Government Affairs/ Research/Organizing Intern – New York, NY

Organization: Common Cause/New York

Job Title: Governmental Affairs, Research, and Organizing Intern(s)

Location: New York, NY

Hours and Compensation: Unpaid, 20 hours/week

Position Dates: September 4, 2012 – December 14, 2012

Application Deadline: August 16, 2012

Posted On: July 19th, 2012

Description

Our interns will be exposed to a variety of government reform issues on the federal, state, and city level, while gaining a wide range of experience within a small office setting. Depending on background, they will have an opportunity to participate in media relations, write and edit online publications, help plan and produce public events, design grassroots outreach activities, interact with other organizations in coalition, design and conduct research in relevant areas including money in politics, ethics oversight, and election reform. Ideal candidates will possess strong research skills, a capacity for clear written expression, have a confident telephone demeanor and an interest in politics and social change. Candidates must be available to work a minimum of 15 and 20 hours a week.

The Governmental Affairs Intern will have an opportunity to conduct grassroots outreach activities, interact with other organizations in coalition, design and undertake research in a range of areas, including money in politics, legislative rules reform, and election reform. Other duties may include media relations and online outreach and updates. She/he will monitor and be involved in issues involving NY State and NY City officials and staff, including election-related issues this fall.

The Research and Policy Intern will have an opportunity to undertake in-depth research in a range of areas, including money in politics, legislative rules reform, election reform, and environmental regulation. Common Cause/NY research reports are invaluable tools for legislative lobbying activities, media outreach, coalition organizing, and public education. Detailed and reliable research is the backbone of the work done at Common Cause (for example: www.commoncause.org/ny/hedgefunds and www.commoncause.org/ny/liftingtheveil). Ideal candidates will possess strong internet research skills, a capacity for clear written expression, and an interest in politics and social change. Knowledge of MS Excel and PowerPoint is a must, knowledge of Filemaker Pro database software and ArcGIS mapping software is a plus.

The Organizing Intern provides a unique experience to get on the ground training in working with coalition driven initiatives and gain experience in organizing and outreach. We are looking for dynamic individuals that are interested in helping us continue our work in voter registration, poll watching, tabling events, and managing our activist team. We work closely with an array of groups including student groups, union organizations and community groups. Activities are likely to include some public speaking and interacting with people and other grassroots groups on a regular basis. We are looking for someone who is good at public speaking, likes working with people and is dedicated to working on social justice issues and campaign finance related issues. Hours are flexible and some meetings will require attending night meetings.

How to Apply