The Policy and Communications Intern will provide administrative and programmatic support to IRAP’s Communications and Policy Departments as well as other Departments at IRAP to change policies and systems through advocacy and communications. This role will be co-supervised by staff members from Policy and Communications.

The start date of the internship is Tuesday, May 27, 2025, beginning with an onboarding week (May 27-30) in IRAP’s New York office. If you are only able to work part-time (for example, if you are a part-time student), or unable to begin on May 27th, please still apply and we will review your application.

Responsibilities

Conduct storytelling research about displaced people, including, but not limited to, identifying relevant news articles, messaging and social media trends, and opportunities for advocacy and awareness-building using communications tools.
Create original written and visual content for IRAP’s social media, web, email marketing, and digital advertising platforms that centers client voices and reflects principles of anti-racism, anti-oppression, and accessibility.
Research target journalists and outlets in support of media advocacy efforts.
Design original communications campaigns and assist with partner communications campaigns.
Organize and compile accurate data in the contact and communications databases.
Assist with research and analysis on priority policy issues.
Track legislation, federal agency policy changes, and litigation as it relates to displaced persons.
Attend committee hearings, think tank events, and other events and meetings in the policy community as needed.
Support engagement with government officials, in partnership with coalitions.
Draft internal and external facing policy documents such as backgrounders, letters, action alerts, and memos.
Additional creative projects and administrative tasks may be suggested.

Qualifications

Education

Must be enrolled in or within one year of graduation from an undergraduate institution.

Experience

At least two years of undergraduate class work or equivalent work experience must be completed prior to the start of the internship.

Values, Competencies, Skills

Passion for upholding and advancing the rights of displaced people.
Organized, motivated, and collaborative; able to balance multiple priorities; strong time management skills.
Strong research, writing, and analytical skills.
Strong interpersonal and communication skills.
Sensitivity to client empowerment and to working with clients of all backgrounds, including LGBTQIA+ clients, survivors of trauma, and other vulnerable populations.
Deep commitment to Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, Accessibility (DEIA) in all internal and external communications and interactions.
Adaptability and responsiveness to shifting priorities and rapid-response timelines.
Excellent English oral and written skills; ability to speak other languages is a plus.
Word processing knowledge required; knowledge of WordPress, Adobe Creative Cloud, Google Workspace, and Salesforce is a plus.

Internship-related Requirements

This internship requires a work authorization in the United States.
This internship can be based in New York City, Washington DC, or remote within the US.
This internship may require occasional travel to the NYC office.
This internship can be done remotely or hybrid.

Compensation/School Credit

IRAP can host interns/externs in two ways:

-Paid internship where students are compensated $16 per hour (or intern’s state minimum wage to be applied) for 40 hours per week.

-Non-compensated positions for academic credit(s) (must be coordinated in collaboration with an applicant’s school).

Internship and externship candidates will be considered equally.

Duration

This is a full-time position and requires a 10-week commitment beginning on Tuesday, May 27, 2025 with an onboarding week (May 27-30) in IRAP’s New York office. If you are only able to work part-time (for example, if you are a part-time student), or unable to begin on May 27th, please still apply and we will review your application.

Application Process

Please submit the following materials here. We will only review complete applications.

- A 1-page cover letter describing your interest in working with IRAP, including any relevant life or work experience (please address your cover letter to: “Intern/Extern Hiring Committee”).

- A 1-2 page resume.

- A list of 2-3 professional references.

We will prioritize review of applications sent by February 16, 2025, so interested students should apply as soon as possible.

Applicants interested in multiple internship/externship opportunities should submit separate applications for each position for which they are interested and qualified.

IRAP believes that diversity is critical to fostering a strong workplace and serving our clients well. We strongly encourage applications from people with lived experiences in the communities that we serve, members of other marginalized communities, and individuals whose identities are underrepresented in the legal profession.

IRAP is committed to the full inclusion of all qualified individuals. As part of this commitment, IRAP will ensure that persons with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodations. If reasonable accommodation is needed to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and/or to receive other benefits and privileges of employment, please refer to your request in the cover letter.

IRAP is an equal-opportunity employer; people of color and individuals from diverse backgrounds are encouraged to apply. IRAP does not discriminate based on race, color, national origin, citizenship status, ethnic background, religion, political orientation, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, disability, or any other protected class. We consider all qualified applicants with criminal histories in a manner consistent with the requirements of all local, state, and federal laws related to the Fair Chance Act.

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