Research/Policy Intern – Washington, DC

Organization: American Youth Policy Forum

Job Title: Graduate Communications Intern

Location: Washington, DC

Position Dates: September – December

Application Deadline: August 31st, 2012

Posted On: June 22, 2012

Organization Overview

AYPF is a nonprofit, nonpartisan professional development organization based in Washington, DC. AYPF provides learning opportunities for individuals working on policy issues affecting youth at the national, state, and local levels. Participants in our learning activities include Congressional staff, Executive Branch aides, officers of professional and national associations, Washington-based state office staff, researchers, education and public affairs media, and state and local policy leaders including Governors’ education aides, chief state school officers, and state legislators.

AYPF’s goal is to enable policymakers to be more effective in the development, enactment, and implementation of sound policies affecting our nation’s young people. We believe that knowing more about youth issues, both intellectually and experientially, will help them formulate policies that have a positive impact on youth. AYPF does not lobby or take positions on pending legislation. We work to develop better communication, greater understanding, enhanced trust, and to create a climate that will result in constructive action.

Description

Internships at AYPF are substantive in nature, and interns are integral members of our team. AYPF offers a variety of professional development opportunities, including participation in policy discussions and opportunities to learn about best practices in education and youth policy. In addition to working directly with our staff, interns benefit from ample opportunities to interact with our national network of leading researchers, practitioners, and policymakers by participating in meetings and events in Washington, DC. Interns may be eligible for a stipend.

Responsibilities

• Work with program staff to collect data for briefing papers, fact sheets, and publications.
• Research promising practices to help identify potential programs to highlight in publications, forums, and study tours.
• Track and analyze effective youth policies and practices in states and districts.
• Assist with communications to key contacts on Capitol Hill.

Qualifications

• Position requires an extremely organized, highly self-motivated, detail-oriented, and self-confident individual who can work effectively and independently. Candidates should have strong writing, research, and communication skills.

• Experience using MS Office and Access database is a plus.
• AYPF seeks undergraduate and graduate student interns with an interest in and commitment to improving the lives of youth.
• Ability to work at least 15-20 hours per week.
• An understanding of the nonprofit sector and a commitment to the mission and goals of AYPF.

How to Apply