Civic Science Fellow

Position: Civic Science Fellow

Reports to: Strategy Director

Location: New York City (hybrid) or San Francisco Bay Area (remote)

Status: Full-time, exempt

Fellowship Term: July 2026 to February 2028

About the Science Philanthropy Alliance
The Science Philanthropy Alliance is the world’s first and longest-standing organization dedicated to advising philanthropists on giving to discovery science (also known as basic science). Founded in 2014 by six visionary foundations, the Alliance has grown into a vibrant network of over 40 member organizations and a global community of funders, scientists, and advisors committed to advancing scientific discovery for the benefit of humanity.

We support both emerging and established science funders with tailored advisory services including landscape analyses, program design, and connections to leading scientific experts across disciplines. Beyond advising, we convene funders and leaders in academia and government to foster connection, shared learning, and innovation.

At the heart of our work is a unique model: our advisory services are provided at no cost to philanthropists, made possible by the generosity and shared vision of our members. This approach allows us to remain impartial, flexible, and fully focused on helping funders achieve meaningful impact.

Our interdisciplinary team and network of renowned science advisors bring deep expertise in philanthropic strategy and emerging scientific research. Together, we provide the insights, guidance, and connections that help philanthropists make a lasting impact.

Position Summary
The goal of the is to catalyze progress toward a future where all people can shape science to expand its benefits and horizons. The Civic Science Fellows program is building a network of early-career leaders working to advance changes across sectors. The Civic Science Fellows are embedded in networked organizations, typically for 18 months, to co-create and pilot cutting-edge civic science projects – forging connections between science, technology, and civic life.
The Civic Science Fellows are cross-disciplinary thinkers working in partnership with diverse communities, institutions, scientific leaders, and funders.

The Science Philanthropy Alliance, in partnership with the Rita Allen Foundation, the Dana Foundation, and the Burroughs Wellcome Fund, will host its fourth Civic Science Fellow beginning in July 2026 to co-create civic science tools, knowledge, and best practices that can inform and inspire philanthropic funding for scientific discovery. The fellow will work closely with the Science Philanthropy Alliance staff and its philanthropic member organizations to advance scientific discovery through visionary philanthropy.

Specifically, the Civic Science Fellow will support the Science Philanthropy Alliance’s work on funding partnerships and collaboration. We envision that the Civic Science Fellow will contribute to all areas of the Alliance’s work related to funding partnerships, including broadly encouraging partnerships through webinars and newsletters, supporting the facilitation of partnerships through events and projects, and sharing successes through case studies and testimonials.

The work will also include a literature review and landscape analysis of existing funding partnerships, the publication of one or more thought leadership pieces, and a capstone report of fellowship activities and outcomes. In addition, the Civic Science Fellow will be part of a cohort of fellows funded by multiple funders across several organizations. Fellows participate in a civic science learning environment to inform their work and add to a growing body of knowledge.

Responsibilities
The Civic Science Fellow’s responsibilities include:

• Conducting a literature review and comprehensive analysis of what makes partnerships involving science philanthropy successful
• Creating a visual landscape of existing science funding partnerships within philanthropy and across sectors
• Publishing case studies and evidence-based insights on effective science funding partnerships and collaborations
• Supporting events featuring partnership opportunities and examples
• Producing a capstone…