What are the responsibilities and job description for the Summer Internship - Research & Academic Engagement position at Drug Policy Alliance?
Who We Are:
The Drug Policy Alliance (DPA) addresses the harms of drug use and drug criminalization through policy solutions, organizing, and public education. We advocate for a holistic approach to drugs that prioritizes health, social supports, and community wellbeing.
DPA opposes punitive approaches that destabilize people, block access to care, and drain communities of resources. We believe that the regulation of drugs should be grounded in evidence, health, equity, and human rights. In collaboration with other movements, we change laws, advance justice, and save lives.
DPA has 40 staff across the U.S. an annual operating budget of approximately $12 million, and 200,000 members, activists, and supporters. The organization has a solid track record of success at the local, state, and federal levels and consistent visibility in prominent media and policy circles.
Recognizing the broad reach of the drug war, DPA works across issue areas to engage more deeply with organizations and leaders in immigration, family policing, education, reproductive justice, housing, and other aligned spaces. This commitment to building power across movements and building a base contributes to and works in tandem with DPA’s work on policy and legislative change.
Learn more about working at the Drug Policy Alliance here and learn about our work to end the drug war here.
The Role:
Our remote summer internship program is designed to provide an integrated and educational experience for those interested in learning about drug policy, and regulatory and governmental practices first-hand. Our organizational ethos is to tackle racism directly and work to address the harms of the drug war that are overwhelmingly affecting low-income communities and people of color.
Our Department of Research and Academic Engagement interns will be part of an interdisciplinary team, supporting the work of DPA’s policy staff through conducting research, writing research briefs about a breadth of drug policy-related issues, and planning events.
Skills and Experience:
Applicants must be enthusiastic about the organization’s agenda, mission, and vision with solid written, communication, and interpersonal skills. The ideal candidates are independent, detail-oriented, and highly organized, with a proactive work style. Experience with Microsoft Office Suite is preferred. Candidates must also be open to evolving responsibilities and legally authorized to work in the U.S.
Hours:
Minimum of 24 hours per week. The internship begins June 4, 2025, and ends August 8, 2025.
Compensation:
$16.50/hour for undergrad and $19.50/hour for grad students unless they receive school funding, school credit or a fellowship opportunity.
How to Apply:
To be considered, candidates must submit a cover letter, resume, and brief writing sample. We will only contact candidates who are under consideration. No phone calls, please.
The deadline to apply for summer internships is April 8, 2025. Decisions are made on a rolling basis.
Equal Opportunity
Drug Policy Alliance (DPA) is an equal opportunity employer and values a diverse workforce
and an inclusive culture. DPA encourages applications from all qualified individuals without regard to race, color, religion, gender, ethnicity, personal appearance, political affiliation, family responsibility, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, national origin, marital status, citizenship, disability, veteran status and record of arrest or conviction. Drug Policy Alliance is particularly interested in hiring people who have been adversely affected by the war on drugs.
Salary : $17 - $20
