Are you a graduate student passionate about public policy? The NAFO Federal Advocacy Fellowship offers a meaningful, hands-on immersive experience in forestry advocacy – right in Washington, D.C.

The goal of the NAFO Federal Advocacy Fellowship is to provide emerging professionals the skills, confidence, and real-world experience that only comes from working alongside a team that operates at the heart of national forestry policy. The program is designed for students interested in forestry-related policy. As a fellow, you will work as an integrated member of the NAFO team – not an observer on the sidelines. You’ll work closely with team leads across communications, policy, and government relations. You’ll receive mentorship, professional development, and opportunities to learn from experts who shape the national conversation around private working forests. You’ll finish the summer with a capstone project that demonstrates your impact and showcases your skills.

If you’re seeking academic credit, we’re happy to coordinate with your university to meet all requirements.

The NAFO Federal Advocacy Fellowship is a chance to do meaningful work, build relationships in the nation’s capital, and help shape the future of sustainable forestry and natural resource policy. We hope you’ll consider joining us.

About NAFO

The National Alliance of Forest Owners (NAFO) is the voice for private forest owners in Washington, DC. NAFO is a national advocacy organization focused on advancing federal policies that support the long-term economic, and environmental benefits of sustainably managed privately-owned forests. NAFO member companies own and manage more than 43 million acres of private working forests – forests that are managed to provide a steady supply of timber. NAFO’s membership also includes state and national associations tens of millions of additional acres.

What you will learn by doing (Responsibilities):

As a NAFO fellow, you’ll gain real-world experience at the center of federal forest, environmental, and natural-resource policy. Your experience will span communications, policy, and government relations, giving you a 360° understanding of how advocacy happens in Washington, D.C. While projects will vary based on your interests and our evolving priorities, here’s a sense of what you’ll learn by doing:

Policy, Advocacy, and Communications Skills

• How forestry policy is developed, communicated, and advanced at the federal level.
• How to research emerging policy issues and translate them into clear insights for internal and external audiences.
• How NAFO engages with policymakers, partner organizations, and coalitions to drive impact.
• How to contribute to briefing materials, fact sheets and the planning and coordination of advocacy activities, including meetings, events, or educational briefings.
• How to assist in executing a communications strategy that spans digital media, member engagement, and policy storytelling.

Cross-Team Collaboration & Professional Skill-Building

• How a member-led advocacy organization operates, from communications and policy to government relations and member engagement.
• How to work collaboratively with NAFO members, partner organizations, federal agencies, and congressional offices.
• How to manage competing priorities in a fast-moving policy environment and adapt to the shifting focus and demands of federal policymaking.

This fellowship is designed to give you responsibility, guidance, and space to grow. You won’t just observe how federal advocacy works – you’ll help make it happen.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Currently enrolled in or recently graduated from an accredited graduate program. Preference will be given to candidates within the environmental, policy, or communications fields.
• An interest in forestry, sustainability, or federal advocacy.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills and excellent computer skills, including Microsoft Office.
• Strong research and analytical skills.
• Dependability, flexibility, and ability to maintain confidentiality.
• Openness to learning and growing within the fellowship experience.
• Comfortable working independently and in a group.

Prior forestry experience is welcomed but not necessary. This fellowship centers on policy and advocacy – not forestry field operations – and is open to students from any major who are interested in forestry-related policy.

What You Will Gain:

• Real-world advocacy experience
• Professional mentorship
• The chance to work across teams and competencies
• A meaningful capstone project for your portfolio
• The opportunity to live and network in Washington, D.C.

Time Commitment:

The candidate must be comfortable working in both in-person and hybrid setting depending on the needs of the organization

Application Deadline:

January 31, 2026

Program Timing:

June 9 – August 15. We understand school calendars vary, so we offer some flexibility with start or end dates when needed.

Compensation:

Full-time fellows can earn up to $3,100 a month.