Institute of Politics

Overview of Organization:
The Aspen Institute is an international non-profit organization founded in 1950. The Aspen Institute Community Strategies Group (Aspen CSG) is one of the over 50 policy programs at the Aspen Institute.

Since 1985, Aspen CSG has been committed to equitable rural prosperity. We work towards a future where communities and Native nations across the rural United States are healthy places where each and every person belongs, lives with dignity, and thrives.

We design and facilitate peer learning among rural practitioners, regional and national organizations, and policymakers. We build networks, foster collaboration, and advance best practices from the field. The foundation of our work is the Thrive Rural Framework — a tool to take stock, target action, and gauge progress on equitable rural prosperity.

Internship Summary:
We seek a Policy and Communications Intern to support various activities and projects at Aspen CSG. We’re looking for an intern eager to engage in rural policy issues and interested in supporting policy, communications, and program activities over the summer of 2024.

Responsibilities:
Public Policy & Events:
- Assist in the design and execution of policy events, including preparing Canva slides, drafting invite language, and taking event notes.
- Track and compile the latest federal policy updates about rural to update our webpage.
- Draft language for webpages that highlight takeaways from Aspen CSG reports.
- Research and produce first drafts of policy solution blogs.
- Identify and take notes on learnings from webinars and events.
- Help the team update rural research statistics.
- Additional responsibilities as assigned.

Communications:
- Help draft Aspen CSG’s email newsletter to disseminate key information and material.
- Help keep Aspen CSG’s website updated with products and resources from Aspen CSG and partners.
- Design simple graphics and other materials in Canva.
- Proofread and copy-edit as needed.

Preferred Qualifications:
- Ability to work ET business hours efficiently, including attending meetings and producing work promptly.
- A passion or interest in equitable rural development.
- Respect for and ability to build relationships with people from all backgrounds.
- Some experience living in and/or working with rural communities is a plus, as is experience working with or living in immigrant communities.
- Experience with Google Workspace, MailChimp, Canva and/or Salesforce is a plus. (Don’t worry if you’ve not had experience with these before, though. We can easily teach you what you need to know!)

About the Supervisor:
Erin Cahill is the Associate Director of Communications.

Location, Modality:
In-person - 2300 N St NW #700, Washington, DC 20037

Start and End Date:
Summer internships will take place during the period of June 10 - September 27, with specific dates to be determined by the employer partner and intern during the interview process.