Policy and Research Intern

~ The National Marine Sanctuary Foundation supports and strengthens the national system of marine sanctuaries and plays a vital role in connecting the American public to the ocean through these special places. ~

By actively engaging both Congress and the Administration, NMSF works diligently to increase federal resources and support for national marine sanctuaries and to focus attention on legislative and executive initiatives affecting sanctuaries.

Through sanctuaries, NMSF seeks to promote sound ocean policies that improve resource protection, strengthen scientific understanding, forge partnerships, and enhance ocean governance. Through our efforts, national leaders become better equipped to make informed and coordinated decisions that can improve the overall health and sustainability of the ocean, coastal, and Great Lakes ecosystems now and for the future.

Position Overview

The Policy and Research Intern's primary responsibility will be to assist the NMSF Policy and Conservation Manager with ongoing programs designed to achieve the goals listed below. 

Legislative Goals 

• Maintain and increase sanctuaries budget and appropriations levels
• Enlarge, expand and strengthen National Marine Sanctuary System
• Engage on legislation directly affecting sanctuaries 

Education and Outreach Goals 

• Plan and manage Capitol Hill Ocean Week, the premier ocean policy conference held annually in DC
• Engage and build the National Marine Sanctuary Caucus
• Arrange briefings promoting sanctuary-related issues and success stories
• Support communities interested in nominating new sanctuaries
• Coordinate the Friends of NOAA Coalition 

Activities: 

• Tasks associated with fulfilling these goals are likely to include researching and analyzing sanctuary-related policies and issues;
• Generating target lists for Congressional and partner engagement;
• Developing and executing an outreach strategy;
• Drafting letters and other communications materials; and
• Planning briefings and meetings with Members of Congress and Congressional Committees, the Administration, and partner entities. 

Qualifications 

• Bachelor's degree; master's degree or near completion preferred
• Exceptional writing and analytical skills
• Experience creating communications materials
• Ability to perform under tight deadlines
• Demonstrated initiative, ability to work both independently and with others
• Attention to detail and highly organized
• Ability to work quickly and prioritize multiple projects
• Familiarity with a range of software, including Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint
• Experience working with the Hill and/or marine and/or environmental organizations a plus 

Compensation: This internship is unpaid but we can offer academic credit.   

To Apply 

• Please click below: "Apply Now Online!" to send your cover letter, resume, unofficial academic transcript, 1-2 writing samples (3 pages max per sample) and 3 professional references.
• Be sure to indicate ‘NMSF Policy & Research Internship' in the subject line.
• Application deadline is August 14, 2015.