Summer 2013 Internships at CSSP

The purpose of summer internships at CSSP are to provide interns with work experiences by contributing to one or more of CSSP’s areas of work; expose interns to learning opportunities regarding systems reform, public policy and community change and support interns to apply skills learned from college and graduate school to policy and practice work.

Organization Overview

For more than 30 years, the Center for the Study of Social Policy (CSSP), a nonpartisan Washington, D.C. nonprofit, has been working with state and federal policymakers and communities across the country. Focused on public policy, research and technical assistance, CSSP's mission is to create new ideas and promote public policies that produce equal opportunities and better futures for all children and families, especially those most often left behind. 

Using data, extensive community experience and a focus on results, CSSP’s work covers several broad areas, including promoting public policies that strengthen vulnerable families; mobilizing a national network to prevent child abuse and promote optimal development for young children; assisting tough neighborhoods with the tools needed to help parents and their children succeed; educating residents to be effective consumers securing better goods and services; reforming child welfare systems; and promoting, through all its work, an even playing field for children of all races, ethnicities and income levels.

General Information

·         Internships are unpaid, though a stipend may be available based on funding availability.

·         The application period closes February 28, 2013.

·         Decisions will be made no later than March 29, 2013.

·         Due to the high volume of applications received, only the most qualified candidates will be contacted.

PUBLIC POLICY INTERN

General Information:

·         Internships are unpaid, though a stipend may be available based on funding availability.

·         The application period closes February 28, 2013.

·         Internship areas: Public Policy

·         Decisions will be made no later than March 29, 2013.

·         Due to the high volume of applications received, only the most qualified candidates will be contacted.

CSSP seeks an intern to support its work advancing CSSP’s public policy agenda and policy projects. The public policy intern will participate as a member of a team charged with helping federal and state elected officials develop policies and funding to achieve better results for children and families; including working on PolicyforResults.org, a leading national resource for result-based policy and funding strategies. The position offers the opportunity to explore a wide range of policy issues, including child welfare, poverty, health and education, as well as other social and economic policy issues. The intern selected will have the chance to sharpen their research and writing skills while working with a dedicated and rigorous staff. He or she will also have an opportunity to learn about the public policy process by attending internal strategy meetings, hearings on Capitol Hill and meetings with partner organizations. The position will also require assistance with research, writing and PolicyforResults.org content development and updates. Click here for more information on CSSP’s public policy work. Click here to learn about other available internship opportunities at CSSP. 

All applicants must:

·         Currently be pursuing a graduate degree in public policy, social policy or a related field, or pursuing an undergraduate degree with experience in public policy development and analysis

·         Have a demonstrated commitment to the mission and values of CSSP

·         Possess very strong analytical skills

·         Possess strong research and writing skills

·         Work well autonomously and as a member of a team

·         Understand public policy at the state and federal level

Specific duties may include:

·         Conducting policy research

·         Assisting in the preparation of reports

·         Conducting social media activities (blog, Facebook, Twitter)

How to Apply: Interested applicants should submit a cover letter, resume and writing sample to: The Center for the Study of Social Policy c/o Megan Martin 1575 Eye Street NW, Suite 500 Washington, DC 20005 megan.martin@cssp.org with the subject line “Public Policy Intern”.