Call for Applicants: Trust Fellow (Contractor)

Posting Date: March 12, 2026

Hosted by: Public Housing Community Fund & New York City Public Housing Preservation Trust

  • Hours: Up to 35 hours/week

  • Dates: June 2026 - August 2026 (10 weeks)

  • Stipend Amount: $8,000 total ($800/week)

  • Open to: College student or recent graduate that are NYCHA residents or individuals connected to public housing communities

  • Location: Hybrid – in-office at Trust Office at 90 Church St New York, NY 10007, with remote flexibility

‍ Overview

‍The New York City Public Housing Preservation Trust (the “Trust”) seeks two (2) Trust Fellows for its inaugural Trust Fellowship Program during Summer 2026.

We strongly encourage applications from NYCHA residents and individuals connected to public housing communities.

‍The Trust Fellowship Program is a paid, full-time, 10-week summer fellowship designed to introduce college students to government operations through the lens of public housing development. Fellows will gain exposure to the full lifecycle of Trust work, including capital projects, procurement, development finance, operations, and resident partnerships.

This is a project-based fellowship. Fellows will collaborate on a clearly defined project aligned with Trust priorities and produce a substantive final deliverable for Trust leadership. The program combines applied research, structured learning modules, and mentorship from senior public-sector professionals.

‍This Fellowship provides meaningful, hands-on public-sector experience while producing tangible work that supports the Trust’s mission to preserve and modernize public housing across New York City.

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What You’ll Do

‍ Fellows will collaborate on one Trust-defined project focused on strengthening processes that support public housing development and stakeholder engagement.

‍ ‍Trust Fellows will:

  • ‍Collaborate on a Trust-defined project aligned with the organization’s current priorities

  • Conduct research, interviews, and analysis related to public housing development and government operations

  • Synthesize findings into a written report and presentation for Trust leadership

    • Participate in structured learning sessions led by Trust staff on topics including:

      • Capital Projects and Design-Build

      • Public-Sector Procurement

      • Development Finance

      • Resident Engagement and Partnerships

      • Property Management Operations

    • Receive mentorship from Trust staff and public-sector professionals

‍ This is a hands-on opportunity to understand how public housing decisions are made and how projects move from planning to implementation.

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What You’ll Gain

  • ‍Direct exposure to government decision-making and public housing development

  • Experience conducting applied research and stakeholder engagement

    • Opportunity to present findings to senior leadership

    • A substantive, real-world work product for future interviews or graduate applications

    • Mentorship from leaders in housing and public-sector work

    • Expanded professional network in public service and urban development

Who Should Apply

We are looking for motivated students who:

  • ‍Are current college students or recent graduates

  • Have an interest in public service, housing, urban policy, or community development

  • Are strong communicators and curious learners

  • Are able to commit up to 35 hours per week during the 10-week fellowship

‍ ‍NYCHA residents and individuals with lived experience in public housing are strongly encouraged to apply.

‍ ‍You do not need prior government experience to apply.

‍Application and Project Timeline 

‍ ‍

  • Application due by: April 10, 2026, 5 p.m. ET

  • Final Selections by: May 6, 2026

  • Fellowship starts by: June 2026 (dependent on Fellows college schedule)

  • Fellowship ends by: August 2026 (10 weeks after start)

‍ ‍

Compensation & Structure

‍Fellows will receive a stipend of $800 per week for 10 weeks (total $8,000).

Fellows will serve as independent contractors to the Public Housing Community Fund and will receive a 1099 form for tax purposes. Taxes will not be withheld from payments. They will not be considered employees of PHCF. Accordingly, the role is not eligible for health benefits.

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How to Apply

‍To apply, please complete the application form: https://forms.office.com/g/Fw8fwL0HHh

‍ You will need to include:

  • ‍Resume

  • Short statement of interest (1 page maximum)

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Program Partners

New York City Public Housing Preservation Trust (Trust) is a government agency that repairs, renovates, and modernizes public housing for residents in partnership with the New York City Housing Authority. The Trust will comprehensively renovate and improve operations of public housing through the resident-centric Modernization & Preservation Program.  http://preservationtrust.org/

‍The Fund for Public Housing, Inc., d/b/a Public Housing Community Fund, was founded as a nonprofit (501c3) organization in 2016, to support NYCHA and its residents. PHCF creates and leverages resources and relationships to enhance the opportunities and quality of life for NYCHA residents, while uplifting the importance of public housing to our city. PHCF aims to engage people and partners to build a stronger, more equitable New York City by investing in public housing communities. PHCF invests in programs focused on leadership development, financial empowerment, community health, and workforce training for residents of the NYCHA community. https://www.communityfund.nyc/. 

Questions may be directed to: info@phptrust.nyc.gov