Careers

Description:

Common Threads is a nonprofit that teaches children and families cooking and nutrition education to encourage health and wellness. We are national in scope, with strong roots in each of our 10 major program locations, reaching more than 340,000 children, parents and teachers in 2020-2021. We equip under-resourced communities with information to make affordable, nutritious and appealing food choices wherever they live, work, learn, and play. We know that food is rooted in culture and tradition, so we promote diversity in our lessons and recipes. We believe that adequate and healthy food contributes to wellbeing. For more information, visit www.commonthreads.org or Common Threads’ social media accounts (@CommonThreadsOrg on Instagram and @CommonThreadsUS on Twitter).
Policy, Advocacy & Research Intern Position Overview
Common Threads is seeking a part-time, unpaid Policy Advocacy and Research Intern for the fall-early spring terms (start and end date of internship is flexible). An intern seeking academic credit is preferred. This is a work from home/remote position for approximately 10- 15 hours per week, with preference given to interns in one of Common Threads’ market locations (Austin, Chicago, El Paso, Erie, Dallas/Ft. Worth, Houston, Miami, New York, Pittsburgh or San Antonio)..
This intern will support Common Threads’ efforts to continue building capacity for government relations and policy and advocacy work, including relationship building with local, state, and national government staff and officials, conducting research on nutrition and health related policies, identifying fundraising opportunities, and other activities. At Common Threads, you will have the opportunity to learn how a national nonprofit operates while you explore a career in nutrition education, food security and wellness.
The position reports primarily to the Foundation and Government Relations Manager and the Evaluation Manager.
Responsibilities:
This intern position requires a balance of research skills with strong written and verbal communication skills.
Government Affairs

• Prepare materials for meetings with government officials, including Congressional members, Senators, mayoral staff, etc.

• Participate in relevant policy related webinars and report important insights/information to the team.

• Participate in internal staff meetings with CT government affairs and policy advocacy committee.

Research

• Research health and wellness initiatives, as well as committees and events, in key locations, as identified by Common Threads.

• Research government personnel for outreach and introductions.

• Research local public health data and constituent population demographics.

Qualifications:
Education:

• Graduate student or rising senior in an undergraduate degree program; political science, public policy, and public health or related fields preferred

Experience

• At least 1 year of work experience (e.g. a combination of job and/or internships)

• Familiarity with a CRM (such as Salesforce) is a plus, but training available

• Experience with research and policy analysis is preferred

Skills

• Proficiency in Microsoft Word and PowerPoint, as well as Google applications including Docs, Slides, Sheets and Drive

• Ability to analyze and manipulate data, with mid-level experience in Microsoft Excel or Google Sheets a plus

• Ability to synthesize and summarize information and data, both qualitative and quantitative

• Strong organizational, time management and logical thinking skills; must be task-oriented

• Strong communication skills, both verbal and written.

• Ability to collaborate on shared projects and demonstrate flexibility as needed.

Other Requirements

• Candidates should have reliable access to high-speed Internet and a laptop/computer/digital tablet with a webcam.

• Ability to work within a mission-driven environment to develop professional and respectful relationships with culturally diverse audiences, both internally and externally

Physical Demands:
The physical demands described here are representative 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 occasionally required to stand; walk; sit; use hands/fingers to handle or feel objects, tools, or controls; reach with hands and arms; climb stairs; balance; stoop, kneel, crouch or crawl; talk or hear; taste or smell. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by the job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus.
Common Threads’ EEO Statement:
Common Threads provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability or genetics. In addition to federal law requirements, Common Threads complies with applicable state and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment in every location in which the company has facilities. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation and training.
Common Threads expressly prohibits any form of workplace harassment based on race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, genetic information, disability, or veteran status. Improper interference with the ability of Common Threads’ employees to perform their job duties may result in discipline up to and including discharge.

If you think you meet most of these qualifications, we’d love to meet you! Submit resume and cover letter here: https://commonthreads.catsone.com/careers/ No phone calls, please. Serious applicants only, incomplete applications will not be considered. No third-party firms. Application deadline: Oct. 8, 2021.