Defense Budget and Fiscal Policy Fellow

The Peace Economy Project (PEP) is seeking a Defense Budget & Fiscal Policy Fellow to support research and advocacy that critically examines U.S. military spending and its impact on domestic priorities. This role is ideal for individuals passionate about fiscal justice, economic equity, and reimagining national priorities to support peace, sustainability, and community well-being.

The fellow will analyze trends in the defense budget, track key congressional appropriations, and assist with public-facing tools and materials that advocate for the redirection of federal funds toward health care, housing, education, climate action, and other pressing human needs.

Key Responsibilities

• Research and analyze:

• • The annual U.S. defense budget and Pentagon appropriations
  • Trends in military contractor funding and weapons procurement
  • Legislative proposals related to military, social, and discretionary spending
  • Cost comparisons between defense expenditures and unmet domestic needs
• Create accessible, data-driven materials such as:
  • Policy briefs, fact sheets, infographics, and visualizations
  • Talking points for advocates and community organizers
  • Blog posts or op-eds on key fiscal justice issues
• Track and summarize key hearings, bills, and budget resolutions from Congress and the Congressional Budget Office (CBO).
• Contribute to PEP’s “Move the Money” campaign and collaborate with coalition partners advocating for a just economic transition.
• Option to present findings through a webinar, teach-in, or co-authored publication.

Qualifications

• Current undergraduate, graduate student, or recent graduate in Economics, Public Policy, Political Science, Finance, or a related field.
• Strong interest in fiscal justice, federal budgeting, anti-militarism, and economic equity.
• Demonstrated experience in quantitative research, economic or budget analysis, or legislative tracking.
• Ability to translate complex budget information into clear and engaging content.
• Familiarity with government budget sources (e.g., OMB, GAO, CRS, CBO, etc.) is a plus

What You’ll Gain

• Direct experience in policy research and public advocacy.
• The opportunity to publish your work and support real-time legislative and budget campaigns.
• Professional development, mentorship, and collaboration with a national peace and justice network.
• A deeper understanding of how fiscal policy shapes societal outcomes—and how to influence it.
• Letter of recommendation and portfolio support for future academic or career opportunities.