Vidya and Rakesh Gopalan Sabato’s Crystal Ball Innovation Fellowship

Vidya and Rakesh Gopalan Sabato’s Crystal Ball Innovation Fellowship

 

The Center for Politics at the University of Virginia is pleased to announce that applications are open for the Vidya and Rakesh Gopalan Sabato’s Crystal Ball Innovation Fellowship, which will support a University of Virginia student planning and executing a digital media strategy to expand the reach and impact of Sabato’s Crystal Ball.  

The $5,000 stipend, to be paid out in two installments during the Fall and Spring Semesters, will support the Gopalan Fellow as they strengthen the digital presence of Sabato’s Crystal Ball, a leading national digital publication for election projection and analysis. The Fellow will be expected to grow the Crystal Ball’s media impressions, subscriptions and email open rates using strategies that include, but may not be limited to:

 

• Developing original short-form video and graphics content summarizing Crystal Ball posts for social media platforms,
• Increasing the distribution of Crystal Ball staff media appearances, 
• Enhancing the brand and “voice” of the Crystal Ball online, and
• Exploring and pitching new hosting and distribution strategies, where appropriate.

The Gopalan Innovation Fund was created by Rakesh (’02) and Vidya Gopalan. While serving as the Assistant Director for Communications at the Center for Politics, Mr. Gopalan helped launch Sabato’s Crystal Ball as a digital publication, and he and his family are eager to see the publication grow and thrive through the evolution of digital media. 

Eligibility

All second-, third- and fourth-year UVA students who are in good academic standing are eligible to apply. The selected applicant will need to demonstrate a particular interest in campaigns and elections and a demonstrated aptitude for using digital media. 

Selection Criteria

Applicants must submit a resume and a personal statement of not more than 500 words, explaining their interest and fit for the role. A number of candidates may be invited to interview with Center staff.

Terms and Conditions

Gopalan Innovation Fund recipients must complete the entire fellowship described in their application materials. Failure to complete the fellowship will be considered a material breach of the program requirements, subjecting the student to forfeiture or repayment of the fellowship funds. Exceptions to the forfeiture/repayment requirement will be granted only in extreme and unusual circumstances as determined by Center staff in its sole discretion. These funds are awarded for the fellowship described in your application and may not be transferred to any other fellowship. The selected student will be required to register as an individual payee vendor of the University of Virginia and will be compensated via a supplier invoice request. This compensation will not impact the student’s financial aid.

Statement of Affirmation

On my honor as a student at the University of Virginia, I hereby certify that I will provide accurate information on this application. I understand that UVA faculty and staff, in considering me for this fellowship, will review my application and supporting documents. I hereby authorize and consent to that review. 

Advising

You may receive individual assistance from a career advisor in reviewing your application or learning about fellowship resources in general. Appointments can be scheduled online in Handshake or contact the University of Virginia Career Center at (434) 924-8900 to schedule.

Applications must be received by Monday, Sept. 7 at 11:59 p.m. The selected finalist will be notified one to two weeks after the application period closes. You may direct questions to goodpolitics@virginia.edu.