Spring Internships

Redefining Progress is a policy institute that provides research, tools and solutions that help people grow the economy and protect the environment. We achieve our impact by linking ground-breaking analysis to strategic communications and powerful partnerships with business, government, advocacy, and grassroots leadership. 

We are currently seeking interns for the spring quarter. We aim to provide interns with the rewarding and challenging experience of being an active participant in the shaping of public policy, social change, and a new vision of progress where everyone enjoys a high-quality of life that is within the means of nature. 

Internships are scheduled according to program director and intern convenience, but roughly follow the academic semester schedule. We accept both full-time and part-time interns, with a minimum commitment of 20 hours per week for three months (Some programs prefer a longer commitment). At the present time, RP only offers unpaid internship opportunities. Internships are currently available in both our Oakland (all internships) and Washington, D.C., (Sustainable Economics internships only) offices. 

EDUCATION INTERN 

Redefining Progress is seeking two interns to work on education projects. 

The Sustainability Education program is centered on the Ecological Footprint, the amount of land any given population requires to provide all resources and absorb all wastes. The intern will help to coordinate educator workshops that train teachers to integrate the Ecological Footprint concept into history/social studies and science curriculum for grades K-12. This internship will be primarily administrative but provides ample opportunities to train educators, develop curriculum, and expand the scope of the program. 

The Environmental Justice and Climate Change Initiative program uses popular education to organize low-income, people of color communities around climate justice. Climate justice is fair treatment for all and freedom from discrimination in the creation and implementation of climate policy. The intern will assist in developing curriculum, conducting trainings, and writing grants. 

SUSTAINABLE ECONOMICS 

Research Intern - The internship focuses on advancing the use of market-based policies - especially taxes and tradable permits - to better harmonize environmental health, social justice and economic growth. The position will combine quality original scholarship with application of these instruments to real-world problems at the local, state, national and international level.

The person who will succeed in this position is a quick, meticulous, self-directed individual with advanced quantitative and communication skills. The intern will work in close cooperation with the Director of the Sustainable Economics Program.

Specific qualifications include: 

* Ability to perform complex research tasks without close supervision. 
* Excellent computer skills, including spreadsheets, ability to manipulate matrices, and ability to use and analyze large data sets in various formats and media.
* Mathematical skills on the order of at least a junior in economics or engineering. Graduate students are also strongly encouraged to apply.
* Ability to quickly locate and effectively summarize the literature (primarily economic) in an area of study.
* Knowledge of statistics and econometrics. 
* Excellent research and writing skills. 

Political Interns (Washington, DC area applicants encouraged)

Track legislation and political developments in state-level tax shifting. Assist in outreach and coalition building with environmental, business, and organized labor groups, legislators, executive staff, and press to promote the use of environmental fees and charges to address state budget crises. May be asked to support other sustainability initiatives. One intern will be based in Oakland, CA and the other in Washington, DC. 

ENVIRONMENTAL JUSTICE AND CLIMATE CHANGE INITIATIVE 

Researcher/Coordinator 

Work closely with EJCC initiative project manager to coordinate communications with initiative partners throughout the U.S. and conduct initiative research. Requires excellent oral and written communications, web and library research skills, and the ability to work with a diverse array of people. All applicants should have an academic background in economics, political science, or environmental studies; strong writing skills; quantitative and/or qualitative research experience and/or skills (or strong interest/aptitude in acquiring them). Persons of color are strongly encouraged to apply. 

Web Designer/Editor 

Assist with HTML writing and production, web page layout and graphics of expanding EJCC website. This position may also require Internet research. Requires web production skills, a good eye for design, strong writing skills, and good information organization skills. Persons of color are strongly encouraged to apply. 

DEVELOPMENT 

The Development Intern will participate in various projects, depending upon skills and interests of the intern and project needs. Most internship projects focus on grant research and writing grant proposals, letters of inquiry and donor correspondence. A finite project with specific goals will be developed and the intern will have significant beginning to end experience in the proposal process.

Interns will research foundations and development of letters of inquiry, proposals and reports for a specific RP program. Development Interns will also gain experience in daily development operations, and cultivation of individual donors, business communities and foundations. Through the internship, the individual will gain experience in project management and proficiency in data analysis and fund raising. 

Executive Research Intern 

Provide research support for Executive Director. Assist in gathering information from a variety of print and online sources for ED's column and article writing projects. Excellent writing ability and strong research necessary. Background in economic analysis, statistics, and/or political science helpful. 

To apply for an internship, please send the following three items: 

Cover letter explaining (1) why you want to work for Redefining Progress, (2) the area or areas in which you are interested, and (3) the dates you will be available to do the internship; Resume; Brief (2-4 page) writing sample. 

You can access further intern information on our website at: http://www.redefiningprogress.org/newabout/jobs.shtml 

Applications are being accepted on a rolling basis. Please apply ASAP indicating the dates you are available to work. Electronic submissions are strongly preferred. You may also fax or mail to:

Intern Coordinator
Redefining Progress
1904 Franklin Street, 6th Floor
Oakland, CA 94612