations, validate concepts, and provide ongoing feedback throughout the curriculum development process. The role will bridge the perspectives of young people, educators, and employers to create an engaging, future-focused learning experience that strengthens SEL, career readiness, and AI-era success skills. ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS Coordinate with peer fellows to conduct a landscape analysis of current trends and deficits in US SEL and AI workforce transformation. Complete industry interviews to inform lesson selection and direction. Identify and recommend local youth-serving organizations for partnership and research engagement consideration, assisting the Program Officer with their selection. Facilitate several local focus group discussions with selected youth-serving organization(s)’ young people aged 15-29, capturing and sharing insights. Conduct a curriculum review of Passport to Success with peer fellows and recommend 12 lessons for revision. Summarize all findings, making recommendations for curriculum modifications and enhancements. Other Duties as Assigned We value a collaborative and adaptable work environment. Team members may be asked to: Support new initiatives and emerging organizational priorities Partner across departments to advance shared goals Step in to assist staff during absences or periods of increased workload Contribute to projects beyond core role responsibilities Requirements REQUIRED SKILLS/EXPERIENCE Candidates must be actively degree-seeking at a US university or college in their community. Preference will be given to those pursuing advanced degrees in teaching and education disciplines. Experience in curriculum design and development, preferred experience in workforce readiness, soft skills, and/or social-emotional learning An interest in workforce and education trends, particularly how AI will shape learning and career pathways Knowledge of and relationships with local youth-serving organizations and educational institutions in your designated city Demonstrated support for IYF’s values, DEI initiatives, social justice and racial equity High degree of respect and compassion to cultural conditions and practices; sensitivity to varied personalities Communication skills must be effective and courteous, requiring high emotional intelligence. JOB LEVEL Fellow SALARY $23/hr for undergrads (Request 12-15 hrs/week ~18 weeks, allowing for holiday breaks) $28/hr for grad students (Request 10-14 hrs/week ~18 weeks, allowing for holiday breaks) CLASSIFICATION Non-exempt CULTURE AND VALUES At IYF, We seek leaders who are… Purpose-driven: self-motivated by the mission to grow our organization and transform the future for youth?globally. Self-accountable: able to?deliver on?commitments with minimal oversight, thriving in a high-functioning,?entrepreneurial team. Growth & learning-oriented: seeking better solutions and improvements to drive growth and innovation across?the?org. Empathetic and collaborative: skilled at building relationships, working effectively across cultures, and?elevating team performance. We strongly encourage candidates of all different backgrounds and identities to apply. Each hire is an opportunity for us to bring in a different perspective, and we are always eager to further diversify our organization. IYF is committed to building an inclusive, supportive place for you to do the best and most rewarding work of your career