Policy & Advocacy Intern

Kansas Appleseed; Kansas; Remote; USD 17,000 - 24,000; Full time

Job summary

Kansas Appleseed Center for Law and Justice is seeking a Policy & Advocacy Intern for an eight- to ten-week internship to gain hands-on experience in nonprofit advocacy and policy change. The intern will rotate across program areas, supporting research, advocacy, organizing, communications, and community engagement efforts.

This internship provides exposure to state and local policy work, legislative tracking, and coalition-building, with opportunities to learn how advocacy strategies are

Qualifications

• Interest in public policy, social justice, civic engagement, or nonprofit advocacy.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to research, synthesize, and communicate information clearly.

Responsibilities

• Research legislation, policies, and issues affecting Kansans.
• Track and summarize legislative activity and policy developments.
• Assist with policy research and analysis.
• Support grassroots and digital organizing efforts.
• Help develop advocacy materials and social content.

Skills

Policy research

Communications

Organizational skills

Public policy interest

Teamwork

Job description

JOB STATUS: Full time, Temporary (8-10 weeks)

LOCATION: Remote work from home environment, Kansas-based

WORK SCHEDULE: Typical daytime office hours

REPORTS TO: Executive Director

Kansas Appleseed Center for Law and Justice is a nonprofit organization working to advance a thriving, inclusive, and just Kansas. We use research, advocacy, organizing, and community engagement to address systemic issues and advance policies that improve the lives of Kansans. Our work focuses on food access, youth and adult justice, foster care reform, and civic engagement.

Position Overview

Kansas Appleseed is seeking a Policy & Advocacy Intern for an eight- to ten-week internship designed to provide hands-on experience in nonprofit advocacy and policy change.

The intern will rotate among Kansas Appleseed’s program areas working alongside staff to support research, advocacy, organizing, communications, and community engagement efforts.

This internship provides an opportunity to see how different issue areas intersect and how a statewide nonprofit moves from identifying a problem to building community support, influencing policy, and advancing systemic change.

What the Intern Will Do

Depending on the needs of each program area, the intern may:

• Research legislation, policies, and emerging issues affecting Kansans.
• Track and summarize legislative activity and policy developments.
• Assist with policy research and analysis.
• Support grassroots and digital organizing efforts.
• Help develop advocacy materials, including fact sheets, action alerts, talking points, and social media content.
• Assist with community outreach and engagement.
• Support coalition meetings and advocacy events.
• Help collect and organize data, stories, and information from people directly affected by policy.
• Attend staff and program meetings to learn how advocacy strategies are developed.
• Contribute to current projects across Kansas Appleseed’s priority areas.

Through the internship, the intern will gain experience with:

• State and local policy advocacy
• Legislative research and tracking
• Grassroots and digital organizing
• Coalition building and community engagement
• Advocacy communications
• Research and data analysis
• Campaign and policy strategy
• Working with people directly impacted by public policy
• The intersection of research, organizing, and policy change

Qualifications

We are looking for someone who is curious, engaged, and interested in understanding how policy and advocacy can create meaningful change. The ideal candidate will:

• Be a rising college junior or senior.
• Have an interest in public policy, social justice, civic engagement, or nonprofit advocacy.
• Have strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Be able to research, synthesize, and communicate information clearly.
• Be organized, dependable, and willing to learn.
• Work well independently and collaboratively.
• Bring curiosity and respect to working with people and communities whose experiences may differ from their own.

Students studying public policy, political science, social work, sociology, communications, law, or related fields are encouraged to apply. Kansas Appleseed will comply with all requirements for course credit.

COMPENSATION: $15 per hour

We strongly encourage people from historically underrepresented communities to apply. Kansas Appleseed believes diversity and inclusion strengthen our communities and workplaces. Kansas Appleseed does not discriminate based on race, gender identity, religion, age, ethnicity, disability, military status, sexual orientation, pregnancy, marital status, or citizenship status.