General Summary
The policy intern works closely with Oceana’s federal policy team in support of Oceana’s U.S. campaigns. The intern assists our advocacy and government relations work to block expanded offshore oil drilling, defend ocean conservation laws, ban the sale of shark fins, protect marine mammals, and deter illegal fishing through transparency.
Principal Duties and Responsibilities
Essential Functions:
• Conduct research and write policy memos on ocean-related topics and legislation
• Track and attend relevant congressional hearings and markups
• Track legislation of interest to Oceana
• Assist Oceana with outreach to Congress, Administration officials and stakeholders including drafting correspondence, scheduling and tracking meetings, and delivering materials
• Maintain Oceana’s database of official correspondence and public comments
• Assist in organizing Capitol Hill lobby days and fly-ins
• Prepare and compile material to assist policy team
• Assist in preparing and filing Oceana’s quarterly federal lobby disclosure reports
• Other duties as needed by the policy team
Job Requirements
Education and work experience:
• Bachelor’s degree
• Strong interest in Congress, politics, and the policy-making process
• Experience in government or advocacy (volunteer or paid) preferred
Skills and knowledge:
• Knowledge and interest in ocean and other conservation issues
• Excellent research, writing, and communication skills
• Excellent attention to detail
• Good computer skills
• Ability to work effectively in a team
• Energy, enthusiasm, and a strong desire to learn
• Ability to work independently on discrete projects
Competencies:
• Action oriented: Takes on new opportunities and tough challenges with a sense of urgency, high energy and enthusiasm.
• Instills trust: gains the confidence and trust of others through honesty, integrity, and authenticity.
• Collaborates: Brings people together to leverage their skills, talents and knowledge to achieve a common purpose.
• Communicates effectively: Understands the value of effective communication.
• Ensures Accountability: Follows through on commitments and makes sure others do the same.
“Oceana values a diverse workforce and welcomes people different from each other in many ways, including characteristics such as race, gender, sexual orientation, religion, ethnicity, and national origin. Oceana considers all qualified candidates and seeks to recruit from a diverse candidate pool.”