Federal Affairs Spring 2025 Internship

Internship Job Description - Office of Federal Affairs

The Drug Policy Alliance (DPA) addresses the harms of drug use and drug criminalization through policy solutions, organizing, and public education. We advocate for a holistic approach to drugs that prioritizes health, social supports, and community wellbeing. DPA opposes punitive approaches that destabilize people, block access to care, and drain communities of resources. We believe that the regulation of drugs should be grounded in evidence, health, equity, and human rights. In collaboration with other movements, we change laws, advance justice, and save lives.

DPA has grown to more than 40 staff in New York, California, New Mexico, and Washington, DC; an annual operating budget of approximately $15 million, 12,000 dues-paying members and more than 170,000 online subscribers.  It has a solid track record of success at the local, state, and federal levels and consistent visibility in prominent media and policy circles.

We are an equal opportunity employer and value a diverse workforce and an inclusive culture. We encourage applications from all qualified individuals without regard to race, color, religion, gender, ethnicity, personal appearance, political affiliation, family responsibility, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, national origin, marital status, citizenship, disability, veteran status and record of arrest or conviction. 

We are always seeking creative, innovative people to work with us in our fight to end the war on drugs. We are particularly interested in hiring people who have been adversely affected by the war on drugs. Join us!

Federal Affairs Spring Internship:

DPA’s remote internships are designed to provide an integrated and educational experience for those interested in learning about drug policy, and regulatory and governmental practices first-hand. Our organizational ethos is to tackle racism directly and work to address the harms of the drug war that are overwhelmingly affecting low-income communities and people of color.

Over the course of the internship, our interns will join our passionate, diverse, and creative staff in an engaging on-the-job learning experience at a critical time for the drug policy reform movement. In addition, they will spend time with leaders from across the organization to learn about their careers and DPA’s programmatic and institutional work.

In our Federal Affairs Office, interns conduct research, attend Congressional hearings, draft fact sheets, track legislation, and develop other materials on a wide range of drug federal policy reform issues; participate in internal and external meetings; analyze federal legislation; assist in planning meetings and convenings; conduct outreach to partners and allies; and perform various administrative functions. .  

Qualifications:  
Applicants must be enthusiastic about the organization’s agenda, mission, and vision with solid written, communication, and interpersonal skills. The ideal candidates are independent, detail-oriented, and highly organized, with a proactive work style. Experience with Microsoft Office Suite is preferred. Candidates must also be open to evolving responsibilities and legally authorized to work in the U.S.

Hours:  
Minimum of 16 to 24 hours per week depending on the role. The internship begins on Monday, January 6, 2025, and ends on Friday, May 16, 2025.

Compensation:   

$16/hour for undergraduates and $19/hour for graduate interns who do not receive school funding, school credit or a fellowship opportunity.

Application Process:

To be considered, candidates must submit a cover letter, resume, and brief writing sample. We will only contact candidates who are under consideration. No phone calls, please. 

The deadline to apply for summer internships is Monday, December 2, 2024. Decisions are made on a rolling basis.