Summer Policy Research Intern

Position Announcement

Kentucky Center for Economic Policy Seeks Summer Policy Research Intern

January 2024

Overview 

The Kentucky Center for Economic Policy (KyPolicy) seeks to hire a summer policy research intern, primarily focused on criminal justice policy issues in the state. The position will support KyPolicy’s work to improve lives and reduce racial and economic disparities through public policy. 

Background

KyPolicy seeks to build a thriving commonwealth for all Kentuckians through research, education, advocacy and leadership on critical public policy issues. KyPolicy is a nonprofit, nonpartisan organization and a respected provider of information and insight on the impact of policies on Kentucky communities. The organization strives for strategic, timely and analytically rigorous research as well as compelling, clear and accessible communications. KyPolicy seeks to influence public understanding and debate about state fiscal and economic issues and contribute to lasting improvements in policy.

Position Description

Duties and responsibilities may include but are not limited to the following areas:

Conduct research, and support KyPolicy’s research, on public policies that impact Kentuckians in communities across the state:

• Conduct research literature searches on assigned topics.
• Read and provide a written synthesis of research on policy topics (i.e., article/research summaries or a policy research memo for internal use/learning at KyPolicy).
• Collect and analyze data, including in Excel.
• Provide research support for the KyPolicy team’s policy advocacy work.
• Systematically collect information on policy issues from local news articles, local government meetings and documents, and local agencies/institutions.
• View and take notes on legislative meeting recordings and policy focused webinars.

Create/help create public education communications:

• Produce/help produce short written research products such as a policy analysis piece for the KyPolicy website or a fact sheet.
• Assist with research based visual communications to increase public education on policy issues.

Help with administrative tasks:

• Carry out a variety of office and administrative tasks as needed.

Minimum Qualifications and Characteristics

Knowledge and experience: Current Berea College student pursuing a degree related to social inequality and/or social policy. 

Personal characteristics: Self-motivated, critical thinker with the ability to work both independently and as part of a team. Able to perform assigned duties in a time-efficient manner. Committed to social, economic and racial justice. ·         

Communications: Strong writing skills; strong interpersonal communication skills.

Preferred Qualifications and Characteristics:

• Rising junior or senior.
• Experience communicating in a professional capacity by phone and through email.
• Strong interest in public policy.

Additional Information 

This is an unpaid, 8-10 week, 35-40 hour per week internship, although Berea College Students can request grant funding from the college’s Internship Office. The internship is based in Berea, Kentucky. 

Please apply through Handshake and include your resume, contact information for two academic or professional references and a cover letter specifically explaining why you are a good fit for this position. Contact Ashley Spalding at aspalding@kypolicy.org with any questions. 

Application review will begin Feb. 23, 2024 and continue on a rolling basis until the position is filled. For more information about KyPolicy visit www.kypolicy.org.