Internships

Thank you for your interest in applying to internships at PolicyLink.
Summer internships will be posted through March 18, 2010.  The Deadline for submitting an application is March 31, 2010. 

Internships at PolicyLink provide graduate students with the opportunity to learn to use policy tools to advance knowledge and influence public policy. PolicyLink interns typically receive a full-time, ten-to twelve-week paid internship. Occasionally, we also have placements in the fall, spring, and winter. Each intern plays an integral role in helping our organization further policy impact through a commitment to research, communications, capacity building, and advocacy.

Interns in the Oakland office gain insight into the field by assuming responsibility for a project under the guidance of experienced professionals in one of the following areas:

• The PolicyLink Center for Health and Place
• The PolicyLink Center for Infrastructure Equity
• Leadership and Civic Engagement
• Federal Policy Agenda
  

Interns in the New York office also gain insight into the field by working on communications projects related to the four focus areas cited above.

PolicyLink has had interns from over 15 different universities and colleges, in programs such as urban planning, public policy, public health, community development, information management, and journalism/communications. Most internships are for masters or doctoral students. Announcements of discrete positions describe the particular skills or background being sought for that position. Occasionally, PolicyLink is able to offer internships suitable for undergraduates.

Announcements of specific internships will be listed here throughout the year. Listings will summarize the scope of work and qualifications necessary. Applicants are encouraged to review the listings and apply for a specific internship, rather than submit a general application.

For more information please contact our headquarters at 510.663.2333, ext. 313.

Current Opportunities:

Healthy Food Acess Intern

Project Description:

The PolicyLink Center for Health and Place, launched in 2007, weaves research and action into policy initiatives to ensure that everyone—especially low-income people and people of color—can live, work, and play in healthy neighborhoods. The Center is seeking a summer intern to provide research support on projects focused on environmental and policy strategies that promote healthy food access in low-income communities and communities of color.

The intern will help the PolicyLink Center for Health and Place with two primary projects: 1) researching and drafting materials in support of legislative advocacy promoting access to healthy food in underserved communities, and 2) updating and creating a tool for an audience of practitioners and advocates focused on food access strategies in low-income urban and rural communities. Research tasks may include literature reviews, web-based searches, and interviews with program leaders. Written products may include internal research memos, case studies, and drafts of external publications.

Qualifications/Skills:

Graduate student in public health, urban planning, public policy, or related field, with an interest in environmental and policy approaches to improving community health. Specific qualifications include:

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Experience with qualitative and quantitative research, as well as the ability to organize and communicate research findings
• Commitment to economic and social equity issues
• Experience and interest in health / public health / health disparities
• Policy / advocacy experience
• Strong analytical skills
• Extensive computer skills
• Good team player
• Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced environment

Requirements:

Summer internships are full-time, compensated, and generally last 10-12 weeks. Each intern will be expected to complete a final report and make a final presentation to staff. 

Please submit cover letter and resume to:

PolicyLink – Attn: Healthy Food Access Internship
1438 Webster Street, Suite 303
Oakland, CA 94612
Fax to 510-587-4358 or 1113, or e-mail to internships@policylink.org

Please note: No phone calls please. Only those selected for an interview will be contacted.

PolicyLink and the PolicyLink Center for Health and Place Interns (2 positions available)

PolicyLink is a national research and action institute advancing economic and social equity by Lifting Up What Works.® 

PolicyLink recognizes that a range of socioeconomic and environmental conditions such as income, segregation, pollution, crime, availability of fresh foods and safe recreational facilities, accessible quality housing and transportation have dramatic impacts on community health.   The PolicyLink Center for Health and Place, launched in 2007, weaves research and action into policy initiatives to ensure that community environments offer fair and equitable opportunities for health across populations. 

PolicyLink is seeking 1-2 highly motivated graduate student interns for the summer of 2010 to support the PolicyLink Center for Health and Place. 

Internships at PolicyLink provide graduate students with the opportunity to learn to use policy tools to advance knowledge and influence public policy. PolicyLink interns typically receive a full-time, eight- to ten-week paid internship. Occasionally, we also have placements in the fall, spring, and winter. Each intern plays an integral role in helping our organization further policy impact through a commitment to research, communications, capacity building, and advocacy. Over the past years, PolicyLink has had interns from 14 different universities and colleges, in programs such as urban planning, public policy, public health, community development, information management and other social sciences disciplines.  Most internships are for masters or doctoral students, and occasionally, PolicyLink is able to offer internships suitable for undergraduates.

Position Descriptions:

Summer 2010 interns will provide research and technical support on key projects focused on environmental and policy change strategies in low-income communities and regions across the country. Selected interns will provide support to the Center in two areas:

1) Tracking and analysis of national policies and programs that promote and support healthy communities (i.e. access to healthy foods, joint use, transportation); and

2) Development of tools and technical assistance to support the national expansion of multi-field, multi-stakeholder initiatives to address inequities in the physical environment. 

Tasks may include literature reviews, web-based searches, interviews with national experts and program leaders, and the development of critical capacity building tools and resources. Written products may include internal research memos, case studies, technical assistance curricula and materials and drafts of external publications. Interns may also assist in tracking and monitoring policies related to obesity reduction and in creating policy agendas.  Summer internship projects may be tailored to the specific interests of the intern provided that they match the scope and needs of the aforementioned project areas.

Qualifications/Skills:

Internship positions are open to graduate students in public health, urban planning, public policy, or related fields, with an interest in multi-field environmental and policy approaches to improving community environments for health.

Specific qualifications include:

• Strong written and verbal communication skills
• Experience with qualitative and quantitative research, as well as the ability to organize and communicate research findings
• Commitment to economic and social equity
• Policy / advocacy experience (not required)
• Strong analytical skills
• Extensive computer skills
• Good team player
• Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced environment

Send Resume and Cover Letter to:

PolicyLink Center for Health and Place
Summer 2010 Intern Search Committee
1438 Webster Street, Suite 303
Oakland, CA 94612
Fax to 510-587-1113 or e-mail to internships@policylink.org (include subject line: “[your name] CHP 2010 Internship”). 

Please note: No phone calls please. Only those selected for an interview will be contacted.

PolicyLink Federal Transportation Policy Intern

Project Description:

PolicyLink is a national research and action institute advancing economic and social equity by Lifting Up What Works®. PolicyLink work is guided by the belief that those closest to the nation’s challenges are central to the search for solutions. With local and national partners, PolicyLink is spotlighting promising practices, supporting advocacy campaigns, and helping to bridge the traditional divide between local communities and policymaking at the local, regional, state, and national levels.

PolicyLink is engaging in research and advocacy to support the creation and adoption of a new, transformative federal surface transportation authorization that will foster equitable, connected “communities of opportunity”.

This internship will be based in Washington DC. Under the guidance of the Federal Policy Director and the Senior Associate for Transportation Policy, the intern will provide research in several areas to support the following activities related to the surface transportation authorization process:

1. Developing and/or refining policies to implement equity-based reforms in the surface transportation authorization;
   
2. Tools and/or technical assistance to support strategic engagement of local equity partners in advocacy for surface transportation policy reforms; and
   
3. Cultivation and support of champions within Congress for equity-based surface transportation reform as well as venues for advocacy of the reforms.

Intern may also track and monitor federal policies related to the surface transportation authorization, as well as developments related to the fiscal year 2011 budget for the US Department of Transportation.

Research tasks may include web-based searches, interviews with national experts and program leaders, and secondary research. Written products may include policy briefs, fact sheets, case studies, Congressional testimony, drafts of external publications, technical assistance curricula, and content for online media. 

Qualifications/Skills:

• Pursuing a graduate degree in public policy, city and regional planning, transportation engineering or a related area
• Interest, background and experience in transportation policy and planning desirable
• Strong written and verbal communication skills
• Experience with qualitative and quantitative research, as well as the ability to organize and communicate research findings
• Commitment to economic and social equity issues
• Policy / advocacy experience (not required)
• Strong analytical skills
• Extensive computer skills
• Good team player
• Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced environment

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

Requirements:

Summer internships are full-time and generally last 10-12 weeks. Each intern will be expected to complete a final report and make a final presentation to staff. 

How to Apply:

Please submit cover letter and resume to:

PolicyLink – Attn: Federal Transportation Policy Internships
1438 Webster Street, Suite 303
Oakland, CA 94612
Fax to 510-587-1113 or e-mail to internships@policylink.org

Please note: No phone calls please. Only those selected for an interview will be contacted.

 Research on Transportation Investments Intern 

This ten week, full-time internship during Summer 2010 is an exciting opportunity to support the work of PolicyLink and our community partners. PolicyLink is a national research and action institute that works to advance policies at the federal, state and local level to achieve economic and social equity. Please visit our website at: www.policylink.org.

Program Description:

Transportation planning and investments shape our regions, influence community health, and create access to economic opportunity as well as millions of construction jobs nationwide. Historically, transportation policy has favored middle-class and affluent neighborhoods at the expense of disadvantaged communities. Recent investments in our nation’s infrastructure system through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 and a pending reauthorization of federal transportation funding highlight a need to understand how transportation investments can better serve low-income communities of color. The research agenda for this project investigates three questions related to both Recovery Act and historical transportation investments:

• Are low-income communities getting the types of transportation improvements that most address their needs?
• Are low-income people and communities of color being fairly represented in the transportation construction workforce?
• Is the transportation project decision making process transparent, accountable to and inclusive of low-income people and communities of color?

Position Responsibilities:

The summer research intern will work with PolicyLink staff to collect and analyze data on ARRA and historical transportation investments in at most seven states. This includes gathering data, helping to develop a methodology for analysis, and developing an interim report outlining findings and mapping.

Qualifications/skills:

• Experience and education in urban planning public policy or related field. Experience with transportation planning preferable.
• Proficient in using the Arc GIS suite of products (familiarity with building geodatabases, geocoding, and statistical analysis.)
• Strong communication skills, written and verbal.
• Strong research and analytical skills.
• Demonstrated ability to work as a self-starting member of a team and to handle projects independently.
• Commitment to social equity issues and values.
• Good time management skills and ability to effectively work on multiple projects.

Requirements:

Summer internships are full-time, compensated, and generally last 10-12 weeks. Each intern will be expected to complete a final report and make a final presentation to staff. 

How to Apply:

Please submit your resume, cover letter, and a list of three professional references to:

PolicyLink – Attn: Transportation Research Intern Committee
1438 Webster Street, Suite 303
Oakland, CA 94612
Fax: 510-587-1113 or e-mail (Word Format – please) to internships@policylink.org (please include in subject line: Your Name – CT). 

Please note: No phone calls please. Only those selected for an interview will be contacted.

Equitable Development Toolkit Intern

Project Description:

PolicyLink is seeking a summer intern to help update and improve the Equitable Development Toolkit, which was launched in 2001 to help communities promote development without displacement and ensure that neighborhood change and investment brings tangible benefits to current residents and results in healthier, more vibrant neighborhoods. The toolkit includes 28 tools on innovative strategies such as community land trusts, housing trust funds, and employer-assisted housing. The toolkit is an important resource for the field and a popular part of the website, and we want it to continue to serve that role.

The intern will work closely with PolicyLink staff (and possibly outside subject experts) to update a number of the current tools that focus on land use and zoning, economic opportunity, affordable housing preservation, tenant protections, community ownership, and community development financing. Each tool follows a structure that includes basic information about the strategy, key lessons derived from practitioners who have used the tools in their communities, supportive policies, and case studies of how the tool is being implemented.

Research and writing tasks would include the following:

• Collecting relevant recent materials on the tool topic and reviewing them for important developments or innovations in the field;
• Conducting primary and secondary research to update existing tool resources and examples;
• Conducting primary and secondary research to gather new examples and understand new developments in the field;
• Assessing how this tool works in relation to other tools and strategies; and
• Drafting updated tools.

Qualifications/skills:

Applicants should possess or be pursuing an advanced degree in urban planning, public policy, or a related area, and possess excellent research and writing skills. A background in housing or community development and experience with creating curricula and materials geared toward practitioners, advocates, and organizers is desirable. The intern should be self-directed as well as able to work collaboratively with PolicyLink staff.

How to Apply:

Please submit your resume, cover letter, and a list of three professional references to:

PolicyLink – Attn: Equitable Development Toolkit Internship Committee
1438 Webster Street, Suite 303
Oakland, CA 94612
Fax: 510-587-1113 or e-mail (Word Format – please) to internships@policylink.org (please include in subject line: Your Name – EDK). 

Please note: No phone calls please. Only those selected for an interview will be contacted.

PolicyLink Online Video Intern

PolicyLink, a national research and advocacy institute, works to promote smart and effective public policies that lift up all Americans, especially people from low-income communities and communities of color.

Working out of the organization’s New York office, the online video student intern will help PolicyLink conceive, edit and create online videos highlighting successful efforts to improve the lives of low-income people and communities of color. The online video intern will work with senior staff to identify potential compelling stories and see the projects through to completion. Some minor daytime travel in the Northeast corridor (Philadelphia, Baltimore, DC) may be required.

Qualifications/Skills:

Applicants pursuing an undergraduate degree in journalism, nonprofit public relations, visual arts, video editing, or communications are preferred. Specific qualifications include:

• Exceptionally strong video storytelling skills
• Ability to tape and edit online videos (platforms and software flexible)
• Demonstrated interest in the needs of low-income communities and communities of color
• Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced environment
• Experience with online communities and blogging platforms preferred
• Experience working in an Microsoft Office environment (Excel, Word, Outlook)
• Good team player and ability to work independently

Requirements:

Summer internships are full-time, compensated, and generally last 10-12 weeks. Each intern will be expected to complete a final report and make a final presentation to staff. 

How to Apply:

PolicyLink - OnLine Video Internship
55 W. 39th St.
11th Floor
New York, NY 10018
Fax to (212) 273-1606 or email to internships@policylink.org. Include subject line: “[Your name] (Online Video Intern).” Deadline to submit an application is March 31, 2010.

Please note: No phone calls please. Only those selected for an interview will be contacted.

 PolicyLink is committed to maintaining a diverse,
multi-cultural working environment.