Policy Advocacy Internship

Center for Employment Opportunities • Oakland, CA

2d • $19 - $21 • Hybrid

About The Position

The Advocacy Fellow supports the Center for Employment Opportunities’ Investment and Powerbuilding teams in operating the Advocacy Leadership Committee (ALC), an advocacy leadership program. Drawing on their own experience as an ALC member, the fellow helps develop the next cohort of organizers-in-training and contributes to CEO’s advocacy work. Fellows also participate in the Emerging Leaders Program, which offers structured professional development, a peer cohort of people with reentry experience, and professional mentorship. They work toward a Certificate in Social Justice for Community Organizing offered through the University of Michigan Online.

The fellowship lasts approximately six months, with possible extensions in special circumstances. The role is hybrid: most team work is remote, but fellows should expect to commute to and work from their local CEO office at least two days per week. Fellows are paid hourly, typically $19–$21 per hour depending on location, and should expect to work approximately 20–30 hours per week. The anticipated application deadline is October 19, 2026, before 12 p.m. PST; the position may close earlier if the application limit is met.

Requirements

• Demonstrated natural leadership and willingness to step up and support others.
• Strong desire to change the status quo.
• Optimism and passion for criminal legal reform.
• Lived experience in the legal system that supports building rapport with members through authenticity and humility.
• Growth mindset and willingness to try unfamiliar tasks, learn from mistakes, and try again.

Nice To Haves

• Experience in community organizing.

Responsibilities

• Convene, facilitate, moderate, and instruct training sessions for each cohort of the Advocacy Leadership Committee (ALC).
• Assist with planning and coordinating ALC cohorts in assigned locations, including recruiting members and preparing them for the learning opportunity.
• Help prepare and distribute materials to new ALC members locally 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 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 and experiences through blogs, interviews, testimony, or other means.
• Engage with local partners by attending meetings, reading newsletters, and joining their organizations when needed.
• Stay active in the local advocacy community, noting the work of local groups and identifying opportunities for CEO collaboration.
• Develop the ability to speak confidently from personal experience and perspective.
• Help create a positive culture for members, encourage connectivity, and consistently 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, with structured professional development, a peer cohort, and professional mentorship.
• Opportunity to work toward a Certificate in Social Justice for Community Organizing through the University of Michigan Online.
• Hourly compensation, typically $19–$21 per hour depending on location.

What This Job Offers

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