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DMI Internships

Seeking people with a passion for civil rights and social justice and an interest in policy research

Research Intern
Drum Major Institute for Public Policy

Spring / Summer 2010

The Drum Major Institute for Public Policy (DMI) is a nonpartisan, nonprofit think tank founded during the civil rights movement to put the best arguments and most effective tools into the hands of those advocating on the frontlines for progressive economic and social change. From the middle-class squeeze to comprehensive immigration reform to the economic potential of America’s cities, DMI’s research, analysis, media, and communications efforts shape how major policy debates are waged and won by elected officials, advocates, grassroots leaders, and concerned citizens at the local, state, and federal level. Always focused on winning the long-term battle of ideas, DMI trains talented young people from underrepresented communities to become the next generation of leaders who can advance progressive public policy. The organization changes the often insular conversation about policymaking by empowering diverse voices to drive it in new directions.

We are seeking a Research Intern to assist with a project on American cities, researching political leadership and other factors that have helped policy campaigns to grow and succeed in urban environments.

Interns must possess excellent writing, research and organizational skills. As DMI focuses exclusively on U.S. domestic policy, our organization is not a good fit for interns primarily interested in foreign policy or international development. Internships are unpaid but provide a meaningful opportunity to develop skills and ideas in a collegial, small-office environment. Length of internship can vary, we require a commitment of at least 15 hours per week on a schedule to be worked out by the intern and DMI.

To apply, submit a cover letter, resume and writing sample to Harry Moroz at hmoroz@drummajorinstitute.org No phone calls please.

 

Communications Intern
Drum Major Institute for Public Policy

Spring / Summer 2010

The Drum Major Institute for Public Policy (DMI) seeks a progressive tech-savvy intern to assist the communications team. This position is ideal for an undergraduate student interested in online media, journalism, and public policy.

Intern duties include the following:

• Building and updating media and outreach lists
• Updating web properties and social media (Facebook, Twitter)
• Contributing ideas for online content
• Assisting with Google AdWords campaigns
• Updating media archives

The ideal candidate will possess strong writing, research, and organization skills, as well as basic knowledge of HTML. Previous experience with blogging, social media, online political campaigns, or grassroots activism a big plus.

This is an UNPAID position with a flexible schedule (12 to 15 hours per week) to be determined during the interview process.

To apply, please send the following materials to Karin Dryhurst, Communications Associate, at kdryhurst@drummajorinstitute.org: a detailed cover letter and a professional resume. Strong candidates will be contacted quickly for interviews. The position would begin immediately. No calls, please.

 

 

Development/Operations Intern
Drum Major Institute for Public Policy

Spring / Summer 2010

The Drum Major Institute for Public Policy is looking for interns with a passion for civil rights and social justiceand an interest in fundraising, organizational development and operations.

We are seeking interns to assist with the following tasks:

  • Research support – foundations, individuals, corporations
  • Help respond to donor/constituent requests for information
  • Help manage major donor events e.g. mail invitations, maintain RSVP list
  • Assist with updating Raiser’s Edge Database (prior knowledge of software is not necessary)
  • Assist with outreach to electeds and other DMI constituents for our different events including the Marketplace of Ideas.
  • Filing and other administrative support tasks, assist with some mailings
  • Assist in creating donor support materials

Candidates must have demonstrated commitment to the mission of DMI. Involvement with progressive activism is a plus. Interns must possess excellent writing, research and organizational skills as well as good phone skills and a willingness and comfort level with speaking to elected officials and their staff. DMI is unable to pay interns at this time, but offers a meaningful opportunity to develop skills and ideas in a collegial, small-office environment. Length of internship can vary.

This is an UNPAID position with a flexible schedule (12 to 15 hours per week) to be determined during the interview process.

To apply, please send a cover letter, resume, and writing sample to Lauren Su, Director of Strategic Relations at lsu@drummajorinstitute.org with the subject header: "Internship" or fax to 646-274-5699.  Please no phone calls.