Organizational Background
The Water Finance Exchange (WFX) is a partnership between federal and state stakeholders, communities, philanthropy, and the financial sector to address the funding shortage of water infrastructure projects for thousands of American communities. A 501(c)(3) not-for-profit, WFX is comprised of a team of water and finance professionals devoted to supporting communities across the U.S. to reach sustainable water infrastructure solutions, encompassing economic, public health, and environmental needs.
WFX’s mission is to help communities access funding, financing, and expertise to implement resilient, sustainable, and equitable water infrastructure solutions. WFX serves as a neutral partner for communities to provide support from project conception to implementation.
In 2025, WFX is hiring two to three (2-3) Research Fellows to lead dedicated research projects that are complimentary to WFX’s direct service support to communities.
WFX’s Research Fellowship program offers an opportunity for graduate-level students to support research projects with policy and practicum recommendations for the U.S. Water sector, including direct work with small, rural, and underserved communities around the country. These research projects are designed to take place over the course of a Fall and Spring semester, with publication of results in Summer 2026. These Fellowship opportunities support original research to further WFX’s mission, while building a pipeline of water sector professionals with opportunities for full-time employment at WFX or partner organizations.
It is expected that 25% of the time for this Fellowship opportunity will support regular WFX operations and 75% of the time will be spent on individual research projects. This opportunity will require a commitment of approximately 10-20 hours a week and will be compensated with a monthly stipend. This Fellowship will require participation in at least one in-person event to connect with the WFX team in Fall 2025. WFX may place priority on potential candidates from priority states of Alabama, Mississippi, New Mexico, Tennessee, and Texas.
WFX is accepting applications from July 25th to August 8h and these positions will have a targeted start date of September 2025. This fellowship opportunity is intended for Fall 2025 and Spring 2026.
Fellowship Summary
WFX is seeking two to three (2-3) part-time, remote Research Fellows.
Key responsibilities
- Lead WFX-specific research objectives, including potential projects on water rate assistance programs, regionalization impact analysis, community water financing, and community health assessments.
- Assist with community screening and outreach, including review of municipal financial information, water quality reports, and water rate data.
- Research and development of white papers, case studies, and other informational documents, focusing on the intersection of water infrastructure, community engagement, and watershed resiliency.
- Assist with stakeholder engagement forums and convening public-private leadership through webinars, workshops, etc.
- Support the creation of routine marketing and communication materials (e.g., press releases, blogs, newsletter, flyers).
- Provide support for overall WFX efforts and other administrative functions as needed.
Qualifications
- Strong research and technical writing skills.
- Strong attention to detail, with the ability to multi-task.
- Candidates must have a track record of strong academic achievement.
- Graduate students are preferred, with a demonstrated interest in the environmental/sustainability field. Experience and/or comfortability with quantitative assessments and financial information is preferred.
- Proficiency in MS Office programs (Word, Excel, PowerPoint).
How to Apply
Applicants should submit the following to info@waterfx.org:
- A cover letter of qualifications
- Resume
- Writing samples
