Background

PolicyLink is a national research and action institute advancing economic and social equity by Lifting Up What Works®. PolicyLink collaborates with a broad range of partners to implement strategies to ensure that everyone—including those from low-income communities of color—can contribute to and benefit from economic growth and prosperity.

PolicyLink operates a summer internship program for continuing graduate students (master’s or doctoral) in public policy, urban planning, and related fields. Internships are paid and the duration is generally 10 weeks. PolicyLink occasionally hosts interns during the academic year, depending on project needs and student interest.

We strive to provide each intern with two main opportunities: 1) a meaningful and challenging assignment (or set of assignments) that provides a chance to apply and hone the skills they are learning in graduate school to influence public policy; and 2) the opportunity to learn about the process of policy change and the way that PolicyLink accomplishes our mission of advancing economic, social, and racial equity through policy change.

Each intern plays an integral role in helping our organization further policy impact through research, communications, capacity building, and advocacy. We have had interns from nearly 20 different universities and colleges, in programs such as urban planning, public policy, public health, community development, information management, and journalism/communications.

Interns gain insight into the field by assuming responsibility for a project under the guidance of experienced professionals. Most internship positions are based in our Oakland office; however, if space is available and there is need, we also host interns in Washington D.C., Los Angeles, and New York. Communications interns are based in our New York office.

Position

PolicyLink supports the communications efforts of the Ford Foundation Building Economic Security Over a Lifetime (BESOL) initiative. This includes developing and managing a website for the asset-building field (accesstofinancialsecurity.org); delivering communications assistance to grantees within the initiative to help promote their work; and connecting actors in the field to each other and a broader network of equity advocates. Working through a cohort of state/local and national asset-building groups, this initiative is designed to assist low-income families, individuals, and people of color to build wealth that can help them weather difficult economic times while moving—and staying—out of poverty for generations. The policy and communications activities underway will deepen and strengthen the capacity of BESOL grantees to address both policy failures and expand opportunities for low-income families and families of color to build financial assets.

PolicyLink is seeking a highly motivated graduate student intern for the summer of 2015 to support our Financial Security Team.

The intern will provide research and technical support on key projects focused on policy change strategies for low-income communities and regions across the country. The selected intern will provide support to the

Team in the following key areas:

1) Tracking and analysis of national policies and programs that promote and support financial security, economic inclusion, and asset building (i.e., tax reform, financial inclusion, retirement security, community development, financial education, homeownership, and entrepreneurship).

2) Identifying and developing tools and technical assistance resources to support the expansion of multifield, multistakeholder initiatives to address financial security for all Americans and the closing of the racial wealth gap.

3) Assisting with program coordination and management. Planning and preparing briefing materials for presentations, strategic partners, and technical assistance providers.

Tasks may include literature reviews, web-based searches, interviews with national policy experts and program leaders, and other research. Written products may include internal research memos, case studies, resource guides, curricula, and drafts of external technical assistance tools. The Intern may also assist in tracking and monitoring policies related to building communities of opportunity and in creating policy agendas.

Summer internship projects may be tailored to the specific interests of the intern provided that they match the needs of existing project areas.

Qualifications/Skills

The internship position is open to graduate students in economics, urban planning, public policy, or related fields, with an interest in multifield environmental and policy approaches to improving economic security for low-income people and communities of color.

Specific qualifications include:

Interest in and experience with the field of economic security, wealth generation, or asset building.
Background in communications, social media, and messaging a plus.
Experience with qualitative and quantitative research, as well as the ability to organize, analyze, and communicate research findings related to policy advocacy.
Commitment to and strong grasp of economic and social equity.
Strong written and verbal communication skills.
Strong analytical skills.
Strong computer skills, including proficiency in Microsoft Windows applications, including Word, Excel, PowerPoint, etc.
Good team player.
Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced environment.

Application Process

PolicyLink is accepting applications for summer 2015 internships. The deadline for applications is March 20, 2015. Review the PolicyLink website (www.policylink.org) for additional information.

Candidates may apply for up to two internship opportunities. Separate applications should be sent for each position and the candidate should indicate if they have applied to two positions in their cover letter.

Applicants should submit a résumé, cover letter, and a list of three professional references to internships@policylink.org.

Please include in subject line: Your Name – Specific Internship Name.

We encourage you to submit the application components in a single document if possible (rather than three separate files) so we can print double-sided and save paper.

Interviews will take place during the month of March. Applicants will be contacted by telephone to schedule an interview that will take place in person or over the telephone. Candidates not selected for interviews will be notified by email in early April.

PolicyLink is committed to building and maintaining a diverse staff and a welcoming workplace.