The Pauli Murray Fellowship: Investing in the Next Generation of Leaders

ACLU’s Pauli Murray Fellowship was founded in 2022 in honor of the Reverend Dr. Pauli Murray — activist, legal theorist, author, Episcopal priest, and former ACLU board member. The fellowship invests in and cultivates leadership pathways for individuals who have overcome systemic barriers to achievement to support development of future leaders. Target participants are those aspiring to make full-time entry into nonprofit organizations with a passion to advance civil rights and civil liberties. Those selected will embedded within an ACLU cross-functional department and charged with overseeing critical internal initiatives, projects, and priorities. They receive meaningful exposure, access, and training to enhance and broaden their professional skills.

Key components of the program include:

• Full-time employment, $78,000 annual salary, and benefits for 18 months at the ACLU National Headquarters in New York.
• Skill development in key functions such as professional communications, organizational strategy, project management, and more. These transferrable skills will support participants in their pursuit of future leadership roles.
• Stipends to expand career and professional development through conferences, coursework, graduate school coaching, etc.
• Access to leaders and mentors at the ACLU including career networking opportunities.
• A trip to a historical site where the fellows can deepen their understanding and learn more on the ongoing challenges related to systemic barriers.
• A capstone project developed with support from a mentor that allows participants to practically apply their academic skills.
• Community with fellows and colleagues.

Individuals making their entry into the nonprofit sector full-time, overcoming systemic barriers to achievement, are encouraged to apply — especially those with a fresh perspective and a commitment to our mission.