Intern, Government Relations

ASPCA•Washington, DC

23h•Hybrid

About The Position

The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) is our nation’s first humane organization and one of the largest nonprofit animal welfare organizations in the world. The ASPCA provides local and national leadership in caring for pets and pet parents, providing positive outcomes for at-risk animals, and serving victims of animal cruelty. The ASPCA’s Government Relations (GR) Department helps to enact meaningful legal protections for animals at the state and federal levels. GR team members: Identify policy barriers and needs and craft legislative proposals, working with legislative leaders at the state and federal level Lobby for bills that strengthen animal protection and prevent cruelty and against bills hostile to animal protection; Work to ensure that strong regulations are issued by agencies to implement new policies; Provide advocacy training and support for citizens who wish to engage in policy change; Participate in ballot measure campaigns to advance protections when a legislative solution is unavailable. The ASPCA seeks a dedicated, highly motivated, and passionate GR intern to, under direct supervision, become familiar with the role that the department plays in legislative and policy work and to assist with key projects that advance our goals. Based in Washington, DC, the internship will be a hybrid workplace model of in-office and work from home. The in-office work schedule will be determined by the intern’s manager or designee a week in advance, dependent upon Capitol Hill events and other office responsibilities. The intern should expect to work in the Washington, DC office a minimum of one day per week and a maximum of five days per week.

Requirements

Students currently enrolled in undergraduate, graduate, veterinary, or law programs, who have an interest in pursuing a career in animal welfare, public policy, political science, law, or other relevant field. People not currently enrolled in an educational program may also be considered.
Animal welfare experience or a strong record of interest or passion for animal welfare issues preferred
Experience in the political realm a plus
Experience formatting, organizing and analyzing data, including sorting and filtering data with Excel or another data analysis program a plus
Coursework in political science or public policy a plus
A strong sense of professionalism
Experience developing a presentation using Canva and/or PowerPoint a plus
Writing communication around policy issues (e.g. a letter to the editor, blog post, public comment, op-ed, blurb for legislative update newsletter, etc.) preferred
Ability to set priorities to meet deadlines effectively
High level of organization and attention to detail
Ability to work independently, as well as be a team player
Excellent communication skills, written and verbal
An intense desire to improve the lives of animals
Enthusiasm for advocacy
English (Required)
High School Diploma (Required)

Nice To Haves

Experience formatting, organizing and analyzing data, including sorting and filtering data with Excel or another data analysis program a plus
Coursework in political science or public policy a plus
Experience developing a presentation using Canva and/or PowerPoint a plus
Writing communication around policy issues (e.g. a letter to the editor, blog post, public comment, op-ed, blurb for legislative update newsletter, etc.) preferred

Responsibilities

Help to manage and mobilize ASPCA GR volunteers on key initiatives
Aid in tracking administrative regulations and laws pertaining to animals
Draft outreach and media communications and supporting documents
Conduct legislative and issue research to assist regulatory, federal and state efforts
Attend Capitol Hill events, such as hearings and briefings
Attend and/or help organize coalition meetings and local events
Respond to information requests from ASPCA constituents
Attend internal strategy and staff meetings
Assist with miscellaneous office tasks and projects as needed