EMPLOYMENT
Job Opportunity: Communications Director
Organization Overview: The Center for Public Policy Priorities (CPPP), in Austin, Texas, is a nonpartisan, nonprofit policy institute committed to improving public policies to better the economic and social conditions of low- and moderate-income Texans. You can learn more about the center at www.cppp.org.
Job Overview: Our communications director is responsible for three lines of work: 1) editing, formatting, and distributing our analyses and reports both in print and electronically; 2) actively increasing public awareness of our work through both old media and new social networking; 3) and helping develop and implement communications strategies and campaigns. The center has little administrative support, requiring the communications director to use outside vendors and student interns effectively to accomplish this work. The communications director reports to the executive director.
Candidate Qualities: We will consider candidates with varying experience and skills, though the ideal candidate would have several years experience in communications, journalism, or public relations and a broad range of skills, including writing and editing, desktop publishing (InDesign); website management; social network management (such as Facebook); CMS management (Democracy In Action); and database management (Sage). Familiarity with our policy areas is desirable. Having the ability to work both independently and as part of a team to meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment is essential. Commitment to the organization’s mission is also essential. A bachelor’s degree is required and a graduate or professional degree in a relevant field is preferred.
Compensation: Salary commensurate with experience. The center offers excellent benefits, including health insurance, dental insurance, life insurance, long-term disability insurance, retirement, and generous vacation, leave, and holidays.
Start Date: By March 1.
To Apply: Email a cover letter explaining why you are interested in and what you bring to this job and a resume with your qualifications to communicationsjob@cppp.org by the close of business on Monday, February 1. Please note, however, that we are reviewing applications on a rolling basis after January 8 and will hire when we find the ideal candidate. We will accept applications only by e-mail. All applications will be kept strictly confidential.
Equal Opportunity: The center is an equal opportunity employer and encourages all qualified applicants to apply.
State Policy Fellowship Program
Sponsored by the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities in coordination with the State Fiscal Analysis Initiative (SFAI), the State Policy Fellowship Program seeks highly-qualified candidates to serve two years as entry-level analysts working within an influential state policy organization belonging to the SFAI network or the Center’s state fiscal division in Washington D.C.
Fellows will gain hands-on education and experience while working alongside experts in the field of state policy to analyze the impact of state budget and tax policy choices on low-income residents and promote positive reforms. The program offers a competitive salary with health benefits and features professional development opportunities.
Sponsored by the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities in coordination with the State Fiscal Analysis Initiative (SFAI), the State Policy Fellowship Program seeks highly-qualified candidates to serve two years as entry-level analysts working within an influential state policy organization belonging to the SFAI network or the Center’s state fiscal division in Washington D.C.
To expand the diversity of voices that speak with authority in state policy debates, the program identifies highly qualified candidates from diverse backgrounds whom recently received a graduate degree in public policy, public affairs, economics, social work, public health, law or a related field, and hold an interest in state fiscal policies affecting low and moderate income households.
Completed applications must be submitted online by January 15, 2010. For more information and to apply, visit http://www.cbpp.org/fellowship.
Internships
The Center for Public Policy Priorities offers spring, fall, and summer internships to college and graduate students interested in public policy, communications, and nonprofit management (including development).
Betty Anderson,
1930 - 2008
The Betty Anderson Public Policy Internship
Betty Anderson was a founding board member who passed away in December 2008. Her family established the Betty Anderson Public Policy Internship in her honor to help train aspiring young people for a career seeking social justice.
The Michael and Alice Kuhn Public Policy Internship
The Michael and Alice Kuhn Foundation generously funds the Michael and Alice Kuhn Public Policy Intern. This intern helps with research and analysis to monitor policies that affect the well-being of low-and moderate-income Texans.
Other Public Policy Interns
As funds are available, we hire additional public policy interns.
Texas KIDS COUNT Intern
Texas KIDS COUNT is a CPPP project that provides the latest and most accurate county-by-county data on child well-being. The intern will collect, manage, and analyze data, as well as assist with drafting materials, preparing presentations, and updating databases. Note: Graduate students only.
Communications Intern
The intern will help promote the center's work by drafting advisories, organizing press events, tracking media coverage and researching media opportunities, managing lists, and disseminating reports and other materials.
Nonprofit Management Intern
The intern will assist in nonprofit management, including event planning and marketing, networking, and foundation research. Additionally, the intern will help the development director update and develop donor lists and research fundraising opportunities.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does CPPP offer paid internships?
In some cases a stipend is available.
Can interns earn academic credit?
We are happy to cooperate with an institution's requirements for academic credit.
What is the standard intern work schedule?
CPPP's hours are 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. Interns may work part or full-time depending on their arrangement with the center.
What are the requirements?
- A strong grade point average
- Commitment to work at least one full semester
- Writing, research, and computer skills
- Commitment to the center's mission
How do I apply?
Please send the following documents to the center's contact person for your internship, listed below.
- Cover letter indicating the position and the school term of employment (Fall, Spring, Summer) for which you are applying.
- Resume
What are the deadlines for applications?
- Fall: August 15
- Spring: December 15
- Summer: May 15
Where do I send my application?
- Policy Internship: policyintern@cppp.org
- KIDS COUNT: deviney@cppp.org
- Communications: crowe@cppp.org
- Nonprofit Management: hutchison@cppp.org