Policy Intern

Location: Washington, DC or Remote
Compensation: This is a non-employment internship opportunity and candidates will receive compensation for their work. Interns can receive school credit depending on degree requirements.

About the NDRC

Chaired by Eric Holder, the 82nd Attorney General of the United States, NDRC is the first-ever strategic hub for redistricting focused on winning targeted elections and ballot initiatives, advancing legal action, and building the infrastructure to achieve a fairer redistricting process.

Republican gerrymandering after the 2010 Census rigged the system; it is hurting our democracy. The NDRC is working to fix this through a comprehensive strategy that includes ensuring states with independent redistricting commissions run full and transparent processes that results in fair maps, calling out elected officials who are working to draw bad maps, building and participating in a strong coalition that exemplifies fair map-drawing practices, and supporting national and state-level legislation to support fair maps.

The NDRC internship provides an enriching opportunity and unique educational experience for those looking for hands-on experience in the redistricting space. Through first-hand opportunities to learn more about redistricting, assist with research, outreach with other groups, development, and strategic communications, the internship is a dynamic educational and training experience that allows individuals to engage in the multifaceted work of our organization.

Internship Overview

NDRC seeks a Policy Intern for the Litigation & Policy Department to assist the team in preparing for redistricting activities and developing policy positions. Interns will support research towards policy analysis, assist with advocacy around federal and state legislation and executive action, and help develop public education content. Interns will work with the team to facilitate programmatic goals and strategies.

Job Overview

• Draft policy memoranda for internal use regarding redistricting and democracy policy proposals; draft and review education and advocacy materials.
• Conduct research and analysis to support new and ongoing policy projects.
• Research topics related to departments’ policy projects and priorities.
• Help coordinate internal and external communications regarding relevant policy proposals as necessary.
• Lead the tracking of relevant redistricting and democracy legislation at the federal and state level.
• Other duties to support the Litigation & Policy department, and the broader team as needed.

Qualifications

• Must be in an MPP/MPA program and have completed at least one year.
• Exceptional research, writing, and analytical skills.
• Demonstrated interest in redistricting, voting rights, or election policy.
• Proactive problem-solver.
• Available full-time for at least eight weeks (summer) or at least 15-20 hours per week (semester).

Expectations

• Commitment to the organizational mission
• Ability to work in virtual team setting
• Punctual
• Professional
• Responsive and effective communication
• Able to meet deadlines
• Positive attitude with a team-centered approach

Work Conditions

This is a fully remote position with the possibility to work from the office if the intern resides within the DMV area. The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an intern encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. The noise level in the work environment is usually quiet.

Physical Demands

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an intern to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. While performing the duties of this job, the intern is regularly required to effectively communicate. The intern may be required to sit or stand in a stationary position 50% of the time. This position constantly operates a computer and other office productivity equipment. The NDRC adheres to ADA compliance and guidelines as a common practice.

Equal Opportunity & Diversity Policy

The NDRC and its affiliates are committed to building a staff that reflects the diverse communities that make up our country. The NDRC and its affiliates prohibit discrimination of employment, promotion, compensation, terms, conditions, or privileges of employment on the basis of gender, disability, race, age, national origin, color, creed, sexual orientation, sex (including marital and parental status), gender identity and expression, religion, economic status, ethnic identity, veteran’s status, or any other basis prohibited by applicable law. This policy covers all programs, services, policies, and procedures of the NDRC and its affiliates, including opportunity for employment and treatment as an NDRC intern. The NDRC and its affiliates are equal opportunity employers and will comply with all applicable laws prohibiting discrimination in employment. We appreciate all applicants, but please be advised that our capacity allows us to only respond to those candidates best qualified for the position.

Application Process

NDRC offers internships for Spring, Summer, and Fall. Internship applications are accepted on a rolling basis. We appreciate all applicants, but please be advised that our capacity allows us to only respond to those candidates best qualified for the position.

To apply for a position at the NDRC, please submit a cover letter and resume as PDF attachments on an email to jobs@democraticredistricting.com.

Fall, spring, and summer internships are available. Please indicate in your application the semester you are interested in interning for, and if you prefer to intern for credit and/or have access to stipends for public interest work from your school.

Please put “Internship — POLICY” in the subject line of your email. Cover letters should be addressed to “Hiring Manager.”