Spring 2015 Drug Policy Action Internship

Organization 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, President 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.

Internship Description

CJPF is seeking recent graduates and outstanding current students passionate about reforming our nation's drug policies and criminal justice system for our Drug Policy Research Internship. Drug Policy Research Interns work on all aspects of CJPF's reform advocacy:

• composing research reports, policy briefs and blogs
• using these materials to build coalitions with environmental, business and immigration organizations
• strategizing with our criminal justice partners on lobbying the Department of Justice and Congress for reform
• attending congressional hearings
• developing and leading advocacy projects of your own

Qualifications

• Strong research skills, including legal research; extensive experience with government statistics is a plus
• Strong writing skills, from concise yet 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 design a plus
• Spanish and/or Portuguese 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

• Minimum of 10 hours per week.
• Fall externship generally begins early September and ends early December. Spring externship begins mid-January or early February and ends in April
• Applications are accepted on a rolling basis, so submit yours early as spots are extremely limited.

Application Process

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
• 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. Good, clear writing is more important than length or formality. The writing sample should be carefully edited and include references as appropriate.

We advise that you take care in preparing a professional and well-organized application.

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