The Criminal Justice
Policy Foundation is seeking applicants for their Summer 2015 Drug Policy Action
Internship. The posting is available
online and pasted below.
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.
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 Research Internship. Drug Policy
Research Interns work on all aspects of CJPF's reform advocacy:
- Using government data and academic studies to research and write targeted briefs
- Building support for marijuana policy reform among key constituencies, including environmental, business, conservative and Latino organizations
- Raising awareness and support for Safe 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 extracurricular
- 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 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.
- Summer internship 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
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. 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
