Spring Intern

The Consortium of Social Science Associations (COSSA) is seeking an undergraduate-level intern. COSSA is a non-profit advocacy organization that promotes the value and widespread use of social and behavioral science across the federal government. COSSA advocates in Congress and a variety of Executive Branch agencies in support of federal funding for social science as well as sound policies that positively impact the conduct of social science research. This internship would be of interest to undergraduate students wishing to learn about advocacy/government relations, federal science policy, and/or non-profit organizations.  

 

Intern duties may include, but would not be limited to:

·        Conducting legislative research to assist COSSA staff with their government relations activities. This may include searching federal agency databases for social science projects, research on Members of Congress, and research on bills, regulations, and other policy developments, among other projects.

·        Coverage of events, such as Congressional hearings, federal agency advisory committee meetings, scientific community and coalition events, etc., which may result in a written product, such as a newsletter article.

·        During the spring, assisting with the preparation and execution of COSSA’s Social Science Advocacy Day, and other ad hoc events as needed.

·        Miscellaneous administrative duties i.e. organizing files, updating databases, etc.

 

Minimum Skills & Qualifications:

·        Ability to work well with others in a collaborative environment. 

·        Professional demeanor and attention to detail.

·        Interest in the legislative process; prior experience or knowledge of the legislative process is highly desirable. 

.       Curiosity in science and its role in shaping public policy.

·        Strong writing and qualitative research skills.

·        Ability to take direction, work under pressure, and meet deadlines while maintaining professional composure.

·        Proficiency using Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint, etc.).

 

Candidates should be comfortable supporting a small team of three (3) staff members. COSSA is happy to assist via course credit with a candidate’s home institution. Alternatively, students who are not participating in the internship for college credit may be eligible for a small stipend.

 

Priority will be given to candidates available to work part time (approximately 20 hours per week), although COSSA can be flexible to accommodate academic schedules. Start and end dates of the internship program are flexible as well.

 

During the Spring semester, priority will be given to candidates who will be located near the Washington, DC area to assist staff with in-person activities for COSSA’s Social Science Advocacy Day. All COSSA staff and interns may work from home on a regular basis with the ability to work in the DC office if desired. COSSA’s headquarters is in downtown Washington, DC and is Metro accessible from the blue, orange, and silver lines (2 blocks) and the red line (5 blocks). 

 

More on COSSA is available at www.cossa.org. 

 

Interested individuals should send a resume and brief cover letter to Ben Goodrich at bgoodrich@cossa.org. Applications are considered on a rolling basis.