Advocacy Intern

Summary

Join The HALO Trust (USA) as an Advocacy Intern and contribute to their mission of removing landmines and explosive remnants of war. This part-time, paid internship (D.C. minimum wage) runs from September 2nd to December 12th, with a potential extension. The role involves supporting Congressional engagement, expanding partnerships, and assisting with grassroots advocacy. You will work closely with the Head of Congressional Affairs & Strategic Engagement, primarily remotely on Mondays and Fridays, with in-office work on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays. The internship offers valuable experience in advocacy, Congressional relations, the non-profit sector, and humanitarian work, making a significant impact on the department's goals and the lives of families worldwide.

Requirements

• Be a graduate student or recent graduate from an undergraduate institution
• Have at least 3 years of combined work/internship experience (in any field), with some experience related to this role
• Possess a positive attitude and be highly organized, flexible, self-motivated, and detail-oriented, with a strong interest in the non-profit and international development/humanitarian sector

Responsibilities

• Draft impactful e-newsletters, concise memos, updates on advocacy activities, infographics, and aesthetically pleasing briefing materials (in Canva) on issues relevant to mine action for Congress, partners, and for internal use
• Track and report on hearings, legislation, and Congressional updates in legislative database
• Professionally request Congressional meetings and record meetings notes
• Support HALO-hosted events, represent HALO at in-person and virtual briefings/events/meetings, and input notes and attendee data into database
• Support public communication about HALO’s advocacy work by drafting advocacy updates for HALO’s website, compiling/editing photos, and drafting social media posts as needed
• Support the planning of privately-sponsored international Congressional travel (researching flights, travel requirements, etc.)
• Support grassroots advocacy efforts through helping to recruit and educate advocates (especially students and young professionals), helping with grassroots campaigns and related social media content, and stewarding advocates
• Input and manage contacts, meeting notes, and other data in Quorum, and other organizational databases
• Call Congressional offices to acquire updated staff contacts and other information as needed
• Perform analysis on advocacy efforts to improve outcomes
• Conduct light research/fact-finding on current events and other related topics
• Track and report on election activity
• Support calendar management for senior staff
• Other duties as assigned

Preferred Qualifications

• Possess strong attention to detail
• Possess excellent written and verbal communications skills
• Possess strong analytical and organizational skills
• Have an outgoing personality when it comes to performing cold outreach to organizations/individuals and speaking to groups on behalf of HALO’s mission
• Possess strong leadership and ability to take initiative
• Have an exceptional work ethic
• Be a fast learner and thrive in a fast-paced work environment
• Be proficient in social media, Microsoft Office suite, Canva
• Have a keen understanding of writing styles appropriate for communicating to Congressional offices, grassroots advocates, stakeholders, busy HALO staff, and the general public
• Have prior experience conducting Congressional advocacy or working in a Congressional office

Benefits

• The position offers valuable insight into working in advocacy, Congressional relations, the non-profit sector, and humanitarian work
• This role will provide the opportunity to conduct direct and meaningful work that will significantly impact the department’s ability to achieve goals and will make a difference in the lives of families across the globe