February 22, 2023

Organization Description

The ACLU-DC is an affiliate office of the American Civil Liberties Union, a national nonprofit organization devoted to protecting civil liberties and civil rights through litigation, legislation, and public education. The ACLU-DC works primarily on issues that directly impact people who live in, work in, and visit the District of Columbia, and also on challenges to certain federal government policies and practices where they fall within the jurisdiction of the D.C. federal courts.

Position Description

The ACLU-DC seeks a highly motivated policy intern for the Summer of 2023. The intern will have the opportunity to gain valuable experience by working in our Policy Department and assisting in all aspects of the ACLU-DC’s policy advocacy.

Under supervision of the Policy Associate, the Policy Intern will provide critical support to our work, particularly related to our legislative priorities. The intern will have the opportunity to gain valuable experience and knowledge of the D.C. legislative process by working alongside the Policy team, and may also gain exposure and have the opportunity to meet with elected officials, community leaders, local activists, and ACLU-DC partners.

The intern may conduct policy and legal research and analysis, and draft policy memos to further the goals of the ACLU-DC’s legislative advocacy goals. The intern may also analyze the impacts of existing laws and policies to support advocacy efforts, identify and engage with key stakeholders, create educational materials, and assist in the preparation of reports, testimony, or other advocacy documents.

Duration/Commitment: Summer 2023 (about 12-15 weeks), 32-40 hours per week (full-time).

This is a temporary full-time position. The final candidate may be classified as a volunteer intern if receiving credit or payment from a university or other institution.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

  • Conduct research on current and potential policy and legislative issues.
  • Participate in coalition meetings.
  • Tune into/attend and take notes on D.C. Council meetings and hearings.
  • Help conduct policy analysis.
  • Draft memos on priority issue areas.
  • Attend departmental and all-staff meetings.

Qualifications

  • Must currently be enrolled in or a recent graduate of a graduate program in a relevant field, such as law, public policy, or related fields.
  • Demonstrated interest in advocacy campaigns, including legislative advocacy, coalition building, community outreach, and issues particularly concerning the District of Columbia.
  • Excellent research, writing, communication, and time-management skills.
  • Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and conducting internet research.
  • The initiative to see projects through to completion.
  • Ability to handle multiple projects and meet deadlines in a fast-paced working environment.
  • The ideal candidate is independent, detail-oriented, organized, has the ability to work collaboratively, and has a willingness to learn.
  • Respects differences of race, ethnicity, age, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity/expression, religion, ability, and socio-economic circumstances.
  • A commitment to civil liberties, civil rights, social justice, racial equity, and to advancing the ACLU-DC’s values, mission, and programs

Individuals who have been directly impacted by the criminal legal system are strongly encouraged to apply.

Compensation

The ACLU-DC offers paid internships in exchange for a commitment to work the minimum hours for the entire semester. If the student chooses to get school credit and the school prohibits the student from accepting pay, it is the student’s choice whether they want to get credit or receive monetary payment. Salary ranges between $17.00 per hour and $18.50 per hour and is contingent upon related education/experience. This position is non-exempt and eligible for overtime compensation under the provisions of the Fair Labor Standards Act.

TO APPLY: https://acludc.com/3lXaTX0

Applications must be submitted via the BambooHR application page linked on our website at acludc.org. If you have a disability/ies and need accommodation regarding any part of the application process, please contact us at operations (at) acludc.org. To complete the application, you will need to upload:

  • Cover letter explaining your interest in and qualifications for the position as detailed in the job description
  • Current resume
  • A brief writing sample of no more than 2-3 pages, ideally related to a previous campaign (may be redacted if necessary)
  • Names and contact information for three professional references (references will not be contacted without prior notification).

Interviews will be conducted on a rolling basis; applying sooner is encouraged. The position will remain open until filled.

The ACLU of the District of Columbia is an equal opportunity employer. We value a diverse workforce and an inclusive culture. The ACLU-DC encourages applications from all qualified individuals without regard to arrest or conviction, race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, age, national origin, marital status, citizenship, disability, and veteran status.

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