Advocacy-Policy Volunteer/Intern

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The ASC Policy/Advocacy Intern will work to promote and advocate for the work of America’s Service Commissions (ASC) and its members to policymakers and related stakeholders. The Policy/Advocacy intern will gain an in-depth understanding of AmeriCorps, state service commissions, and the governing federal agency (the Corporation for National and Community Service) this summer, and have a front row seat in experiencing the annual federal appropriations and legislative process.

The Policy/Advocacy Intern will work closely with and report to ASC’s Chief Policy Officer. S/he will receive an orientation, participate in regular meetings (in-person and by phone/webinar), and communicate regularly with the ASC team.

Open to undergraduate or graduate students interested in public policy, education, or federal advocacy. Candidate must have excellent oral communication, research, organization, and writing skills. Familiarity with policy organizations, federal policy, AmeriCorps and the national service field a plus.

This position is unpaid. Applications for 2018 are now being accepted. Please send a resume, list of references, writing sample, and cover letter expressing interest in the position and dates of availability. Please include all application materials in one Microsoft Word document or PDF. Submit your application materials by email to Tom Branen at tbranen@asc-online.org.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES (negotiable depending on areas of interest/expertise):
The intern will work closely with ASC’s Chief Policy Officer and ASC team to:

• Support ASC’s States for Service (S4S) Coalition with the goal of expanding resources to states and communities to support national service and volunteering
• Enhance and implement engagement strategy for Members of Congress, Governors, state legislators, mayors and other local policy makers
• Assist in the development and maintenance of strategic relationships with Hill staff, congressional leadership, and Governor’s DC staff to represent the interest of state- and community-driven service by scheduling visits, preparing briefing materials, and accompanying the Chief Policy Officer to meetings
• Provide membership support related to Hill visits, membership education on advocacy, and development of toolkits and template materials
• Provide staff support to ASC Public Policy Committee and States for Service Coalition Leadership Council
• Support ASC members by setting up Congressional office visits for ASC Hill Days and when assistance is requested
• Assist committees with special projects and work groups
• Work with ASC staff and Public Policy Chair to set committee agendas and facilitate calls
• Work with state service commissions to collect examples of state policy including but not limited to state statutes, legislation, executive orders supporting/expanding national service and volunteering
• Assist staff by conducting legislative research, developing policy fact sheets, tracking federal legislation, and attending congressional hearings and briefings
• Provide staff with support in research and analysis of various topics, organizations, and key players in the field
• Assist with managing the States for Service Coalition’s online presence, including social media and web content
• Provide regular updates on progress to ASC staff and stakeholders
• Other duties as assigned

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES REQUIRED:

• Open to undergraduate or graduate students interested in public policy, education, or federal advocacy. Candidate must have excellent oral communication, research, organization, and writing skills. Familiarity with policy organizations, federal policy, and national service field (AmeriCorps or Senior Corps) a plus.
• ASC is an Employer of National Service. Preference will be given to individuals who have served in AmeriCorps, Senior Corps, or other national service programs.

TIMEFRAME:

• Length of commitment: Negotiable; full-time capacity preferred.

WORKSITE:

• The Policy/Advocacy Intern will report to ASC’s office in Washington, D.C.

BENEFITS:
* Learn about AmeriCorps and national service
* Potential reference for job well done
* College course credit (as applicable through your college)
* Opportunity to apply skills and gain experience
* Support mission of America’s Service Commissions to promote national service and increases awareness of AmeriCorps State programs across the United States and territories.

HOW TO APPLY: Send your resume along with a list of references, writing sample, and cover letter expressing interest in the position and dates of availability to Tom Branen, ASC Chief Policy Officer, at tbranen@asc-online.org. Please include all application materials in one Microsoft Word document or PDF.

This position is unpaid.