Intern in Washington, District of Columbia at The Aspen Institute

ABOUT US

The Aspen Institute is a global nonprofit organization whose purpose is to ignite human potential to build understanding and create new possibilities for a better world. Founded in 1949, the Institute drives change through dialogue, leadership, and action to help solve society’s greatest challenges. It is headquartered in Washington, DC, and has a campus in Aspen, Colorado, as well as an international network of partners.

CENTER FOR NATIVE AMERICAN YOUTH

The Center for Native American Youth is a national advocacy organization working to improve the health, safety, and overall well-being of Native American youth ages 24 and under. Created by former US Senator Byron Dorgan, CNAY brings greater national attention to the issues facing Native youth through direct youth engagement, advocacy and policy change, and communications efforts that support strengths-based narratives.

ABOUT THIS ROLE

The Center for Native American Youth at The Aspen Institute offers internships year-round. The time required for the internship is 15-30 hours per week. Interns focus primarily on policy research, communications tasks, and administrative support. Applicants must have an interest in American Indian and Alaska Native issues and preferably have some experience working with tribal organizations, federal partners or policymakers.

This position supports the Center for Native American Youth’s program initiatives, including sophisticated research, communication, convening, and policy efforts aimed at improving the lives of young people in tribal and urban Native communities. CNAY seeks motivated, responsible, detail-oriented self-starters with strong written and verbal communication skills.

This internship includes policy research, including drafting summaries of issues and policies related to Native youth; communications support with marketing materials such as blog posts, social media and website updates; coordinating meetings and event logistics; and significant administrative support. Special projects will be assigned depending on the needs of CNAY and the skills of the candidate. This position reports to Program Manager and works with other senior CNAY staff as appropriate to complete assigned tasks. The internship is located at The Aspen Institute headquarters in Washington, DC.

WHAT YOU WILL DO

Research & Writing

• Research as requested, from individuals and organizations to issues related to Native American youth.

• Create succinct summaries for audiences with varying levels of familiarity with Native American tribes and issues.

• Draft correspondence, blog posts, social media copy, and other written materials, adhering to CNAY’s organizational tone.

• Keep abreast of news and current trends in Indian Country, disseminate information on key issues to team members as appropriate.

• Attend relevant events in D.C. and draft summaries of events attended in an accessible, organized format.

• Support CNAY staff with document formatting, printing, copying, and other administrative tasks.

Event Planning

• Assist with venue logistics, catering, participant travel, talking points, printing, materials preparation, and on-site support as requested.

Communications

• Support website updates, including drafting and publishing content as needed (html experience not necessary, but a plus).

• Draft stories and content, as requested, for e-mail campaigns, blog posts, social media channels and other communications efforts.

• Assist with event photography as requested.

Administrative

• Support CNAY team by scheduling appointments, confirming room reservations.

• Execute data entry tasks, filing, copying, answering phones, and other duties as assigned.

WHAT YOU WILL NEED TO THRIVE

• Some work/internship experience preferred;

• Strong interest in American Indian and Alaska Native issues required;

• Outstanding organizational skills, with emphasis on time-management, attention to detail and the ability to plan, organize and carry out multiple, simultaneous long- and short-term assignments;

• Strong verbal and written communication skills

• Ability to conduct online research and analysis

• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite including Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint;

• Fluency with social media platforms (Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Snapchat, YouTube, etc.);

• Team player who can also work individually and be a self-starter;

• Professionalism and adherence to ethics.

Role Competencies

• Adaptability: Recognizes the need to adapt

• Creativity and Innovation: Acknowledges that new approaches can be used

• Event Management: Introductory: Demonstrates introductory understanding and ability and, with guidance, applies the competency in a few, simple situations. Can direct people to the appropriate source for further information.

• Managing Project Communications: Demonstrates introductory understanding, directing people to the appropriate source for further information.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

The Aspen Institute offers a generous benefits package including health, dental, vision, and prescription benefits, retirement benefits, and paid leave.

The Aspen Institute is an Equal Opportunity Employer and complies with all District and federal laws. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, or protected veteran or disabled status and will not be discriminated against.

The Aspen Institute welcomes individuals with disabilities to participate in its programs, including the interview process. If you would like to request accommodations or hav questions about accessibility, please email hrsupport@aspeninstitute.org or call 202-736-2127 in advance of your visit. Requests for ASL or CART services should be made at least two weeks in advance when possible. We will make every effort to fulfill requests, subject to availability.