Company description

The National Sustainable Agriculture Coalition (NSAC) is an alliance of grassroots organizations that advocates for federal policy reform to advance the sustainability of agriculture, food systems, natural resources, and rural communities. NSAC’s vision of agriculture is one where a safe, nutritious, ample, and affordable food supply is produced by a legion of family farmers who make a decent living pursuing their trade, while protecting the environment, and contributing to the strength and stability of their communities. NSAC member groups advance common positions to support small and mid-size family farms, protect natural resources, promote healthy rural communities, and ensure access to healthy, nutritious foods by everyone.  By bringing grassroots perspectives to the table normally dominated by big business, NSAC levels the playing field and gives voice to sustainable and organic farmers.

Internship description

The National Sustainable Agriculture Coalition (NSAC) is currently seeking a Policy Fellow from mid-August 2018 to mid-May 2019 and a Grassroots Fellow from September 2018 until June 2019. These positions are nine-month, full time fellowship positions and located at NSAC’s DC office on Capitol Hill.

NSAC is the leading advocacy organization for federal policy that supports sustainable agriculture and food systems. We work towards the vision of creating a safe, nutritious, and affordable food supply produced by a legion of diverse family farmers who make a decent living pursuing their trade, while sustaining the environment and contributing to the strength of their communities. NSAC’s collaborative work environment offers a unique career opportunity to advance federal sustainable agriculture policy as part of a dedicated and effective team.

Policy Fellow Position Description
NSAC’s Policy Fellow will work closely with NSAC’s policy team on the full range of legislative activities in our fast-paced D.C. office, including the following responsibilities:

• Support policy staff with Hill outreach
• Represent NSAC at agency and coalition meetings, as well as Congressional hearings and briefings
• Conduct research and data analysis to support program oversight and inform future policy development
• Write in-depth policy blogs and reports, and contribute to Federal Register comments (as applicable)
• Develop and implement a long-term research or policy project (to be determined)
• Provide support for policy staff on monthly Issue Committee calls
• Manage dissemination of Weekly Roundup newsletter
• Work with NSAC staff on racial equity projects and initiatives
• Manage incoming calls and other administrative duties
• Assist with other projects and assignments as needed

Qualifications

• An understanding of and passion for sustainable agriculture
• Basic knowledge of the federal policy-making process
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Excellent research skills
• Experience with print, radio, and online media a plus
• Ability to both work independently and be a good team player
• Willingness to work around a demanding congressional schedule and administrative deadlines
• Self-motivated, organized, and able to stay on task when managing multiple projects
• Familiarity with Dropbox, Google Suite, and WordPress a plus

Grassroots Fellow Position Description
NSAC’s Grassroots Fellow will work closely with NSAC’s grassroots and policy staff on a full range of daily activities in our fast-paced DC office. Tasks will include:

• Assisting NSAC’s staff, coalition members, Grassroots Council with national grassroots outreach campaigns using social media, email, and other advocacy tools
• Developing creative, impactful engagement tools for farmers and consumers – including digital and multimedia materials – around a range of issues and campaigns, including local and regional food systems, working lands conservation, beginning farmer issues, sustainable ag research, and much more
• Supporting NSAC’s Diversity Committee & furthering our racial equity efforts – assisting with monthly calls and other endeavors;
• Assisting with planning and execution of NSAC events, including farmer/advocate lobby days in Washington, DC
• Conducting research, analysis, and interviews to support advocacy campaigns
• Drafting blog posts, social media posts, advocacy messages, and other materials
• Assisting with other projects and assignments as needed

Qualifications

• An understanding of and passion for sustainable food and farms
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Experience with community organizing and grassroots capacity building efforts
• Experience working with diverse communities & willingness to apply an equity lens
• Ability to both work independently and be a good team player
• Self-motivated, organized, and able to stay on task when managing multiple projects
• Multimedia skills – including Adobe CreativeSuite and video development / editing (Final Cut Pro or equivalent) – a plus

Stipend
NSAC policy and grassroots interns are paid on an hourly basis. NSAC will work with the applicant’s school or program to make the internships fit criteria for academic credit or field placement experience.

No phone calls, please.

Compensation

this position is: hourly, $15/hr +

Application instructions

Deadline

July 16, 2018