Criminal Justice Policy Foundation summer internship

Summer 2016 Drug Policy Action Internship

Description

One of the oldest U.S. drug policy nonprofits, the Criminal Justice Policy Foundation has been working on drug policy and criminal justice reform since its founding in 1989. Prior to founding CJPF, Executive Director Eric E. Sterling served as Counsel to the Judiciary Committee of the US House of Representatives, where he wrote legislation on drug and gun control, money laundering, organized crime, and corrections. Today, in addition to leading CJPF, Mr. Sterling serves on the committee drafting the new medical marijuana regulations for the state of Maryland. He frequently gives presentations and appears in the media as an expert on drug policy, sentencing policy, and the impacts of the War on Drugs upon the economy, environment, civil rights and immigration.

CJPF is seeking law students, graduates and top undergraduates passionate about reforming our nation's drug policies and criminal justice system for our Drug Policy Action Internship. Drug Policy Action Interns work on all aspects of CJPF's reform advocacy:

• Using government data and academic studies to research and write briefs on conspiracy laws, asset forfeiture and racial disparities in drug convictions
• Building support for marijuana policy reform among key constituencies, including environmental, business, conservative and Latino organizations
• Raising awareness and support for Supervised Injection Facilities in the United States
• Attending congressional hearings on drug policy and sentencing reform
• Developing and leading advocacy projects of your own

Qualifications

• Strong research skills, including legal research and/or extensive experience with government statistics
• Strong writing skills, from concise, accurate research reports to simple and eye-catching blog posts
• Demonstrated interest in drug policy and criminal justice reform, from coursework to extracurriculars
• Demonstrated ability to conduct high-level independent research and/or advocacy projects with minimal supervision
• Familiarity with Excel, STATA or other data analysis application preferred
• Familiarity with basic html and web or graphic design a plus
• Spanish fluency a plus
• CJPF is an equal opportunity employer. We value diversity in the workplace and encourage you to address your own background in your cover letter

Terms

• Compensation is not provided. Course credit may be available.
• Minimum of 20 hours per week.
• The summer term generally begins early June and ends early August.
• Applications are accepted on a rolling basis, so submit yours early as spots fill up quickly.

How to apply

Application Contents

All applications should include:
1. Cover letter
Successful applicants address the following:

• Specific research and advocacy interests within criminal justice policy reform broadly and at CJPF specifically
• An understanding of CJPF’s general mission and strategy
• Specific experiences that demonstrate how well you fit the qualifications listed above
• Description of your unique contribution to the interests, skills and diversity of the CJPF staff
• Available dates, hours per week, and other logistical details

2. Resume
3. A writing sample which reveals your ability to analyze and express your own ideas, preferably on a policy topic related to our work. Good, clear writing is more important than length or formality. The writing sample should be carefully edited and include references as appropriate.

Application Submission

Applicants will be interviewed and interns hired on a rolling basis. Please do not call to inquire about the status of your application. All applicants will be notified as soon as possible if they are removed from consideration.
Email (preferred), fax or mail your application to:
Amos Irwin, Chief of Staff
airwin@cjpf.org
Subject line: Internship Application for [Your Name]
Fax: (301) 589-5056

Address:
The Criminal Justice Policy Foundation
8730 Georgia Avenue, Suite 400
Silver Spring, MD 20910