Summer Program and Policy Intern

The National Alliance to End Homelessness (the Alliance) is a nonprofit, non-partisan organization committed to preventing and ending homelessness in the United States. The Alliance uses data and research to identify solutions to homelessness; works with Congress and the Administration to support and advance these solutions; and helps communities to implement the solutions. Recognizing the disproportionality of people of color who experience homelessness and the disparities that cause this, it undertakes its work in the context of achieving racial equity. 

If you are committed to helping the nation SOLVE the problem of homelessness, consider joining the Alliance. 

What we are looking for: 

The Alliance is looking for a talented Summer Intern (June 9-August 15, with some flexibility on start and end dates) who is committed to helping end homelessness in California through state and local policy change, budget advocacy, and program implementation . A Summer Program and Policy Intern will be part of an internship cohort at the Alliance as part of the Program and Policy team. The Alliance’s Policy team uses data and research to determine what policies will have the greatest impact for the amount of time, money, and effort invested and promotes said policy. 

The internship cohort will include opportunities to collaborate with senior staff, access and interact with national state, and local partners, attend external events in the Washington, DC area, and participate in the Alliance’s annual National Conference on Ending Homelessness. We seek candidates with high energy, excellent organizational and communications skills, and an interest in homelessness and housing. Successful interns will value close collaboration with team members but will also be self-motivated and able to work independently. 

What you will do: 

A Summer Policy Intern will assist in projects with the California team including analyzing relevant state legislation, drafting talking points and materials for legislative meetings and hearings, preparing state budget analyses, and reviewing and drafting public comments on state program guidelines. 

Responsibilities will vary based on the candidate’s interests and experience, as well as the areas the Alliance is working on at the time: 

• Communications drafting and content generation: This may include assisting in drafting and editing policy briefs and blogs, subject matter deep dives, and website content. 
• Conducting research: This may include research into existing or proposed legislation or policies at the state and federal level, research into best practices for homelessness response services, or research on narrative responses to homelessness. 
• Supporting staff projects: This may include administrative tasks on projects developed by the policy team like drafting documents and spreadsheets, data entry and database organizing, and attending (with and without Alliance staff) various opportunities for professional development, including policy forums, Congressional briefings, community meetings, and others. 
• Collaborating on advocacy efforts and execution at the state level. 

We are looking for candidates with:  

• Demonstrated interest in public policy analysis, communications, and relationship building with individuals and groups, all focused on homelessness and poverty issues. 
• Demonstrated experience and ability to recognize and respond to the ways race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, and gender identity intersect to further promote racial equity and social justice. 
• Demonstrated interest in working with marginalized or vulnerable populations (e.g., LGBTQ, people with disabilities, people experiencing homelessness, etc.). 
• Previous research, data, and/or outreach experience. 
• Strong professional verbal and written communication skills. 
• Ability to pursue own projects and meet deadlines with limited supervision. 
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office. 
• Proficiency with digital technologies (for interns on communications projects), including video editing and graphic editing is a plus. 
• Candidates with prior life experience or work experience in homeless or low-income communities, communities of color, and/or LGBTQ communities are encouraged to apply. 

What we can offer you: 

The Alliance is a strong, flexible team of professionals that works collaboratively to achieve its mission of preventing and ending homelessness in the nation. We offer interns a supportive work environment in which they receive opportunities to contribute to and direct activities that align with their learning goals in the pursuit of solutions to a national social problem.  

Additional benefits include: 

• 3 paid vacation days and 2 paid sick leave days during the 10-week period of June 9-August 15 (leave pro-rated based on start and end dates)  
• Paid Federal Holidays 

How to Apply: 

We accept online applications only. Please visit our Careers page at https://naeh.bamboohr.com/careers

Include resume, cover letter, and a short writing sample (no more than three pages, can be an excerpt from a larger work). Applications will be accepted through March 15, 20245, and interviews will be granted on a rolling basis.  

Please note: No phone calls please. Only those selected to participate in our hiring process will be contacted.

The Alliance is an equal opportunity employer and values diversity. All employment is decided on the basis of qualifications, merit and business need.