Policy Advocacy Internship

Center for Employment Opportunities • Tulsa, OK

2d • $17 - $19 • Hybrid

About The Position

The Advocacy Fellow supports the Center for Employment Opportunities’ Investment and Powerbuilding teams in operating its 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 gain opportunities to prepare for advocacy at all levels of government. They also participate in the Emerging Leaders Program, which offers structured professional development, a peer cohort of people with reentry experience, and professional mentorship, and 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 conducted remotely, but fellows are expected to commute to and work from their local CEO office at least two days per week. Fellows are paid hourly, typically $17–$19 per hour depending on location, and should expect to work approximately 20–30 hours per week.

The Center for Employment Opportunities provides employment services to people recently released from incarceration. The organization serves thousands of people across the United States each year and supports their transition to employment. People who are justice involved are highly encouraged to apply. CEO is committed to an open, inclusive workplace and considers qualified applicants without unlawful discrimination.

Requirements

• A credible messenger whose lived experience in the legal system can help build rapport with members through authenticity and humility.
• Natural leadership and willingness to step forward and support others when a need is clear.
• Strong desire to change the status quo.
• Optimism and passion for criminal legal reform.
• Growth mindset, willingness to try unfamiliar things, comfort with making mistakes, and resilience in trying again.
• Ability to work approximately 20–30 hours per week.
• Ability to commute to and work from 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 cohorts of the Advocacy Leadership Committee (ALC).
• Help plan and coordinate ALC cohorts in assigned locations, including recruiting members and preparing them for the learning opportunity.
• Prepare and distribute materials to new ALC members in 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 methods 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 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 perspectives through blogs, interviews, testimony, or other means.
• Engage with local partners by attending meetings, reading newsletters, and joining their organizations when needed.
• Stay proactive 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 connectivity, and demonstrate respect and compassion.
• Ask questions, share opinions, support colleagues, and seek to learn and improve daily.

Benefits

• Participation in the 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 offered through the University of Michigan Online.

What This Job Offers

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