Legislative Policy Intern

Position Summary 

The Legislative Policy Intern will support our Community Engagement and Impact department. The role will work closely with the policy team on grassroots organizing, conduct policy research, and draft legislative materials. The role offers hands-on legislative experience, professional mentorship, skills building, and the opportunity to network with local leaders and changemakers and make real change in their community. 

YWCA Hartford Region is open to working with your academic institution to coordinate educational credit.

Essential Functions of the Job

• Proactively research state and local legislation, policy trends, and stakeholder positions;
• Provide administrative support in tracking bills, committee hearings, and regulatory developments relevant to the organization’s mission;
• Support the drafting of policy briefs, memos, talking points, and testimony;
• Monitor and summarize legislative sessions, committee reports, and public hearings;
• Assist with scheduling and preparation for meetings with legislators, allies, and coalition partners;
• Help plan and staff community events, lobby days, or community outreach initiatives;
• Prepare and distribute internal updates on policy developments;
• Attend relevant legislative committee hearings and provide summaries or input; and
• Contribute to communications and social media around policy campaigns, when relevant.

Education

• Currently enrolled as a college senior or postgraduate student, desirable. However, students with a junior academic status are encouraged to apply.
• Major in a relevant field such as Public Policy, Political Science, Government, Law, Public Administration, Economics, or a related discipline.

Qualifications

• Strong interest in state and local policy, government, human services, and legislative processes;
• Excellent research, writing, and analytical skills;
• Effective communication skills, able to distill complex policy issues into clear, accessible language;
• Highly organized, with the ability to manage multiple tasks and deadlines;
• Self-motivated, resourceful, and able to work both independently and as part of a team;
• Comfortable attending meetings (in-person or virtual), and taking notes or preparing follow-ups; and
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, etc.).

Certifications/Licensure

• Must have reliable transportation and the ability to travel locally to meet the scheduling needs and/or functions of the job.

Key Competencies

• Seeks to cultivate and develop professional working relationships with key stakeholders, i.e., staff, volunteers, interns, etc.;
• Demonstrated skill in understanding the perspectives of others; 
• Engages in (or commits to) personal and professional development;
• Demonstrates a willingness to examine one’s assumptions and attitudes;
• Maintains productive work relationships while considering multiple perspectives;
• Demonstrates awareness of one’s and others’ life experiences and their relevance in the workplace;
• Experience resolving conflicts effectively; and
• Promotes a respectful work environment in which concerns are addressed effectively.

Skills  

• Adaptability: Ability to navigate complex political environments, respond to evolving priorities, and seize opportunities for advancing department goals;
• Community Impact: Desire to increase public awareness, engage stakeholders, and mobilize community support for policy change initiatives;
• Communication Skills: Excellent verbal and written communication abilities, including public speaking and crafting persuasive materials;
• Community Engagement: Ability to engage and inspire community members through education, grassroots organizing, and training programs;
• Data-Driven Decision Making: Proficiency in using data and metrics to assess the impact of department efforts and inform strategic decisions;
• Emotional Intelligence: Recognizes and values the uniqueness of others; Empathetically and respectfully accepts these differences and works cooperatively and sincerely to optimize the contributions of all individuals;
• Ethical Leadership: Commitment to ethical standards, integrity, and transparency in alignment with the values and mission of the YWCA Hartford Region;
• Innovative Problem Solving: Self-starter and creative approach to identifying challenges, developing solutions, and driving systemic change through policy;
• Mission-driven: Understands programs and services offered by YWCA Hartford Region;
• Policy Analysis: Ability to analyze legislation and policy proposals, identify implications for marginalized communities, and develop informed strategies;
• Relationship Building: Strong interpersonal skills to build and maintain relationships with policymakers, coalition partners, and community leaders;
• Strategic Thinking: Capacity to develop long-term plans aligned with organizational goals, and adapt strategies in response to emerging issues and political landscapes;
• Team Management: Experience in leading and motivating volunteers while fostering collaboration to achieve department objectives; and
• Time Management: Strong project management skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines.

Schedule

This is a temporary hybrid opportunity requiring travel to the State Capitol and Legislative Office Building (LOB).  The work schedule and hours will be defined by the Department Head or direct supervisor. Due to the nature of the work, some weekend and evening hours may be required.