Racial Justice/Unity and Diversity Fellow

*MUST BE A CURRENT UNDERGRAD, GRAD, OR PhD STUDENT OR UP TO 12 MONTHS OUT OF A DEGREE PROGRAM.*

Racial Justice/Unity and Diversity Fellow

Are you interested in a career in philanthropy done differently? Are you imagining a better world? Do you believe in social justice and the power of collective action and spirituality? Are you curious about the role philanthropy can play in social change? If yes, join the Wayfarer Foundation for a paid 10-week summer fellowship.

ABOUT WAYFARER FOUNDATION

Launched in 2021, Wayfarer Foundation is a Bahá’í-inspired philanthropic organization that partners with spiritually rooted and justice-oriented nonprofits to co-create peace and unity in the world. Steve Sarowitz, a Baháʼí philanthropist, Founder and Chairman of Paylocity (Nasdaq: PCTY), Director of Payescape, and partner in Wayfarer Studios, started Wayfarer as the philanthropic engine for his spiritual giving. In 2024, Wayfarer awarded over $24 million in grants, and 72% of our grantee-partner organizations were BIPOC-led. For more information about us, check out wayfarerfoundation.org.

FELLOWSHIP DETAILS

We seek a Racial Justice/Unity and Diversity Fellow to collaborate with the Program Team to assist with grantmaking and other philanthropic goals for the Foundation. The Program Team drives the Foundation’s focus on using racial justice and unity advocacy to transform communities spiritually and positively. This person will be a strong communicator, have a humble posture of learning, and be interested in developing a deep understanding of racial justice and community building. They will recognize that building relationships with partners and respecting the strength of grassroots nonprofits are essential to the Wayfarer mission.

• Reports to: Program Officer, Racial Justice and Unity and Diversity
• Position Details:
  • Support the development of written recommendations and program updates for the Foundation’s Board of Directors.
  • Assist in designing and supporting community-based participatory grantmaking initiatives, Foundation gatherings, and site visits.
  • Conduct background research on critical community issues arising from systems that sustain social injustice.
  • Participate in designing and implementing Wayfarer Foundation’s Initiatives, including quantitative and qualitative research and engagement with mission-aligned nonprofits and the people they serve.
  • Attend and participate in appropriate joint efforts, affinity group meetings, and events for foundations and community partners.
  • Communicate regularly and effectively with participants, Wayfarer Foundation staff, partners, and other stakeholders to provide updates, solicit feedback, and foster community and engagement. This includes via email, newsletters, social media, and in-person/virtual meetings.
  • Other tasks and/or projects as assigned.

FELLOWSHIP REQUIREMENTS

• Be a current undergraduate/graduate/PhD student or up to 12 months out of a degree program.
• Commitment to and passion for Wayfarer’s mission: “We partner with nonprofits to co-create a unified world.”
• Proven ability to work successfully with diverse populations and demonstrated commitment to promote and enhance unity.
• Interest in community organizing, advocacy, philanthropy, and/or social innovation as a career.
• Commitment to equitable access and community engagement as a lens for all your work.
• Openness to exploring the spiritual dimensions of mission-driven work, especially Baháʼí-inspired practices.
• Excellent and creative verbal and written communication skills in English.
• Willingness to be vulnerable, emotionally intelligent, and service-oriented.
• Action-oriented, results-driven, and grounded mode of operating.
• Flexibility and adaptability, as we strive to provide clear roles while navigating the process of being a new and quickly growing nonprofit.
• Proficiency in and/or willingness to quickly learn WF tech platforms: Microsoft/Google apps, major social media platforms, Giving Data (grant management system), Slack, Canva, Airtable (project management system), etc.
• Do I have to be a Baháʼí to apply?
• Wayfarer Foundation is a Bahá’í-inspired philanthropic organization that aspires to align its work with the principles of the Bahá’í faith. Specifically, it centers its work on the oneness of humankind and recognizes that spiritual solutions are needed, along with material ones, for the betterment of humanity. While Wayfarer Foundation consults with relevant Baha’i institutions, it is not funded or governed by Bahá’í institutions and welcomes partnerships with like-minded individuals and groups, including those from diverse faith traditions. We provide equal employment opportunities for all. We only ask you to come to the role with an open heart and mind and an interest in learning more about Baháʼí beliefs and the role the Bahá’í faith can play in creating social change. We also ask all team members to commit to upholding Wayfarer’s Baháʼí-inspired values:
  • Unity: Humanity is one, and diversity is our superpower.
  • Learning: A humble learning posture enables progress.
  • Justice: Trust and integrity require accountability.
  • Spirituality: Love and community fuel change.

WORKING AT WAYFARER

Logistics:

• • Compensation and Hours:
    • Undergraduate/graduate students - $22.60/hour, 20 hours/week
    • Doctoral students - $28.25/hour, 28 hours/week
  • Term: 10 weeks/June through mid-August

Culture - You can expect:

• • The mindfulness of a house of worship: We engage in spiritual practices as a team, explore how the Baháʼí Faith and spirituality can drive social change, and strive to treat one another with compassion and kindness.
  • The energy of a startup: As a new organization, we are in an organic learning mode and value risk, innovation, and experimentation.
  • The passion for justice of a grassroots nonprofit: We celebrate the gifts of diverse individuals, communities, and institutions. We also stand up for justice for those excluded because we know that together, without -isms, we can find solutions to our most pressing problems.

Where will I work? We are a hybrid organization; we work 2-3 days at home and 2-3 days in our office at 350 Linden, Wilmette, IL (easily accessible by the CTA purple line).

• • Tuesdays and Wednesdays are suggested in-person days.
  • Light travel may be expected.

TO APPLY

Please submit:

1. A brief cover letter. Please do not repeat what is written on your resume in your cover letter. Instead, tell us things your resume can’t tell us: what you are passionate about, what your gifts are, why you want to work with us, etc. In this letter, please also make sure to 1) affirm your openness to working in a spiritual environment informed by the Baháʼí faith and 2) discuss any experience you have in racial justice and/or working in BIPOC communities.
2. A 1-2 page resume with two references listed.
3. Unofficial transcripts from your current academic institution.

Wayfarer Foundation is an equal opportunity employer. We value a diverse mix of candidates; your gifts and experience matter more than titles or numbers.