Archives for November 2014

CDF Description:

The Children’s Defense Fund (CDF) is a non-profit child advocacy organization that has worked relentlessly for more than 40 years to ensure a level playing field for all children. We champion policies and programs that lift children out of poverty; protect them from abuse and neglect; and ensure their access to health care, quality education and a moral and spiritual foundation. Supported by foundation and corporate grants and individual donations, CDF advocates nationwide on behalf of children to ensure children are always a priority. CDF-TX has offices in Houston, Austin, and the Rio Grande Valley.

Job Description:

CDF is currently hiring policy interns based for the Austin office, who will provides general support for the CDF-TX Policy Department. The intern provides substantive research, compiles reports, monitors interim legislative committees and helps with the execution of advocacy-related activities, including advocate training/recruitment, story collection, public education, legislator visits, legislative briefings and other Department projects.

Generally 15 hrs/wk during the school year. Candidates may apply for Fall, Spring, Summer, or Full-Year internship.

The CDF Houston office is also currently hiring interns for the Communications, Development, and Outreach departments.

Qualifications:

Primary Responsibilities:

• Volunteer advocate outreach and recruitment
• Policy research, briefs and training material
• Conducts research on public policy, media trends and other subjects as needed
• Assists in the development and execution of special projects
• Perform other division, department, and organization-wide special projects as needed and assigned
• Assist in maintaining CDFʼs social media platforms
• Evenings and occasional weekend activity is required, consistent with policy support for a leading national not-for-profit organization

Job Requirements:

• Ability to work effectively and calmly in a fast-paced, high-pressure environment and ability to multi-task
• Strong organizational and execution skills
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills
• Attention to detail
• Commitment to social advocacy and CDFʼs mission to be a voice for all children
• Ability to organize facts and present issues in a clear, concise and logical manner, both orally and in writing
• Good interpersonal skills and the ability to interact diplomatically and professionally with CDF staff and external partners/contacts
• Strong computer, Internet and research skills