Federal Policy Intern for America Walks

America Walks

Posted:  May 9, 2011

Federal Policy Intern

State / Local Policy Intern

America Walks is non-profit organization working make America a great place to walk by assembling a national walking movement. We are seeking one or two outstanding Policy Interns to support us in developing both our federal and state / local policy platforms.

Position Overview

The Policy Intern will work with the Executive Director and the America Walks policy subcommittee to help advance walking at the federal, state, and local levels. This intern will be engaged in groundbreaking work to help advance a unified national walking in America.

The federal walking policy platform and research policy issues, prepare background materials, and support the production of two daylong platform development workshops. 

Tasks will include:

·      Research and compile existing policy platforms that address waking at the federal and state levels;

·      Develop background material for the America Walks policy subcommittees;

·      Support the coordination of policy development workshops –

o      Federal issues to be held in Washington D.C. in July

o      State and local policy and action plan to be held in August elsewhere; and

·      Support the writing of the federal and state / local policy platforms.

Duration – Reporting – Location

This internship offers a flexible schedule with a fifteen-hour-a-week minimum commitment for three – five months, starting as early at May 15, 2011. This position will report to directly to Scott Bricker, Executive Director. The intern can be based anywhere, but ideally would be located in Portland, Oregon, and work could be conducted out of America Walks’ Portland office. A modest stipend of $500 per month will be available. Candidates should possess their own lap top computer and cell phone; America Walks may provide additional reimbursement for expenses incurred, such as cell phone minutes. America Walks will work with students to meet requirements needed for earning academic credit.

Skills and Knowledge to be Gained

The Policy Intern will expect to gain skills and experience in the following areas:

·      Federal, state, and local transportation and walking policy issues; ·      National non-profit organizations and national and local policy committees to develop consensus based outputs; ·      Meeting production and facilitation techniques used to organize intensive input from multiple stakeholders; and ·      Advocacy strategy.

Requirements

The ideal candidate will be a self-motivated, independent, and yet collaborative worker. Qualifications include strong research and writing skills, ability to coordinate meetings, and strong verbal communication skills.

Essential:

• Professional or educational background in public policy or transportation policy;
• Excellent research skills;
• Strong written communication skills;
• Self-motivated and collaborative worker with attention to details; and
• Possesses a track record of working well on team projects

Helpful:

• Familiarity with the web, content management, and other database programs

Please send a one-page cover letter and resume to Susan Feldman at [email protected]. Selections will be made on a rolling basis; submission deadline is May 20, 2011.