Agency Fact Sheet

Placement roles are project-based, build capacity, increase in responsibility over time, and vary based on organizational need.

Examples of Fellow Roles:

• Research and Data Specialist
• Advancement Operations Associate
• Economic Development Coordinator
• Community Engagement Specialist
• Communications and Events Coordinator
• Volunteer Coordinator
• Program Manager

Explore our current and previous partner organizations to see examples of fellowship roles and position descriptions.

We encourage organizations to identify projects that address organizational needs while offering Fellows opportunities to apply their skills, gain experience, and grow as leaders.

• Program Development: Design a new program, expand existing services, or develop implementation plans.
• Research & Evaluation: Conduct community needs assessments, evaluate program outcomes, or improve data collection and reporting.
• Communications & Marketing: Develop communication strategies, create outreach materials, or strengthen an organization's digital presence.
• Community Engagement: Coordinate community outreach initiatives, gather stakeholder feedback, or develop engagement strategies.
• Strategic Planning: Research emerging opportunities, assess organizational needs, or support strategic initiatives.
• Grant Writing & Resource Development: Research funding opportunities, develop grant proposals, or strengthen fundraising strategies.
• Partnership Development: Identify potential collaborators, strengthen community partnerships, or develop systems for ongoing collaboration.
• Volunteer Engagement: Develop volunteer recruitment strategies, improve onboarding processes, or create volunteer training resources.
• Policy & Advocacy: Research policy issues, develop educational resources, or support advocacy initiatives.

Learn more about our Fellows, by reviewing:

• Meet Our Fellows: Read profiles of current Fellows 
• Student Fact Sheet: Learn about the student experience and  expectations of Fellows.

Download the worksheet to review all application questions, including organizational information, primary justice issues, proposed Fellow responsibilities, supervision, and professional development opportunities.

[Download Application Worksheet — 2027–29] COMING SOON

• Prepare written responses for the Organization Overview, Job Description, and Additional Information sections (Parts 5–7), and save them as a PDF.
• Gather any additional supporting documents (Part 8) according to the worksheet instructions.

Tip: Save a copy of your completed worksheet and application materials for future reference.

Complete the online application by entering your responses to Parts 1–4 and uploading the written responses and supporting documents prepared in Step 2.

[Submit Host Organization Application — 2027–29] COMING SOON

Contact Natalie Reinbold, Director, at natalie.reinbold@marquette.edu, with any questions or to setup a 1:1 meeting.

The Trinity Fellows Program is a graduate fellowship program at Marquette University dedicated to developing leaders with a commitment to social and economic justice.  

Fellows participate in a 21-month study/work program while earning a master's degree in one of 16 fields of study. 

In addition to full-time studies, Fellows are placed at selected nonprofit organizations in the Milwaukee area, where they work in meaningful, substantive projects. 

Trinity Fellows are graduate students who bring a demonstrated commitment to service, community engagement, and social impact.  

Applicants qualify through one of two pathways: 

• Completion of a full-time service program such as Peace Corps, Jesuit Volunteer Corps, Lutheran Volunteer Corps, AmeriCorps, Teach for America, or a comparable experience 
• At least two years of professional experience working in the nonprofit or public sector after completing their undergraduate degree.

Applicants must also be: U.S. citizens, permanent residents or DACA recipients 

Fellows bring diverse professional backgrounds, lived experiences, academic interests, and perspectives to their placement organization. 

The Trinity Fellows Program partners with more than 100 organizations across the Metro-Milwaukee area, including: 

• Community-based nonprofits
• Advocacy organizations
• Foundations
• Schools and educational nonprofits
• Government agencies
• Community health organizations
• AmeriCorps programs 

Partner organizations work across issue areas such as housing, education, health equity, environmental justice, youth development, economic opportunity, and more. 

Hosting a Trinity Fellow offers organizations an opportunity to advance meaningful projects while contributing to the development of an emerging community leader. 

Benefits include: 

• A motivated graduate student committed to social justice and community impact
• Support for capacity-building initiatives and strategic projects
• Fresh ideas and new perspectives from emerging leaders
• Connections to Marquette University and a network of community organizations
• Trinity staff support throughout the placement
• Opportunities to connect with other supervisors and partners
• Access to $400 in professional development funding that Fellows can use to strengthen their work with the organization 

Trinity Fellows typically remain with their placement organization for the full 21-month Fellowship. 

During this period, Fellows work: 

• Academic year: 18 hours per week while completing graduate coursework.
• Summer Bridge: Full-time, typically 37.5 hours per week, during a 10-week summer period.

Fellows also participate in graduate coursework, monthly Trinity reflection sessions, and additional leadership development experiences. Partner organizations should plan projects and responsibilities with these commitments in mind. 

Yes. Partner organizations contribute a participation fee of $1,750 per month. This fee helps support the Fellow's living stipend, which is administered through Marquette University. 

Agencies are billed through Marquette and may choose monthly billing or discuss an alternative payment schedule that works for their organization. 

Agencies are encouraged to contact Trinity staff with questions about the financial commitment before submitting an application. 

Agency partners play an important role in creating a meaningful and supportive Fellowship experience. As both placement organizations and partners in the Fellow's leadership development, agencies commit to providing the following: 

Support for the Fellow 

• A substantive role aligned with the organization's mission and priorities.
• Thoughtful onboarding and orientation to the organization, its work, and the community it serves.
• A designated supervisor who provides regular guidance, mentorship, and feedback.
• Necessary technology, equipment, and an appropriate, safe workspace.
• Opportunities for meaningful collaboration, professional learning, and increasing responsibility.
• A work schedule that accommodates the Fellow's academic and Trinity program commitments. 

Engagement with Trinity 

• Fellow supervisor participation in required Trinity Fellows Agency Orientation.
• Attend Trinity Fellows Welcome Party in late August.
• Regular communication and collaboration with Trinity staff.
• Participation in staff check-ins, including virtual and in-person site visits.
• Completion of semester evaluations
• Participation in bi-annual agency reflections
• Timely communication about significant changes, concerns, or challenges affecting the placement. 

Trinity Fellows hold Graduate Service Assistant appointments through Marquette University and are not employees of their placement organizations. 

However, agencies provide day-to-day supervision, guidance, and the resources necessary for Fellows to fulfill their placement responsibilities. 

Yes. Trinity is willing to consider applications from organizations outside the Milwaukee metropolitan area. However, location and transportation accessibility can influence placement matching, particularly because Fellows balance graduate coursework with their agency responsibilities. 

Organizations located outside of Milwaukee are encouraged to describe: 

• Public transportation options and estimated commute times.
• Opportunities for hybrid work, where appropriate.
• Potential transportation assistance or reimbursement.

Trinity Fellows participate in a 21-month leadership and graduate education program. Fellows commit to: 

• Serving 18 hours per week at their placement organization during the academic year
• Serving full-time (37.5 hours/week) during the 10-week Summer Bridge
• Completing graduate coursework full-time (typically 9 credits per semester)
• Participating in monthly Trinity student reflection sessions
• Engaging in leadership development and community learning experiences 

Placement roles are project-based, build capacity, and increase in responsibility and leadership over time.  

Roles vary depending on organizational needs and the Fellow's skills academic interests, and professional goals. Fellows may contribute to program development, communications, evaluation, community engagement, partnership development, research, development, and other mission-driven initiatives. 

Role title examples: Research and Data Specialist, Advancement Operations Associate, Economic Development Coordinator, Community Engagement Specialist, Communications and Events Coordinator, Volunteer Coordinator, Program Manager, and more.

Explore our current and previous partner organizations to see examples of fellowship roles and position descriptions.

Trinity Fellows focus on longer term organizational impact, rather than direct service alone. Capacity building roles strengthen an organization’s ability to achieve its mission or other strategic priorities.  

A helpful way to think about a capacity-building role is the meaningful project or initiative that staff know would significantly benefit the organization, but rarely have the time or dedicated capacity to pursue. 

For example, a Fellow might help: 

• Develop a community engagement strategy
• Strengthen volunteer recruitment and management systems
• Evaluate programs or improve data collection and reporting.
• Assess communications and create a strategic plan
• Expand community partners and collaborative iniatives
• Develop rsources, processes, or system that support long-term organizational effectiveness and efficiency. 

While Fellows may assist with day-to-day operations, their roles should extend beyond routine administrative tasks or filling in staffing gaps. 

Because Trinity Fellows work to build community relationships in Milwaukee, placements are encouraged to include in-person engagement.

Hybrid arrangements may be possible depending on the role and organizational need. If you’re going to offer a hybrid option, we recommend talking about how your organization builds community despite remote work. This will help the student understand the position is still team-oriented, and they will feel less concerned about feeling isolated. 

• November-January: Agency application materials and instructions will be posted on the Trinity website. Prospective placement will receive an invitation for agency partners to attend one of three virtual Information Session. 
• February: Agency Application Deadline is due by February 15 by11:59pm (Central Time)
• March – April: Selection of Fellows & Matching Process Begins   
• April – May: Fellow/Agency Matching Interviews Take Place   
• May: Placement Matches Confirmed   
• June: Welcome Information Sent Out to Agencies 
• August: Agency Orientation
• September: Fellows Begin Placement   

Strong placement proposals identify both a meaningful organizational need and opportunities for a Fellow's professional and leadership development. 

When developing a proposed role, we encourage agencies to consider: 

• Organizational Impact: How will the Fellow's work advance your organization's mission, strengthen its capacity, or support strategic priorities?
• Meaningful Projects: What substantive projects or initiatives will the Fellow contribute to, develop, or help lead?
• Professional Learning: What skills, knowledge, and experiences will the Fellow gain through their work?
• Supervision and Support: Who will provide mentorship, regular feedback, and opportunities for collaboration?
• Leadership Development: How might the Fellow's responsibilities and opportunities for leadership grow throughout the 21-month placement?
• Strong proposals balance clear organizational priorities with flexibility to incorporate a Fellow's unique skills, experiences, and interests. 

The goal is to create a mutually beneficial partnership where Fellows contribute meaningfully to an organization's work while gaining professional experience that supports their growth as leaders. 

Trinity typically receives approximately 25–30 agency applications annually and awards up to 12 Fellowships each year. 

Because the number of agency applications exceeds the number of available Fellows, submitting an application does not guarantee a placement. 

Matching decisions prioritize alignment between the Fellow's interests, skills, academic program, professional goals, and the organization's proposed role. 

Yes. Your organization can apply to have multiple roles. Each role must have a separate application. If you are applying for multiple roles, please communicate with the Trinity Director as to how many fellows your budget ultimately allows you to host.   

For example, an organization may propose two different roles while having the budget and supervisory capacity to host only one Fellow. The matching process can help determine which role may be the strongest fit. 

Submitting multiple applications does not guarantee you will receive multiple fellows.

The Trinity Fellows matching process is designed to identify mutually beneficial partnerships that align an organization's needs with a Fellow's interests, experiences, skills, and professional goals. 

After Fellows have been selected for the program: 

• Fellows meet with Trinity staff to discuss their placement interests, experiences, and goals.
• Agencies review Fellow application materials and identify candidates they are interested in interviewing.
• Fellows and agencies participate in matching interviews to learn more about one another and explore potential fit.
• Trinity staff gather feedback from both Fellows and agencies.
• Trinity works to finalize placements when mutual interest and alignment are established. 

The interview process offers both Fellows and agencies an opportunity to ask questions, clarify expectations, and consider whether the placement would be a strong fit. 

A placement is not guaranteed simply because an agency applies or interviews candidates. Our priority is creating partnerships that support meaningful organizational contributions and a positive developmental experience for the Fellow. 

Agencies are welcome to share relevant information about applicants who have expressed interest in their organization. 

However, Trinity's matching process considers the interests and goals of Fellows alongside the needs and opportunities presented by partner organizations. 

A specific placement cannot be guaranteed. 

Each year, Trinity receives more agency applications than available Fellows. Placement decisions depend on a combination of factors, including Fellow interests, skills, academic programs, and organizational needs. 

Not being matched does not necessarily reflect the quality of an organization's application or proposed role. We encourage interested organizations to consider applying again in future years. 

There may also be other opportunities to connect with students and service programs: 

• Off-cycle placements: Occasionally, a Fellow may need to transition to a new placement organization. When these situations arise, Trinity may reach out to previously unmatched agencies about potential opportunities.
• Other graduate student opportunities: Marquette's Graduate School offers additional graduate assistantship opportunities. With an organization's permission, Trinity may be able to share agency application materials with relevant programs.
• Community service partnerships: Trinity staff may also be able to connect organizations with undergraduate service and social justice programs or other community service organizations seeking placement opportunities. 

Trinity Fellow supervisors serve as both organizational mentors and partners in the Fellow's professional and leadership development. 

Successful supervisors:  

• Communicate openly and regularly with their Fellow 
• View themselves as mentors and co-educators 
• Understand the goals and structure of the Trinity Fellows Program 
• Provide guidance, feedback, and professional development opportunities 
• Support the Fellow’s learning while integrating them into the organization’s work 

A thoughtful onboarding process helps Fellows build relationships, understand expectations, and begin contributing meaningfully to the organization. 

Although onboarding looks different across organizations, we encourage agencies to provide: 

• An introduction to the organization's mission, history, values, and community.
• Opportunities to meet colleagues and understand team responsibilities.
• An overview of organizational systems, policies, and communication practices.
• Necessary equipment, workspace, and technology access.
• Clear expectations for schedules, responsibilities, and supervision.
• Initial projects and opportunities to learn about the organization's work.
• Time for questions, feedback, and relationship-building. 

Additional guidance and resources are shared during Agency Orientation. 

Yes. The designated Fellow supervisor is expected to attend Agency Orientation before the placement begins. Orientation provides an overview of program expectations, supervision practices, leadership development, available resources, and the partnership between Trinity and placement organizations. 

Agency orientations typically take place in early August 

Organizational needs and priorities may evolve over the course of a 21-month placement.  Trinity encourages agencies and Fellows to communicate openly about changes to projects, responsibilities, expectations, or supervision. 

Changes can also create opportunities for Fellows to practice adaptability, problem-solving, and leadership. 

When substantial changes are being considered, agencies should communicate with Trinity staff to ensure the placement continues to support both organizational needs and the Fellow's learning and development. 

Challenges and periods of uncertainty are a natural part of professional and organizational life. Trinity encourages Fellows and supervisors to approach challenges through open communication, reflection, and collaborative problem-solving. 

When concerns arise, agencies should communicate directly with their Fellow when appropriate and involve Trinity staff for additional guidance and support. 

Trinity staff are available to help navigate placement expectations, supervision concerns, communication challenges, and other circumstances affecting the Fellowship experience. 

The goal is to support a constructive learning environment while recognizing that some situations may require additional intervention or changes to the placement.