Public Policy Administration Internship

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The Public Policy Administration Intern will work directly with the CEO and the Executive and
Community Support Specialist to facilitate regular communication with elected officials who
represent Caritas of Austin. This position will be responsible for understanding and tracking
public policy and relevant pending legislation that impacts Caritas’ client population and the
organization itself. The goal for this position is to increase the capacity of the CEO to impact
the efficacy of advocacy which results in systemic change that improves the quality of life
for Caritas clients.

Time Commitment: To start ASAP, at least 15-20 hours a week until May.

Duties & Responsibilities
* Identify all elected officials who represent Caritas of Austin, ensure the CEO has current
contact information for each official and relevant support staff.
* Develop an annual calendar for regular interval contacts with all officials.
* Develop and maintain a system for identifying and tracking public policy:
- Set up alerts
- Subscribe to email lists
- Develop a calendar for regular monitoring
* Research and analyze relevant legislation:
- Legislation which directly impacts funding.
- Legislation which impacts people experiencing domestic homelessness, international
homelessness (refugees/asylees) and poverty.
- Legislation which impacts the homeless services/refugee services system.
- Legislation which impacts the nonprofit sector.
* Arrange meetings with elected officials and/or staff, including preparation of the CEO for
each meeting. These arrangements will, occasionally, involve CEO’s from other organizations who
work collaboratively with Caritas of Austin on public policy matters.
* Lead the bi-weekly Advocacy Action Team meetings:
- Inform on relevant legislation and advocacy opportunities.

Knowledge/Skills/Abilities
* Required: Undergraduate Junior/Senior or Graduate-level student
* Required: Demonstrable writing skills (2 writing samples required with application for
consideration)
* Required: Ability to communicate with diverse populations, individuals and professionals, or
willingness to learn quickly
* Required: Demonstrated ability to work successfully and independently
* Required: Consistency, reliability, and dependability
* Required: Resourcefulness with the ability to conduct and present research
* Preferred: Non-profit knowledge or previous experience
* Preferred: Knowledge of issues affecting those experiencing homelessness
* Preferred: Experience working in the arena of public policy and elected officials

Pre-Screening and Training
* Pre-screening interview
* Criminal Background check
* Required Training Classes include completion of the following:
- Caritas 101: Understanding volunteering at Caritas
- Caritas 3: Understanding the Reality of Poverty (during internship)
- Caritas 6: Welcome to Caritas of Austin (during internship)
- Administration Orientation