Communications Intern

American Oversight is looking for a talented, energetic Communications Intern to join our media relations team and help us shine a light on government misconduct and threats to democracy. We’re a nonpartisan, nonprofit watchdog that uses targeted public records requests and litigation to uncover evidence of corruption, abuse of power, or conflicts of interest.

We leverage our open records expertise to act where corruption and government power overlap. From the federal Freedom of Information Act to state transparency laws, we use carefully crafted records requests to extract information from the government. When the government fails to respond as required by law, our team has the expertise to take them to court and enforce the public’s right to hold our leaders accountable. American Oversight has obtained and published more than one million pages of emails, memos, calendars, text messages, and other records — ensuring accountability, exposing misconduct, and often driving significant corrective action, at all levels of government.

Working closely with the media relations team, the Communications Intern will help call public attention to the important stories we uncover.

Job Responsibilities

Specific tasks will shift day by day with our work, but in a typical week, you will:

• Compile coverage reports following significant events to keep track of how American Oversight’s work has had an impact;
• Research and identify national, state, and local journalists covering issues related to American Oversight’s work;
• Participate in regular planning meetings (typically scheduled during East Coast business hours) to help identify new opportunities to share the information we’ve uncovered to help inform the public on key issues;
• Draft media outreach materials, including press releases, advisories, and investigation updates about the latest developments in our investigations;
• Monitor news coverage of key issues that American Oversight is investigating — such as sham election “audits” in multiple states — and identify opportunities for our current or previous work to inform the public;
• Work with the media relations team to reach out to reporters, join calls with American Oversight experts and the media, and respond to incoming press inquiries;
• Engage in rapid response to current events, developments, and document releases in AO's FOIAs and litigation.

Qualifications

• Excellent writing, research, and oral communication skills, with a focus on accuracy and detail;
• High degree of professional ethics, discretion, and integrity;
• Exceptional organizational skills with a commitment to getting the job done the right way, even if it takes longer;
• Interest in government accountability and ethics;
• Strong multitasking and prioritization abilities that will allow you to keep track of multiple projects or issues at the same time;
• Familiarity with major issues in national political news and the way they are discussed in mainstream media, as well as the ability to quickly learn new topics as they arise;
• Team player, comfortable working in a dynamic, collaborative environment;
• Familiarity with Microsoft Office tools.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

American Oversight is proudly an equal opportunity employer and is committed to building a diverse team. Studies have shown that women and people of color are less likely to apply for jobs unless they believe they have every one of the qualifications listed. We are dedicated to finding the best candidate for the job. Our hiring process is centered on assessing candidates with diverse lived experiences. We would encourage you to apply, even if you don’t believe you meet every one of our qualifications described. If you are unsure of whether you meet the qualifications of this position, or how this would be determined, please contact us to discuss your application.

• Start and end dates are flexible, but this internship is planned to run January-May 2022.
• The intern will receive $15/hour for a 15-20 hour work week.
• American Oversight is a nonpartisan, nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization.
• American Oversight is a remote-first organization, and our employees can work from anywhere in the country.  Our office in downtown Washington, DC, is an optional workspace when pandemic-related restrictions allow.

https://americanoversight.applytojob.com/apply/cXUqR8u5Wz/Communications-Intern?source=United+Latino+Job+Bank