Political Department Intern - Communications and Research

JOB TITLE: Political Department Intern - Communications and Research

SALARY: $20.00/hour

LOCATION: All USA; Remote

DURATION OF INTERNSHIP: July 2024 thru December 2024; start and end dates are flexible 

ORGANIZATIONAL OVERVIEW:

Service Employees International Union (SEIU), the nation's fastest growing labor organization representing more than 2 million workers, is seeking full-time interns in the Union’s Political Department. Focused on uniting workers in healthcare, public services, and property services, SEIU members are winning better wages, healthcare and more secure jobs for our communities, and uniting their strength with their counterparts around the world to help ensure that workers benefit from today's global economy.

PURPOSE: 

SEIU’s National Political Department seeks interns for the Summer/Fall 2023 period. Individuals can expect to gain hands-on knowledge and experience in work with SEIU local unions and members. The Political Communications team designs and directs independent expenditure paid media and digital programs in support of endorsed candidates on the state and local levels. Additionally, political communications also provides support to local unions and our members on political messaging, and paid and unpaid communications. The role helps prepare interns for a career in a variety of roles related to politics, communications, and the labor movement. 

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES

(Any one position may not include all of the specific duties and responsibilities listed. Examples provide a general summary of the work required and should not be treated as a total and complete list of expected duties to be performed by employees in the classification.)

Political Department Intern - Communications:

• Assist comms managers with newsletters

• Track stories in the media

• Research local media targets

• Review drafts of member op-eds, reports, etc

• Attend research and messaging meetings/briefings and take notes

• Assist with drafting of op-eds and letters to the editor

• Assist with administrative and other tasks as assigned

EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE

All applicants must have graduated from high school or an equivalency program and be currently enrolled in or recently graduated from an academic program; a focus on communications, journalism, political science, labor studies, public policy or similar program is preferred. 

REQUIRED SKILLS AND ABILITIES

• Strong oral and written communications skills

• Highly organized, detail-oriented and able to manage time

• Strong interest in labor and progressive policy

• Positive attitude and an ability to work well both in groups and individually

• Professional phone demeanor

• Comfortable working with a diverse group of individuals

• Ability to work well under pressure and with shifting deadlines and priorities

• Ability to handle multiple assignments in a timely manner

• Ability to analyze data and make sound, logical conclusions

• Ability to work well independently and proactively reach out for guidance and additional assignments

DIRECTION & DECISION MAKING
Individuals will work primarily with Political Department staff and leadership. The Political Department Intern - Communications will report to the Assistant Communications Director for Politics. 

APPLY: Please submit a resume and writing sample with your application(i.e research paper, published work, school assignment).

WORKING CONDITIONS

This is a full-time position. Political Department interns will work remotely and will be paid an hourly rate of $20.00. Full-time interns will work a maximum of 35 hours per week.

VACCINATION REQUIREMENT

Candidates will be required to show proof of being fully vaccinated against COVID-19 upon commencing employment. Reasonable accommodations will be considere