Role: Policy Engagement Intern
Location: Hybrid
Start Date: June 1, 2023
Reports to: Mary Stonor Saunders
Details: This role is part-time (20 hours/week), and temporary (8 weeks)
Essential functions: We are seeking student interns to work with our Illinois state chapter (located in downtown Chicago) around voting and elections and democracy reform. Interns will assist with nonpartisan advocacy campaigns, grassroots engagement, research, policy development, communications, civic education and member outreach and events. Projects will have a special focus on how to effectively and authentically engage new audiences with our work. Individuals with a keen interest in government affairs and the legislative process, can-do attitude, and a commitment to a fair and transparent democracy are highly encouraged to apply.
Responsibilities:
- Assist staff with a range of advocacy, policy and communications activities, including:
- Review CCIL legislative policy areas and priorities and develop materials and communication assets targeted to key stakeholders.
- Research policies in other states that are relevant to our work in voting & elections.
- Write summaries/analysis of research and/or policies.
- Develop outreach and engagement strategies (placed-based, digital, marketing) to grow youth involvement and membership. May involve researching good government and democracy issues that resonate with younger people as well as identifying new organizational partners.
- Create website and social media content, including blog posts, graphics, one-pagers, videos, or other content types.
- Support other outreach and engagement activities as needed.
- Provide administrative support for the Illinois office and activities.
Qualifications:
- Must be passionate about good government issues and able to work in a nonpartisan manner.
- Must be self-motivated and able to work independently but also a team player.
- Excellent writing, researching, and editing skills are required; must be familiar with Microsoft Word, Publisher, Excel.
- Experience with Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter is strongly preferred.
- Ability to work cooperatively with a diverse range of community partners. Good listening and communication skills.
Salary: $2,720 for the 8 weeks paid in 4 equal twice monthly payments on the 15th and last day of the month.
Classification: This position is classified as temporary and therefore not included in the union-represented collective bargaining unit.
To Apply: Complete the application found here. It will take about 15 minutes to respond to the questions but a cover letter, resume, and Gmail email address is required. Some offices may require a writing sample at the time of the interview.
Covid-19 vaccines are required, except where prohibited by law. Reasonable accommodations will be provided when required by law.
Common Cause is an equal opportunity employer and welcomes applicants of any race, creed, color, religion, ethnicity, national origin, income class, political affiliation, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, disability, veteran status, or marital status, as well as applicants who have been previously incarcerated.
About Common Cause
Common Cause (501(c)(4)) and Common Cause Education Fund (501(c)(3)) are nonpartisan, nonprofit grassroots affiliate organizations dedicated to upholding the core values of American democracy. We work to create open, honest, and accountable government that serves the public interest; promote equal rights, opportunity, and representation for all; and empower all people to make their voices heard in the political process.