Legislative Intern

ABOUT THE ORGANIZATION AND THE OPPORTUNITY 

The Education Trust–West (Ed Trust–West) seeks a Legislative Intern to join the organization’s Policy and Government Relations (P&GR) team. The Legislative Intern will assist the P&GR team with a range of government relations initiatives that advance Ed Trust–West’s advocacy efforts across TK-12 and higher education. The Legislative Intern will be responsible for managing the organization’s legislative tracker, scheduling meetings, writing legislative updates, and assisting with other legislative projects.  

The Education Trust–West is the California-based office of Education Trust headquartered in Washington D.C. Ed Trust–West is committed to advancing policies and practices to dismantle the racial and economic barriers embedded in the U.S. education system. Through our research and advocacy, Ed Trust–West improves equity in education from preschool through college, engages diverse communities dedicated to equity and justice, and increases political and public will to build an education system where all students will thrive. 

This role, available immediately, is based in our Sacramento office, and will be eligible for telework up to three days a week. The Legislative Intern will report to the Policy and Government Relations Associate. This role is budgeted for roughly 15-20 hours per week for 24 weeks. Exact hours are negotiable but must be consistent from week to week. 

ABOUT THE INTERN ROLE 

The Legislative Intern supports the policy and Government Relations team to manage the tracking of state legislation, the state budget, important dates and deadlines and other education policy proposals on behalf of ETW. Major duties of a Legislative Intern include, but are not limited to, the following: 

• Track legislative and regulatory proposals and actions at the state level  
• Draft regular legislative communications  
• Attend and report on Legislative Committee hearings and relevant events 
• Draft clear and concise summaries of bills and reports  
• Serve as an active participant and notetaker for discussions and detailing next steps from team meetings 
• Maintain and update ETW’s internal legislative tracking systems  
• Write regular updates of upcoming legislative hearings, bills to be heard, and bill deadlines  
• Support with planning and scheduling of events such as Lunch and Learns Briefings and coordinating our annual Educational Advocacy Day 
• Other duties as assigned 

IDEAL SKILLS AND CHARACTERISTICS 

Shared belief in Ed Trust–West’s mission and a commitment to improving educational equity, with a focus on racial equity 

• Dedication in contributing to and maintaining an equitable working environment  
• Strong communication skills, with a focus on writing 
• Ability to organize, prioritize, and meet the deadlines of multiple tasks 
• Both the ability to take initiative and be self-directed on medium-term projects as well as the ability to successfully tackle fast-moving, unforeseen tasks 
• Attention to detail 
• Analytic mindset and the desire to continually assess the education policy and legislative landscape  
• Results-oriented, achievement-driven approach to projects and tasks, with a clear understanding and focus on goals  
• Strong computer skills, including proficiency in MS Office applications (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook) 
• Willingness to receive and act upon constructive feedback 

QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE 

The ideal candidate will possess the following qualifications and experience: 

• At least a high school diploma or GED, and enrolled in a higher education degree program 
• Experience using MS Office software such as Word, Excel, Outlook, and SharePoint 
• General knowledge of education policy 
• Prior experience working with legislative text or working with or engaging in advocacy with a legislative body such as Capitol Hill or a state legislature preferred 

COMPENSATION 

The pay for this position ranges from $18-$23/hour, and offers will be commensurate with education and experience. All interns accrue sick leave. 

VACCINATION FOR COVID-19 

At The Education Trust, the health and safety of our employees is of the utmost importance. As such, all Education Trust employees are required to be fully vaccinated and remain up to date on their vaccinations for COVID-19. New hires should be fully vaccinated and up to date on their COVID-19 vaccinations prior to their first day of work. Requests for accommodations due to medical or religious reasons will be reviewed by Human Resources.  

APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS  

Please provide a cover letter and resume, combined into one document. In the file name, please write the name of the position you are applying for and your last name: e.g., “Legislative Intern _Robinson.”  

We invite you to consider your cover letter as an opportunity to:  

• Tell a story that illuminates your interest in education equity and Ed Trust–West’s mission  
• Share how your background and experience make you the right fit for this position  

Please submit your application materials by clicking the “Apply Externally” button by the priority deadline of October 15, 2023. Applications will be accepted/reviewed until the position is filled. Incomplete applications will not be accepted.