Summary:

The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) is our nation’s first humane organization and one of the largest nonprofit animal welfare organizations in the world. The ASPCA provides local and national leadership in caring for pets and pet parents, providing positive outcomes for at-risk animals, and serving victims of animal cruelty.

The ASPCA’s Government Relations (GR) Department helps to enact meaningful legal protections for animals at the state and federal levels. GR team members:

• Identify policy barriers and needs and craft legislative proposals, working with legislative leaders at the state and federal level

• Lobby for bills that strengthen animal protection and prevent cruelty and against bills hostile to animal protection;

• Work to ensure that strong regulations are issued by agencies to implement new policies;

• Provide advocacy training and support for citizens who wish to engage in policy change;

• Participate in ballot measure campaigns to advance protections when a legislative solution is unavailable.

The ASPCA seeks a dedicated, highly motivated, and passionate GR intern to, under direct supervision, become familiar with the role that the department plays in legislative and policy work and to assist with key projects that advance our goals. Based in Washington, DC, the internship will be a hybrid workplace model of in-office and work from home. The in-office work schedule will be determined by the intern’s manager or designee a week in advance, dependent upon Capitol Hill events and other office responsibilities. The intern should expect to work in the Washington, DC office a minimum of two days per week and a maximum of five days per week.

Application Deadline: We will be accepting applications until Tuesday, October 8, 2024 @ 9am ET. Please make sure to submit your application before this date.

Responsibilities:

Interns will be given opportunities to:

• Help to mobilize ASPCA GR volunteers on key initiatives
• Aid in tracking administrative regulations and laws pertaining to animals;
• Draft outreach and media communications and supporting documents
• Conduct legislative and issue research to assist regulatory, federal and state efforts;
• Attend Capitol Hill events, such as hearings and briefings;
• Attend and/or help organize coalition meetings and local events;
• Respond to information requests from ASPCA constituents;
• Attend internal strategy and staff meetings;
• Assist with miscellaneous office tasks and projects as needed.

Internship Structure:      

The duration of each internship position is flexible and will be determined on a case-by- case basis. Generally, we are looking for:

• Early January 2025 – August 2025
• Full time, 40 hours per week preferred; 20 - 30 hours per week possible if you can commit to a regular schedule
• At the will and sole discretion of the ASPCA

Eligibility:                      

Students currently enrolled in undergraduate, graduate, veterinary, or law programs, who have an interest in pursuing a career in animal welfare, public policy, political science, law, or other relevant field. People not currently enrolled in an educational program may also be considered.

Compensation:

The target hiring range for this seasonal intern role is $17.50/hour (or higher if
dictated by local minimum wage rates in your locality).  

Housing:

Interns are responsible for securing housing in the Washington, DC area.

Additional Information:            

All Interns will be required to sign the ASPCA Work Study/Internship Agreement before the official start date of the internship and review the ASPCA Handbook.

Stay Connected – Join Our Talent Community

If you are interested in joining our team but do not see a position listed that fits your experience or interests, please click this link and join our Talent Community to stay connected to future opportunities with the ASPCA.

Qualifications:

Ability to set priorities to meet deadlines effectively, Ability to work independently, as well as be a team player, An intense desire to improve the lives of animals, A strong sense of professionalism, Enthusiasm for advocacy, Excellent communication skills, written and verbal, High level of organization and attention to detail

  

Language:

English (Required)

Education and Work Experience:

High School Diploma (Required)

  

Our EEO Policy:

The ASPCA is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer.  All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, sex, national origin, ancestry, gender, gender identity or expression, age, marital or domestic partner status, citizenship status, sexual orientation, disability, genetic information, military or veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state or local laws, regulations or ordinances.

Applicants with disabilities may be entitled to a reasonable accommodation under the terms of the Americans with Disabilities Act and certain state or local laws.  A reasonable accommodation is a change in the ASPCA’s standard application process, which will ensure an equal employment opportunity without imposing undue hardship on the ASPCA.  Please inform the ASPCA’s People Team if you need an accommodation in order to complete any forms or to otherwise participate in the application process.

Individuals seeking employment are considered without regards to race, color, creed, religion, sex, national origin, ancestry, gender, gender identity or expression, age, marital or domestic partner status, citizenship status, sexual orientation, disability, genetic information, military or veteran status,  or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state or local laws, regulations or ordinances.

ASPCA is an Equal Opportunity Employer (M/F/D/V).