Research Internship
Reports to: Senior Director, Research
Staff reporting to this position: None
Department: Advocacy and Outreach
Position classification: Internship
Minimum compensation: $16.10 per hour
Summary
American Progress’ Advocacy and Outreach department has an opening for a summer intern on its Research subteam. The department works to transform progressive ideas into policy through rapid-response communications, legislative action, grassroots organizing, political advocacy, and partnerships with other progressive leaders.
To promote American Progress’ work, the Advocacy and Outreach department distills complex ideas into digestible messages. The team uses traditional and digital media strategies to ensure that American Progress’ messages will reach leaders in Washington, D.C.; advocates across the country; and everyday Americans.
The Research intern will learn many of the basic skills needed to become an advocacy and organizing professional at a progressive nonprofit. This role will be driven by American Progress’ mission “to improve the lives of all Americans, through bold, progressive ideas, as well as strong leadership and concerted action, with the aim of not only changing the conversation, but changing the country.”
The Research intern will be part of a dynamic department that supports work across American Progress’ five crosscutting priorities:
- Strengthening health and ending the pandemic
- Building an economy for all
- Tackling climate change and environmental injustice
- Advancing racial equity and justice
- Restoring social trust in democracy
Responsibilities:
- Monitor news stories, compile news clips, and maintain records of press coverage and other important metrics for the Advocacy and Outreach department’s work.
- Develop targeted press lists.
- Create, organize, and maintain accurate written and electronic files and databases.
- Provide research and advocacy support as needed.
- Perform other duties as assigned, such as staffing American Progress events.
Requirements and qualifications:
- Current pursuance of an associate, bachelor’s, master’s, or doctoral degree.
- Excellent research, writing, and editing skills.
- Interest in issue-area policy, advocacy, and communications.
- Ability to work well under pressure and meet tight deadlines.
- Outstanding communication and interpersonal skills.
- Self-starter who takes initiative and seeks direction as needed.
- Thorough knowledge of Microsoft Word, PowerPoint, Excel, and Outlook.
- Ability to diagnose problems and identify creative solutions.
- Commitment to American Progress’ mission and goals.
American Progress interns are paid at the Washington, D.C., minimum wage rate of $16.10 per hour. Candidates from diverse backgrounds are strongly encouraged to apply. Interns will receive paid time off for federal holidays. Interns are expected to be available to work from and commute to American Progress’ Washington, D.C., office at least two days per week.
We will continue to monitor COVID-19 and the levels of community spread and adjust plans as needed for in-office work. Any changes to our current hybrid office work policy will be communicated at the time of hire. Updates will be posted on American Progress’ Jobs page.