Policy Intern — Chicago, IL
Organization: Friends of the Chicago River
Job Title: Policy Intern
Location: Chicago, IL
Hours and Compensation: 15 hours/week – unpaid
Application Deadline: Feb. 8, 2013
Posted On: Jan. 24, 2013
Organization Overview
Friends of the Chicago River’s mission is to foster the vitality of the Chicago River for the benefit of the human, animal, and plant communities within its watershed. Friends’ priorities are to provide public access to the Chicago River and to show that the Chicago River can be both ecologically healthy and a catalyst for community revitalization.
Description
Interns will gain experience in public policy and planning issues related to the Chicago River. The selected intern will learn about stakeholder development as a way of building support for water quality improvement, stormwater management using green technologies, and best management practices that relate these issues to people and wildlife. The selected intern will also gain valuable experience in planning and executing policy-based awards and events.
Responsibilities
- Indentify and research Chicago River watershed stakeholders as they relate to sustainable and river-friendly development
- Update and compile data on leading development projects in the watershed for consideration of Friends’ Blue Ribbon Award
- Participate in the development of communications strategies and outreach calendar for stakeholders
- Develop letters and content for communication
- Assist with policy event planning and logistics
Other duties may include one or more of the following:
- Attend government agency board meetings and write summaries for water quality team
- Conduct river-related research
- Update Friends’ stakeholder databases
- Represent Friends of the Chicago River at environmental fairs or other outreach opportunities
- Write articles for e-news and other communication channels
Qualifications
- Minimum three years completion of undergraduate work in environmental science, public policy, natural resources or related program; current enrollment in a graduate program preferred
- Outstanding writing, editing, and verbal communications skills
- Ability to work independently
- Ability to articulate complex issues to audiences with varying levels of sophistication
- Advanced computer proficiency
- Interest in and commitment to environmental issues
- Familiarity with the region and knowledge of local ecology and the Chicago River a plus
How to Apply
Please email your resume and cover letter to Kim Rice, policy and planning manager at [email protected].
