Program Fellowships

For the third year, Beacon Hill Friends House is offering two part-time volunteer Program Fellow positions! Fellows live at the house as members of the residential community and will work with BHFH staff and committees to help further expand and deepen our programs and events, and support the communal life of the Friends House.

Google Doc Version of the information below.

Learn more and apply below. Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis, with priority given to those who apply by July 31, 2023.

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Beacon Hill Friends House Program Fellowships Position Description

Beacon Hill Friends House (BHFH), a Quaker center and residential community based in downtown Boston, Massachusetts, is excited to offer two half-time (20 hours per week) volunteer Program Fellow positions for a year-long commitment. The positions are not paid, and instead Fellows receive room & board for the duration of their fellowship.

BHFH Fellows will reside at the Friends House and work side-by-side with our small team of talented staff to help support our programs and public events that cultivate community, nurture spiritual deepening, and empower collective action. You’ll have the opportunity to help us coordinate, manage, and facilitate a combination of in-person, online, and hybrid events, in addition to gaining experience in other skills and core competencies related to working for an intentional community and Quaker non-profit.

The responsibilities of each fellow’s position may depend on what each fellow brings to the role and the needs of BHFH. The work is a balance between ongoing projects, regular tasks, and meeting the needs of each day. If you’re particularly interested in learning certain skills, or working in specific areas, please indicate so in your application.

Fellows are asked to commit to an average of 20 hours/week (often including evening and weekend time), focused on the responsibilities outlined below, in addition to the expectations for cooperative community involvement of all House residents (see more under “Benefits” below).* Fellows can hold outside, part-time jobs, or be full-time students (sometimes with a portion of their credits including the fellowship), in addition to this commitment.

Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis, with priority given to those who apply by July 31, 2023.

Expected Time Range: September 2023 (may be able to start sooner) through Summer 2024

Focus Areas and Responsibilities

Event Coordination and Facilitation

Assist with coordination of in-person, online, and hybrid public events
- Including: managing event registration, publicity and graphic identity; supporting technology and sometimes “tech hosting” for hybrid events
Organize volunteers to support events

Outreach and Communications

Support outreach and publicity of BHFH, primarily focusing on programs and events
Meet with and attend events of other mission-aligned organizations on behalf of BHFH to connect with potential collaborators/partners
Occasionally create content for our bi-weekly email digest that helps articulate the experience and values of Friends House programs to our audience
Assist with creating print and digital content that advertises and communicates about our programs
Continue a consistent social media presence on behalf of BHFH, including Instagram, Facebook, etc

Residential Community Engagement

Serve on Friends House committees that support the spiritual and community life of the house community
Support other residents in engaging with and attending public events
Serving in the ways listed above are expected in your work time; you will also have residential duties outside of work time.

General Administrative Duties

Attend program and staff meetings as relevant
Have periodic supervision/mentorship meetings with the Executive Director and attend other staff meetings as appropriate
Work alongside BHFH staff members in other ways to support the general well-being and health of the organization

Development (Occasional)

Assist staff in applying for grants

Help create and execute fundraising campaigns

Benefits

These two program fellowships are unpaid, volunteer positions. We are open to working with fellows to accommodate any requirements that may allow them to receive funding or course credit from a university or other entity. Fellowships receive room and board at the Friends House.

Room, Board, and Household amenities

This role is a residential volunteer position, meaning that the Program Fellows will live at the Friends House as members of the residential community. We offer room and board (which includes a fully stocked kitchen and 5 dinners per week) free of charge due to the requirements of this volunteer position.
Receive up to 5 nights’ free use of a Friends House guest room per year, and may book further nights at half the cost of the public rate.

Support for Professional Development

Attend trainings that build your skills in event facilitation, leadership, Quaker practices, or other opportunities as relevant.

As part of the residential community, program fellows will also be subject to the resident responsibilities outlined in the BHFH Resident Handbook, including attending bi-weekly House Meeting, attending on average at least 3 out of 5 weekly House Dinners, and performing weekly dish crew and chores. Interested candidates who have questions about the residential arrangement are encouraged to contact search@bhfh.org.

Qualifications

You are interested in adult educational programming that helps participants engage with spirituality and social/spirit-led action.
You are teachable, open-hearted, and okay with not getting things right the first time.
You are creative. You’re able to anticipate and define problems, brainstorm solutions, propose or decide on a course of action, and follow through.
You can think on your feet and respond to unexpected challenges with confidence.
You can write clearly and persuasively
You can manage multiple projects.
You are accountable. You show up on time, respect goals and deadlines.
You are organized. You can work independently.

Desired Skills

You have experience facilitating events — for an on-campus club at your university, Quaker meetings, community groups, spiritual congregations, etc.
You think like an organizer. You look for opportunities to get others involved, and you think beyond yourself and your role.
You can write well, in ways that make people want to attend an event, or keep reading a blog post.
You are adaptable. You can adapt to changes and complex/challenging situations.
You are a Quaker and/or understand Quaker values and practices.

Research shows that members of marginalized groups — including women, LGBTQIA+ identified people, Black, Indigenous, and other people of color (BIPOC) — tend to only apply to jobs if they meet every single criteria. If your interests align with this position and you’re passionate about living at Beacon Hill Friends House, we encourage you to apply even if you don’t meet every qualification listed. We look forward to hearing from you!

Questions?

About Beacon Hill Friends House

Beacon Hill Friends House is an independent Quaker nonprofit organization that provides accessible opportunities for spiritual deepening, personal growth, and collective action — grounded in the values, principles, and practices of the Religious Society of Friends. Based in a large historic house in downtown Boston, Mass., it hosts frequent online and in-person events, and is home to an ever-changing 20-resident intentional community (of Friends and others) and to Beacon Hill Friends Meeting (NEYM).