Legislative Assistant Internship- Washintgon DC

Organization: Union of Concerned Scientists

Position Title: Legislative Assistant Internship– Climate  

Compensation, Hours, & Location:

This is full-time internship lasting until September 30, 2014 based in UCS’s Washington, DC office. For candidates who meet all position requirements, the salary is $15 per hour. UCS offers excellent benefits and a rewarding work environment, and is an equal opportunity employer continually seeking to diversify its staff and to broaden opportunities for individuals from demographic groups that are historically underrepresented in the sciences and in environmental advocacy. Information about the organization is available at http://www.ucsusa.org

Application Deadline: November 11, 2013 or until filled

Description

Under the supervision and mentorship of the Climate & Energy (C&E) Legislative Director this internship provides support on climate impacts work as well as federal climate policy. The Legislative Assistant intern will track legislation and relevant events, represent UCS at certain coalition meetings, attend hearings and briefings on Capitol Hill, research and prepare informational materials, help draft sign-on letters, and occasionally call Hill offices. This internship runs through September 30, 2014.

Responsibilities

• Planning and Logistics
• Make appointments for Hill, agency and other meetings with key coalition partners.
• Help organize and publicize C&E hill briefings
• Writing/ Research
• Prepare background information about new members of key committees such as the Senate Committees on Energy and Natural Resources, Environment and Public Works, and Energy and Water Appropriations Subcommittee, as well as the House Committees on Energy and Commerce, and the Appropriations Subcommittee on Energy and Water.
• Work with C&E outreach staff to write, fact-check and develop advocacy emails. Research and write memos analyzing state issues that intersect with our state energy campaign work.
• Assist in fact-checking, proofing and formatting letters, fact sheets, analyses sent to Hill staff.
• Tracking
• Monitor daily print media and blogs for pertinent coverage of legislative issues
• Track legislation, represent UCS at certain coalition meetings and certain meetings on Capitol Hill, help draft sign-on letters, and communicate with key hill staff.
• Use database and other resources to send mass emails to key legislative staff.

Qualifications

Qualifications and experience BA degree, preferably in political science. Must have substantive understanding of legislative process; strong writing skills, familiarity with Microsoft Office, Google Docs, Knowlegis and Lexis/Nexis. Ability to work in fast-paced environment. Self-starter who also works well in teams.

Considerable self-motivation, attention to detail, and knowledge of office and administrative support procedures, including word processing, spreadsheet management, and use of database software; Strong web research skills, organizational abilities, and good written and oral communication skills; Excellent personal relation skills, including an ability to work both independently and in teams and to interact professionally with individuals with a wide range of skills and responsibilities are all required. Experience with library and web-based science research tools; Familiarity with website content management systems and online action tools; and experience working in non-profit environment are desirable.

The ideal candidate for this position would possess an ability to simultaneously manage and prioritize many tasks and an ability to communicate effectively with diverse audiences. Applicants should also demonstrate strong research skills, a positive, team-oriented attitude, and ability to work in a deadline-driven environment. Interest in and/or experience working on public interest advocacy campaigns, and climate and energy issues is a plus. A working knowledge of the legislative process would also be desirable.

At UCS, comparable training and/or experience can be substituted for degrees when appropriate.

How to Apply

To Apply: Please submit a cover letter, salary requirements, how you learned about the position and resume via email to [email protected] and include “Climate Legislative Intern” in the subject line. Email materials in Word or PDF format only. No phone calls please. Deadline: November 11, 2013 or until filled.