The ACLU-DC is a non-partisan, non-profit public interest organization devoted to protecting civil rights and civil liberties of those who live and work in the District of Columbia. Our 20 staff members work daily to achieve this mission through advocacy before the D.C. Council, litigation, public education, and organizing in all eight wards of D.C. ACLU-DC is an affiliate of the national ACLU, the leading defender of civil liberties guaranteed by the Bill of Rights. The ACLU works in communities, in the legislature, and in the courts to defend and expand individual rights and personal freedoms guaranteed by the Constitution and laws of the United States.  

The ACLU-DC seeks a highly motivated policy intern for the Summer of 2022. 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.

This is a temporary, part-time position, beginning in May.

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 a has 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

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 $15.20 per hour and $17.00 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 :

The deadline for applying is February 11, 2022. Applications must be submitted via the Smartrecruiter 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:

1.      A copy of your resume that lists relevant experience.

2.      A cover letter explaining your interest and qualifications.

3.      A writing sample.

The ACLU-DC 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 race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, age, national origin, marital status, citizenship, disability, veteran status, or any other classification protected by the D.C. Human Rights Act or federal employment law.