Government Relations Intern

 Government Relations Intern

Community Impact Team

Hours per Week: Approximately 20

Duration: December 2023-March/April 2024

United Way fights for the education, financial stability, health and basic needs of everyone in our community.

We pursue this vision in all we do as we ask our community to give, advocate and volunteer. We believe that vision can only be achieved if pursued with shared values, and therefore place great emphasis on building a team that will pursue this vision together with CARE. This is an exciting time to be part of United Way of Central Indiana's team as we embark on a new strategic framework that fosters innovation, builds community partnerships, and integrates across traditional functional areas.

Courage              Accountability               Respect               Excellence

Position Summary

United Way of Central Indiana recognizes that the key to success is a strong and cohesive team that works through shared values to achieve our mission. The Government Relations Intern will support the work of the government relations team during the legislative session, gaining practical knowledge of state government through active participation in the legislative process. At the direction of the Vice President for Government Relations and working closely with the Government Relations and Public Policy Manger, this position will develop professional skills while strengthening their political knowledge and growing their network. This position will have opportunities to work on projects aimed at influencing policy that will help families in Central Indiana and across the state move out of poverty through increasing equitable access to basic needs and family opportunities. Assigned projects can be catered to the intern's specific interests.

Position Duties & Responsibilities

The following statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed.  They are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and skills required of personnel so classified. 

State and Local Government Relations

• In coordination with the VP of Government Relations and the Public Policy Workgroup, aid in coverage of the Indiana General Assembly
• Review, evaluate and monitor state and local legislation
• Assist in coordinating efforts with community partners and coalitions to advance key legislative priorities
• Assist in preparation of policy briefs, legislative testimony, and talking points on specific legislation as it advances through the General Assembly. May testify on legislation in committee.
• Monitor Indianapolis Marion County City County Council meetings
• Conduct legislative and policy research as needed
• Assist in managing the public policy team's schedule and meetings with legislators.

Advocacy

• In coordination with the VP of Government Relations and Government Relations and Public Policy Manager, assist in execution of advocacy campaign in support of public policy agenda
• Participate in and provide support for any statewide coalitions led by UWCI
• Performs special assignments and other work, on an as-needed basis.

Qualifications

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential job function satisfactorily and be present in the office while performing those functions. Depending on circumstances surrounding Covid-19, it is possible most or all duties will be performed remote. Should this be the case, UWCI will provide the intern with needed materials to perform job duties. The requirements listed are representative of the basic knowledge, skills, and/or abilities required.  Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.  The individual in this role must display the highest level of integrity and confidentiality. United Way also values innovative thinking, and a successful candidate will be a self-starter who can work within the team to achieve goals and objectives.  The individual should have effective communication skills, attention to detail and organization, and flexibility and adaptability. The individual will also maintain knowledge of trends in his/her area of responsibility and reviews literature to understand key issues.

Must be available to work 20 hours per week, Monday – Thursday during regular business hours (8:30 am – 5:00 pm). Hours worked within this timeframe can be flexible to accommodate school and other employment schedules.

Education and/or Experience

Undergraduate sophomores, juniors and seniors; recent college graduates; and graduate and law school students. All majors are encouraged to apply, and no previous political or government experience is required. Qualified applicants will have a strong academic record as well as demonstrate excellent writing and interpersonal communication skills. Successful candidates project a positive, professional attitude, are highly motivated and easily directed and can effectively manage a rigorous workload in a fast-paced, often unpredictable work environment.

Physical Demands: 

The physical demands described here are general representations of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit, reach with hands and arms, talk, and hear. The employee frequently is required to use hands to touch and handle objects. The employee frequently stands or walks.
• The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 10 pounds.  Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision and the ability to adjust focus.

Work Environment: 

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. While UWCI is working in the office as of September 2021, this environment is subject to change based on needed safety measures associated with Covid-19. The work environment for this role may include remote work, the UWCI office and the Indiana Statehouse and Indiana Government Center.

• Remote work location at the discretion of the employee
  • Laptop or Surface will be provided for duration of internship
  • Intern will be expected to be in person two or more days per week, but may work remotely on Mondays and Fridays, depending on legislative calendar.
  • Schedule can be flexible depending on intern's class schedule and other needs.
  • UWCI Office setting
    • Sustained use of a computer.
    • The noise level in the work environment is minimal to moderate.
• Statehouse & Indiana Government Center
  • Public space including large hallways and committee rooms
  • Unassigned, informal seating
  • The noise level in the work environment is moderate.
• Maintains personal/professional competency and works to create an environment of courtesy, respect, enthusiasm, and a positive attitude in all interactions both internal and external to the organization.

Position Leader: Government Relations and Public Policy Manager

FLSA Status:       Non-Exempt, Intern (app.10-20 hours a week)

Salary Range:      $13.00/hr                             

Benefits:               N/A

 Equal Opportunity Employer

Please apply at uwci.org/careers

This position description does not constitute a contract of employment or a guarantee of any terms or conditions of employment.  UWCI employees are employed on an at-will basis. In addition, nothing in this position description restricts UWCI's right to assign or reassign duties and responsibilities to this position at any time.