MSHIELD Fellowship
"I was able to take on a meaningful project and received unwavering support while still maintaining independence as I worked towards its completion. MSHIELD approaches the challenge of promoting greater health equity with grace and passion, and I was so grateful that the team carved out time for me to learn from every team member, each of whom taught me so much."
— MSHIELD Fellow, Winter 2023
Spend a season with the MSHIELD team!
MSHIELD provides opportunities for students or early-career professionals to gain real-world experience, engage with leaders at all levels of the organization, participate in a variety of educational activities, and integrate their studies and experience with MSHIELD’s work. We take workforce development and diversity seriously, and this program is seen as an opportunity to live into that value. The content expertise and talents of our fellows will not only move our work forward but our workplace culture as well.
Applications are now closed. The next round of applications will open in July 2024.
How to Apply
The application is available on UM Jobs portal. A cover letter is required for consideration for this position and should be attached as the first page of your resume. The cover letter should include the following:
Interests and Goals: Please describe your educational and career goals, and how the MSHIELD Fellowship program will help you pursue these goals.
Timeline: The dates range and hours that you plan to dedicate to the fellowship
(Optional) Project Proposal: Please describe the project, including its goals, deliverables, and timeline.
Program Overview
The goal of the MSHIELD Fellowship Program is to provide opportunities for students or early-career professionals to gain real-world experience, engage with leaders at all levels of the organization, participate in a variety of educational activities, and integrate their studies and experience with MSHIELD’s work. MSHIELD takes workforce development and diversity seriously, and this program is seen as an opportunity to live into that value. The content expertise and talents of our fellows will not only move our work forward, but our workplace culture as well.
The MSHIELD fellow will work closely with their supervisor to design a project plan and timeline. The general outline for the project will include:
1. A major project/task relating to one of the MSHIELD pillars (Fellows have the option of reviewing a list of projects submitted by the MSHIELD team or developing their own project)
2. Education or training related to Community Engagement, Anti-racism, and/or equity
The fellow can determine how much time they are able to dedicate to the fellowship. At a minimum, the fellow is expected to commit to at least 10-15 hours/week or 150 hours total over the course of the fellowship. While flexible, the fellowship typically spans one semester (~2-3 months).
Timeframe
Fellowships for 1-2 candidates will be available throughout the year. The timeframe and hours are flexible upon discussion with the fellowship supervisor. We follow the University of Michigan academic calendar. In general, each term follows the time frame indicated below:
Fall term: September to December
Winter term: January to April
Summer term: May to August
The application for each term will available on UM Jobs portal about 2 months prior to the start of the term.
MSHIELD is dedicated to pursuing and hiring a diverse workforce. We encourage applicants from all groups to apply for this position, particularly those who have historically been less represented in academic institutions. To learn more about our commitment to anti-racism read on: https://www.michiganshield.org/culture-of-equity/anti-racism-accountability-statement
Position Description
The MSHIELD fellow will work closely with their supervisor to design a project plan and timeline. The general outline for the project will include:
A major project/task relating to one of the MSHIELD pillars (Fellows have the option of reviewing a list of projects submitted by the MSHIELD team or developing their own project)
Education or training related to Community Engagement, Anti-racism, and/or equity
Responsibilities
Data Analysis and Reporting (30%)
Analyze and prepare reports from MSHIELD data
Support manuscript preparation and publication
Develop and maintain map of partnering CQIs and their member sites
Provide updates to MSHIELD website and internal publications
Event and Meeting Support (30%)
Support Program Manager with event and meeting duties, including but not limited to staffing events, preparing agendas and meeting minutes, and coordinating webinars
Assist Equity Advisor with the development and implementation of CQI Equity Curriculum
Partnership Support (30%)
Provide assistance for Community-Clinical Partnerships Program (e.g., schedule key informant interviews, attend regular partnership meetings, identify administrative tasks and complete them)
Support the process and outcome evaluation activities of the health-related social needs screening initiatives
Other Duties as Assigned (10%)
Required Qualifications
Excellent written and oral communication
Experience supporting meeting facilitation
Ability to build relationships
Computer and Internet experience required, especially with Microsoft Office products such as Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.
Ability to reliably attend virtual meetings
Desired Qualifications
Bachelor’s degree or higher in public health, social science, or a related field
Demonstrated understanding of health and racial equity
Interest supporting the health of diverse communities
Fellowship Details
Role and Responsibilities (Supervisor/Mentor)
Each fellow will work with a direct supervisor who will offer guidance on project tasks and responsibilities, including instructions on how tasks should be carried out. The direct supervisor will provide daily supervision, monitor progress, and be available for general questions. The fellow will typically meet with their supervisor on a weekly basis.
A critical component of the fellowship program is the work with the mentor. Based on matching interests and availability, a member from the MSHIELD faculty leadership team (co-directors and associate directors) will be selected to serve as a mentor to the fellow. The mentor’s role is to offer guidance and provide input on the fellow's work products. The fellow is expected to meet with their mentor at least two (2) times during the fellowship.
Time Commitment
The fellow can determine how much time they are able to dedicate to the fellowship. At a minimum, the fellow is expected to commit to at least 10-15 hours/week or 150 hours total over the course of the fellowship. The fellowship supervisor will work with the fellow to develop a schedule that works for all parties.
MSHIELD is a remote-first workforce; however, certain meetings are mandatory and may require the fellow to be present in person. Reasonable notice of in-person meetings will be given.
Compensation
MSHIELD will make every effort to compensate fellows for their contributions and time at a rate of $20/hour. If a candidate has access to funds (grant, scholarship, etc.) that can support their work, please let MSHIELD know during the application process. The availability of funds will not affect the hiring of the fellow.
Evaluation
The fellowship will include a midpoint and final evaluation. The midpoint check-in will take place halfway through the fellowship period. The fellow will meet with their mentor and supervisor to discuss their progress and experience in the fellowship and make any adjustments as needed.
At the final/exit meeting, the fellow will meet with their supervisor to reflect on their experience and provide feedback on the fellowship program.
Examples of Fellowship Projects
The MSHIELD fellow will work closely with their supervisor to design a project plan and timeline. The general outline for the project will include:
A major project/task relating to one of the MSHIELD pillars (Fellows have the option of reviewing a list of projects submitted by the MSHIELD team or developing their own project).
Education or training related to Community Engagement, Anti-racism, and/or equity .
Examples of past projects include:
Conduct key informant interviews for the MSHIELD Pilot Evaluation
Assist in developing anti-racism curriculum on online platform
Complete qualitative analysis
Draft evaluation report and other forms of dissemination
Complete community engagement open online course
Refine MSHIELD promotional material for community partners
Application Timeline
Fellowship opportunities are available throughout the year following the University of Michigan academic calendar. Each term, the application will be available on the UM Jobs portal.
Fall term (September to December): Applications open in July
Winter term (January to April): Applications open in November
Summer term (May to August): Applications open in March