Center for Policy Alternatives
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The Center for Policy Alternatives (CPA) is the nation's only nonpartisan nonprofit organization working to strengthen the capacity of state legislators to lead and achieve progressive change.
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Employment & Internships

Employment:

There are currently no job openings.

Internships:



Title: State Action Network Intern
Department: State Action Network Department
Openings: 1-2
Start Date: August/September, 2007
Location: Washington, DC
Hours:A commitment of at least 20 hours/week is preferred.
Salary: Unpaid internship

Job Description
The State Action Network Intern will support the State Action Network Department by providing research, editorial and production assistance for the organization's publications and events. The intern will also assist in work related to CPA's outreach activities. Internship duties include researching policy issues, attending public meetings and forums, writing policy briefs and talking points, and media tracking. Administrative work related directly to these projects should be expected. The State Action Network Intern will have the opportunity to work closely with department staff, learn about issue organizing and strategic communications, and contribute to the growth of an organization that is making real progressive change. As attending briefings and meetings is a major component of this internship, professional attire is required.

Skills Required

  • Strong verbal, written, and interpersonal communication skills; must feel confident interacting with elected officials.
  • Writing & research skills.
  • Attention to detail.
  • Analytical, organizational and general office skills.
  • Undergraduate/graduate - political science, pre-law, public policy, communications, journalism, and English majors strongly encouraged to apply.
  • Commitment to progressive public policy.
  • Familiarity with state policy issues and the legislative process also helpful.

How to Apply: Submit a resume, cover letter and writing sample
When to Apply: Now
Where to Apply: Email, mail, or fax complete application to
Maureen Campbell
Center for Policy Alternatives
1875 Connecticut Ave NW, Suite 710
Washington, DC 20009
No calls, please.
Fax: (202) 387-8529
mcampbell@cfpa.org



Title: Policy and Communications Intern
Department: Policy and Communications
Openings: 1-2
Start Date: August/September, 2007
Location: Washington, DC
Hours: A commitment of at least 20 hours/week is preferred.
Salary: Unpaid internship

Job Description
The Policy & Communications Intern will support the Policy & Communications Departments by providing research, editorial and production assistance for the organization's policy publications. The intern will also assist in work related to CPA's events and outreach activities. The internship duties include researching policy issues, writing policy briefs and talking points, and media tracking. Administrative work related directly to these projects should be expected. The Policy and Communications Intern will have the opportunity to work closely with department staff, learn about issue organizing and strategic communications, and contribute to the growth of an organization that is making real progressive change.

Skills Required

  • Strong verbal, written, and interpersonal communication skills
  • Writing & research skills
  • Attention to detail
  • Analytical, organizational and general office skills
  • Undergraduate/graduate - political science, public policy, communications, journalism, and English majors strongly encouraged to apply.
  • Commitment to progressive public policy.
  • Familiarity with state policy issues and the legislative process also helpful

How to Apply: Submit a resume, cover letter and writing sample
When to Apply: Now
Where to Apply: Email, mail, or fax complete application to
Nicholas Polt
Center for Policy Alternatives
1875 Connecticut Ave NW, Suite 710
Washington, DC 20009
No calls please.
Fax: (202) 387-8529
npolt@cfpa.org



Title: Conferences and Special Events Intern
Department: Leadership Department
Openings: 1-2
Start Date: August/September, 2007
Location: Washington, DC
Hours: A commitment of at least 20 hours/week is preferred.
Salary: Unpaid internship

Job Description
The Flemming Leadership Institute and other CPA sponsored conferences (Summit on the States, Leadership Circles, Retreats and other meetings) identify emerging leaders from the ranks of the nation's state legislators and provides them with a unique program of values-based leadership training and sustaining support. These CPA programs help state legislators sharpen their understanding of their own values and how those values drive their decisions as elected leaders. They also provide an opportunity for legislators to step back from their daily challenges and gain new perspective into how they and their state governments can better serve people. CPA Leadership programs engage in experiential learning focused on the fundamentals of governing - leadership styles, decision making processes and consensus building techniques.

The Conferences and Special Events Intern is responsible for carrying out assignments integral to the program work and continuing development of CPA's leadership development programs and conferences. Primary assignments include preparing resource materials; maintaining databases and files; organizing materials; and providing logistical support for meetings and conferences.

Responsibilities

  • Assist with planning special events, including correspondence, developing printed materials, and site logistics.
  • Maintain and update databases, bulletin boards and press files.
  • Assist with recruiting candidates for leadership courses and conferences.
  • Assist with general administrative duties for Leadership, State Action and Development departments as they arise.

Skills Required

  • Excellent research skills.
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
  • Detail oriented, self-directed and resourceful.
  • Strong work ethic with ability to work as part of a team in a fast-paced environment.
  • General administrative skills.
  • Dedication to achievement of the program goals.
  • All majors are encouraged to apply.

How to Apply: Submit a resume, cover letter and writing sample
When to Apply: Now
Where to Apply: Email, mail, or fax complete application to
Quinta Martin
Center for Policy Alternatives
1875 Connecticut Ave NW, Suite 710
Washington, DC 20009
Phone: (202) 956-5132
Fax: (202) 387-8529
qmartin@cfpa.org



Title: Social Justice Fundraising Intern
Department: Development Department
Openings: 1
Start Date: August/September, 2007
Location: Washington, DC
Hours: A commitment of at least 20 hours/week is preferred.
Salary: Unpaid internship

Job Description
The Social Justice Fundraising intern is responsible for carrying out assignment integral to the work and activities of the Development Department. Primary assignments include researching potential supporters of social justice, drafting and proofreading reports and proposals to these supporters and organizing materials and information.

Responsibilities

  • Conduct social justice-based prospect research for the CPA's fundraising activities.
  • Assist with all aspects of foundation stewardship, including providing timely proposals and reports, as well as other needed information to funders.
  • Maintain computer databases and paper files.
  • Prepare materials for meetings with funders.
  • Assist with general administrative duties as they arise.

Skills Required

  • Commitment to social justice.
  • Excellent research skills.
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
  • Detail oriented and self-directed.
  • Competence with Windows and Microsoft Office Suite.
  • Preferred familiarity with database maintenance.
  • Ability to work as part of a team in a fast-paced environment.
  • General administrative skills.

How to Apply: Submit a resume, cover letter and writing sample
When to Apply: Now
Where to Apply: Email, mail, or fax complete application to
Chris Rutledge
Center for Policy Alternatives
1875 Connecticut Ave NW, Suite 710
Washington, DC 20009
Phone: (202) 956-5151
Fax: (202) 387-8529
crutledge@cfpa.org