Public Policy

Elections Program Internship

POSITION SUMMARY:

The Democracy Fund is seeking highly motivated undergrads, graduate students, and recent graduates from across the political spectrum to support the Elections Program for the Spring 2018 term.

The Elections Program focuses on the administration of elections, modern registration, and trust in elections by supporting unbiased research, bipartisan dialogue, and unconventional solutions that will ensure the views and votes of the American public come first in our democracy. We’re looking for candidates with an interest in either election administration, registration modernization, or trust in elections. A successful candidate believes the election system must provide the public with confidence that their voices can be heard and that they have the ability to hold their leaders accountable for their actions.

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Support efforts by the Democracy Fund to improve data collection, knowledge management, strengthen learning systems, and foster a culture of learning Provide logistical support during meetings with reform leaders, political figures, and academic authorities—this may include note-taking, drafting memoranda, proofing and copy editing materials, and welcoming visitors to the Democracy Fund office.
• Research issues in key policy areas relating to the Democracy Fund’s strategic objectives and oversee regular database updates.
• Actively engage with all staff at the Democracy Fund as a capable and collaborative team member. We count on our interns to contribute to policy discussions and help develop solutions to some of the greatest problems our nation faces today.
• Assist in evaluating grantmaking opportunities and with the preparation of internal memoranda and other materials that are part of the grantmaking process.

EDUCATION, EXPERIENCE, AND SKILLS REQUIREMENTS:

• A deep passion for strengthening American democracy
• Willingness to contribute, learn, and respectfully engage with those who have different perspectives
• Ability to work at least 3 days per week (20 hours minimum; full time preferred)
• Experience in the field or enrollment in an accredited university program; individuals pursuing a Master’s or higher degree preferred
• Excellent written and oral communication skills
• Professional demeanor
• Success in developing and maintaining institutional, political, and personal relationships
• Flexibility and initiative to work both independently and as part of a team
• Eagerness to learn, high self-motivation, and orientation towards details

Position is based in Washington, DC.​Interested candidates should submit a cover letter and resume and short writing sample (less than 1000 words). No calls please.

Public Square Program Internship

POSITION SUMMARY:

The Democracy Fund is seeking highly motivated undergrads, graduate students, and recent graduates from across the political spectrum to support the Public Square Program for the Spring 2018 term.

The Public Square Program focuses on vibrant media and citizen engagement by supporting innovations and institutions that help people better understand and participate in the democratic process. We’re looking for candidates with experience in journalism, communications, and/or civic innovation who are passionate about the future of journalism and making our political system more effective. A successful candidate believes that media plays a critical role in the public square, and believes that all communities should have access to the news and information they need to participate fully in our democracy.

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Provide logistical support during meetings with journalism grantees and partners—this may include note-taking, drafting memoranda, proofing and copy editing materials, and welcoming visitors to the Democracy Fund office.
• Research issues in key policy areas relating to the Democracy Fund’s strategic objectives and oversee regular database updates.
• Actively engage with all staff at the Democracy Fund as a capable and collaborative team member. We count on our interns to contribute to discussions and help develop solutions to some of the greatest problems our nation faces today.
• Assist in evaluating grantmaking opportunities and with the preparation of internal memoranda and other materials that are part of the grantmaking process.
• Provide your unique perspective on the future of local news, through the contribution of expertise, research, and writing.Contribute to the Public Square’s Local Fix newsletter and Local News Lab website.

EDUCATION, EXPERIENCE, AND SKILLS REQUIREMENTS:

• A deep passion for strengthening American democracy
• Willingness to contribute, learn, and respectfully engage with those who have different perspectives
• Ability to work at least 3 days per week (20 hours minimum; full time preferred)
• Experience in the field or enrollment in an accredited university program; individuals pursuing a Master’s or higher degree preferred
• Excellent written and oral communication skills
• Professional demeanor
• Success in developing and maintaining institutional, political, and personal relationships
• Flexibility and initiative to work both independently and as part of a team
• Eagerness to learn, high self-motivation, and orientation towards details

Position is based in Washington, DC.​Interested candidates should submit a cover letter and resume and short writing sample (less than 1000 words). No calls please.

Strategy, Impact and Learning Internship

POSITION SUMMARY: The Democracy Fund is seeking a highly motivated graduate student or recent graduate to support the Democracy Fund’s Strategy, Impact and Learning team for the Spring 2018 term.

The Strategy, Impact and Learning Team supports Democracy Fund in developing strong organizational and programmatic strategies, evaluating their effectiveness, and facilitating reflection and learning across the organization. Using systems thinking and rigorous inquiry, we strive to ensure that Democracy Fund is making strategic and informed choices that achieve impact. We believe that through experimentation, learning and adaptation Democracy Fund can more effectively support the health and resilience of the American political system.

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Support efforts by the Democracy Fund to improve data collection, knowledge management, strengthen learning systems, and foster a culture of learning.
• Research issues in key policy areas relating to the Democracy Fund’s strategic objectives and oversee regular database updates.
• Provide support for the development of long-term evaluation plans and evaluation projects for Democracy Fund Program Initiatives, including supporting a re-development of the Fund’s reporting systems.
• Provide logistical support during meetings with staff, reform leaders, political figures, and academics—this may include note-taking, drafting memoranda, proofing and copy editing materials, and welcoming visitors to the Democracy Fund office.
• Actively engage with all staff at the Democracy Fund as a capable and collaborative team member. We count on our interns to contribute to policy discussions and help develop solutions to some of the greatest problems our nation faces today.
• Assist other Democracy Fund team members, collaborate internally within Democracy Fund, and assist with various operational, administrative, and logistical duties as needed. Other duties relating to team or organizational activities as assigned.

EDUCATION, EXPERIENCE, AND SKILLS REQUIREMENTS:

• Background in political science, public policy, or a related field, or enrollment in an accredited university program; individuals pursuing a Master’s or higher degree preferred
• Excellent written and oral communication skills, experience conducting independent research.
• Professional demeanor
• Success in developing and maintaining institutional, political, and personal relationships
• Flexibility and initiative to work both independently and as part of a team
• Eagerness to learn, high self-motivation, and orientation towards details
• A deep passion for strengthening American democracy
• Willingness to contribute, learn, and respectfully engage with those who have different perspectives, including individuals from across the political spectrum
• Ability to work at least 3 days per week (20 hours minimum; full time preferred)

Position is based in Washington, DC.​ Interested candidates should submit a cover letter and resume. No calls please. Cover letters should include: 1) a statement highlighting past research experience or other relevant professional experience, 2) a short write-up of 300 words or less identifying two characteristics or qualities of a healthy democracy you believe are most important, and why, and 3) your availability throughout the Spring, including preferred start and end dates.