FALL Intern, Science Policy & Government Relations (Grassroots)

WHY JOIN AGU

Our employees are our most valuable assets! You will feel welcomed and supported from the moment you join our team, and you will take part in strengthening and evolving our workplace culture.

We offer work-life balance- We are a remote-first organization, with flexible work hours.

WHO WE ARE

The American Geophysical Union (AGU) supports a global community of more than half a million professionals and advocates in the Earth and space sciences. 

Through broad and inclusive partnerships, AGU aims to advance discovery and solution science that accelerate knowledge and create solutions that are ethical, unbiased and respectful of communities and their values. Our programs include serving as a scholarly publisher, convening virtual and in-person events, and providing career support. We live our values in everything we do, such as our net-zero energy renovated building in Washington, D.C., and our Ethics and Equity Center, which fosters a diverse and inclusive geoscience community to ensure responsible conduct.

This is an exciting time to work at AGU. Every day we approach our work with a sense of purpose, and we look for others who share that passion and desire for a career with impact.

 WHO YOU ARE

At AGU we are looking for individuals who want to learn something new every day, who welcome a challenge, and are motivated to achieve results in a fast-paced environment.

You will:

• Bring an understanding of the legislative process in the U.S. and how grassroots advocacy helps advance policy priorities or have a strong interest in learning about this process.
• Share a desire to help scientists better understand what their role is in the policy process and how they can get involved in it.
• Possess a passion for Earth and space sciences consistent with the goals of AGU and demonstrate a keen interest in science policy advocacy.

WHAT YOU WILL DO

Join a dynamic, mission-driven team and gain firsthand, practical experience advancing Earth and space science policy. As part of AGU’s Science Policy & Government Relations team, your work will directly influence how science shapes policy by amplifying the voice of scientists, informing critical decisions in our efforts and building a stronger, more science-informed future.

As part of the team, you’ll play a pivotal role in connecting science to society – from the halls of Capitol Hill to global efforts. You will help mobilize scientists to strategically communicate the importance of science to policymakers, the public, and key stakeholders. AGU supports more than 160,000 members worldwide, and your contributions will help ensure that science is used where it matters most.

This position will focus on grassroots advocacy, a key part of AGU’s mission to help our members take their science from usable to used and increase their voice and impact in sound decision-making.

Bring Science to the Forefront of Policy

• Help organize and deliver high impact events, from science policy workshops and training to Congressional visits – both virtually and in-person.
• Lead coordination efforts to equip scientists with the tools and confidence to speak up and shape policy.

Elevate Our Advocacy Impact

• Collect and interpret data that demonstrate the reach and effectiveness of our efforts and programs, including our online grassroots and grasstops programs.
• Contribute to storytelling and data visualization projects that highlight successes and inspire action.
• Collaborate on an end-of-year impact review that showcases our most compelling achievements and lessons learned.

Propel A Movement of Scientific Advocates

• Develop timely advocacy campaigns that mobilize scientists at the grassroots and grasstops levels.
• Create engaging content for newsletters, social media, the AGU Bridge Blog, and our Science Policy Action Center.
• Tailor messaging to different audiences – from first-time advocates to seasoned science communicators.

What you will Gain

• Hands-on experience in the fast-moving world of federal science policy -- and exposure to state, local, and international advocacy.
• Skills in strategic communications, campaign planning, data storytelling, and public engagement.
• Hands-on training in grassroots mobilization, impact tracking, and science communication. 
• Exposure to federal policymaking processes and professional networks in science policy.
• Insights into career pathways in science policy, government relations, and advocacy.

WHAT YOU WILL BRING

• Two+ years of coursework towards a bachelor’s degree in Earth or space sciences. A Bachelor’s, Master’s, or Ph.D. in Earth or space science is a plus.
• Proficiency in written and verbal communication skills. 
• Professional interpersonal skills to interact with AGU members and policymakers.
• Experience in managing multiple projects on a tight deadline.
• Organizational and problem-solving skills, with attention to detail.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite (Word, PowerPoint, Excel), internet browsers, and web search engines.
• Experience with social media, science policy, and science communication preferred but not required.
• Experience with data- analysis, management, and visualization preferred, but not required.

HIRING SPECIFICS

• We understand that it is unrealistic for candidates to fulfill 100% of the criteria listed in a job posting. However, we encourage you to apply if you meet the majority of the requirements because we know that skills evolve. If you are willing to learn and evolve alongside us, join our team!
• Full Time/ Hourly, 3-month Fall 2023 Internship, remote in several US States.
• We are not hiring in WA, OR or CA at this time.
• Pay is $17.50 per hour.
• AGU will make reasonable accommodations in compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990.
• Work Authorization: We will not sponsor applicants for work visas in the US.
• We care deeply about fairness so you can be ensured that your application will never be judged based on religious belief, age, color, race, creed, marital status, gender, sexual orientation, political affiliation, ethnic origin, or disability.
• Vet/Disabled

To Apply: You must upload/submit a cover letter and a resume.