Background

PolicyLink is a national research and action institute advancing racial and economic equity by Lifting Up What Works®. PolicyLink collaborates with a broad range of partners to implement strategies to ensure that everyone — including those from low-income communities of color — can contribute to and benefit from economic growth and prosperity.

PolicyLink operates a summer internship program for continuing graduate students (master's or doctoral) in public policy, urban planning, and related fields. Internships are paid, and the duration is generally 10 weeks. PolicyLink occasionally hosts interns during the academic year, depending on project needs and student interest.

We strive to provide each intern with two main opportunities: 1) a meaningful and challenging assignment (or set of assignments) that provides a chance to apply and hone the skills they are learning in graduate school to influence public policy; and 2) the opportunity to learn about the process of policy change and the way that PolicyLink accomplishes our mission of advancing economic, social, and racial equity through policy change.

Each intern plays an integral role in helping our organization further policy impact through research, communications, capacity building, and advocacy. We have hosted interns from nearly 20 different universities and colleges, in programs such as urban planning, public policy, public health, community development, information management, and journalism/communications.

Interns gain insight into the field by assuming responsibility for a project under the guidance of experienced professionals. This year, four internship positions are based in our Oakland office and one in New York. The internship starts June 3 and ends August 9. Review the PolicyLink website (www.policylink.org) to learn more about our work.

Position

PolicyLink is seeking a continuing graduate student intern to work with the communications team to contribute original visual and written storytelling content to complement our web and digital publications. The communications team works to disseminate messages about economic and social equity to an ever-growing audience of policymakers, equity advocates, and funders.

The Multimedia Storytelling Intern will capture photographs and personal narratives of the people impacted by PolicyLink equitable growth strategies and policies, and weave them together to tell engaging stories. Over the course of 10 weeks, the intern will work closely with the communications team to see this project from start to finish: from reporting and documenting in the field, to content curation and publishing, to dissemination and analytics. In addition, they will also support ongoing work of the communications team as they design and develop future storytelling projects.

Assignments will include:

• Becoming familiar with PolicyLink advocacy and campaigns and be able to communicate about them to others effectively.
• Reporting and photography in the field (within NYC metropolitan area).
• Planning, transcribing, writing, and curating stories from the PolicyLink office in New York’s Financial District.
• Publishing and distributing content in line with PolicyLink image and identity (platforms may include: Drupal, Exposure, Medium, Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram)
• Conducting analytics on web traffic and creating a final report on engagement with the storytelling project(s).
• Attending communications team meetings and providing as needed general support.

Desired qualifications and skills:

• Continuing graduate student in journalism, communications, design, photography, or related field
• Excellent writing, reporting, and communications skills
• Demonstrated storytelling experience, including both writing/reporting and photography
• Familiarity with content publishing platforms and social media
• Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced environment
• Ability to work independently and take initiative
• Commitment to advancing racial and economic equity, and experience reporting in low-income communities and/or communities of color

Application Process

PolicyLink is accepting applications for summer 2019 internships. The deadline for applications is March 15, 2019. Candidates may apply for up to two internship opportunities.

CLICK HERE TO APPLY TO THIS INTERNSHIP

Please submit the application components in a single document so we can print double-sided. Interviews will take place during the months of February and March. Applicants will be contacted by telephone to schedule an interview that will take place in person or over the telephone.

Please note: Only candidates selected for an interview will be notified.

If you have additional questions, please email internships@policylink.org. Please do not use this email address to apply for an internship; your application will not be considered.

PolicyLink is committed to building and maintaining a diverse staff and a welcoming workplace.