Policy Advocacy Internship

Center for Employment Opportunities • Sacramento, CA

2d • $18 - $20 • Hybrid

About The Position

The Advocacy Fellow assists the Center for Employment Opportunities’ Investment and Powerbuilding teams with the Advocacy Leadership Committee (ALC), an advocacy leadership program. Fellows draw on their experience as ALC members to help develop the next cohort of organizers-in-training and take part in CEO’s Emerging Leaders Program, which offers structured professional development, a peer cohort in reentry, and professional mentorship. Fellows also work toward a Certificate in Social Justice for Community Organizing through the University of Michigan Online.

Fellowships last approximately six months, with possible extensions in special circumstances. The role is hybrid: most team work is remote, and fellows are expected to commute to and work from their local CEO office at least two days per week. Fellows are paid hourly, typically $18–$20 per hour depending on location, and should expect to work approximately 20–30 hours per week. Final compensation may take experience, internal equity, and home office location into account.

The Center for Employment Opportunities provides employment services to people recently released from incarceration. The organization serves 8,000–9,000 people annually across the United States and has supported more than 30,000 formerly incarcerated individuals in securing full-time employment since 1996. CEO encourages people who are justice involved to apply and is committed to an inclusive workplace that values diverse experiences, including educational background and justice system contact.

Requirements

• A strong desire to change the status quo.
• Optimism and passion for criminal legal reform.
• Lived experience in the legal system that can help build rapport with members through authenticity and humility.
• Natural leadership and a willingness to step forward and support others when a need is clear.
• A growth mindset, willingness to try unfamiliar things, and ability to learn from mistakes.
• Ability to work in a hybrid environment and commute to the local CEO office at least two days per week.

Nice To Haves

• Experience in community organizing.

Responsibilities

• Convene, facilitate, moderate, and instruct training sessions for each cohort of the Advocacy Leadership Committee (ALC).
• Help plan and coordinate ALC cohorts in assigned locations, recruit members, and prepare them for the learning opportunity.
• Prepare and distribute materials to new ALC members at the local CEO office and remotely.
• Support experience and knowledge sharing by recognizing ALC members as experts and champions of change.
• Document engagement activities in writing using Salesforce, Google Sheets, or other means as directed by the supervisor.
• Become knowledgeable about CEO’s policy agenda and campaigns.
• Support CEO’s policy agenda by representing the organization in external coalitions or campaigns and engaging with external groups, ALC members, and elected officials in partnership with CEO leadership.
• Conduct remote and in-person trainings on CEO campaigns to raise awareness.
• Contribute to campaign goals by sharing personal experience through blogs, interviews, testimony, or other means.
• Engage with local partners by attending meetings, reading newsletters, and joining their organizations if needed.
• Stay engaged in the local advocacy community, note the work of local groups, and identify opportunities for CEO collaboration.
• Develop the ability to speak confidently from personal experience and perspective.
• Create a positive culture for members, encourage connection, and demonstrate respect and compassion.
• Ask questions, share opinions, support colleagues, and seek to learn and improve daily.

Benefits

• Participation in CEO’s Emerging Leaders Program, including structured professional development, a cohort of motivated peers in reentry, and professional mentorship.
• Opportunity to work toward a Certificate in Social Justice for Community Organizing through the University of Michigan Online.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Part-time
• Career Level: Intern
• Education Level: No Education Listed