Employment, Internship and Volunteer Opportunities
People For the American Way is a nationwide advocacy organization that mobilizes its members and activists to fight for public policies that reflect the values of freedom, fairness, and equal opportunity; to champion constitutional protections and civil rights; to hold public officials accountable to those standards; and to promote strong democratic institutions, including a federal judiciary that upholds individual rights.
The affiliated People For the American Way Foundation conducts research, legal, and education work on behalf of First Amendment freedoms and democratic values; monitors, exposes, and challenges the Religious Right movement and its political allies; identifies, trains, and supports the next generation of progressive leaders through its Young People For youth leadership programs and its Young Elected Officials Network; and carries out nonpartisan voter education, registration, civic participation, and election protection activities.
People For the American Way and People For the American Way Foundation have a national office in Washington, D.C. and program staff who work in Florida and New York. We have a variety of staff positions, including field organizers, legislative and media representatives, internet strategists, research analysts, writers and administrative positions. Some are suitable for entry-level applicants. We also have internship opportunities for college students in several areas.
Members of our staff work in a dynamic professional and collaborative environment. We are pleased to offer them excellent benefits, including medical and dental plans, life and disability insurance, 401k plan and generous holiday and leave benefits.
If you are interested in helping us defend the democratic institutions and freedoms that are every American's birthright, please consider the following positions.
Communications Specialist
People For the American Way is a national organization dedicated to defending constitutional and civil rights and promoting the democratic values of citizen participation, freedom of expression, freedom of religion and equal opportunity for all. The Communications Specialist works with other staff to help shape communications strategies; build working relationships with the media to position the organization as an expert resource on a range of issues, including constitutional rights and civil liberties, public education, and the Religious Right political movement and its allies. The position is located in Washington, DC and reports to the Press Secretary.
Responsibilities:
- Respond to media queries.
- Prepare press releases, statements, advisories, news kits, and other media materials.
- Participate in organizing and executing press events.
- Pitch story ideas to print, broadcast, and Internet media, with appropriate follow-up.
- Arrange media interviews for PFAW spokespersons.
- Assist in the preparation of PFAW briefing materials for spokespersons.
Qualifications:
- Excellent writing skills and ability to generate copy under tight deadlines.
- Strong interpersonal skills and professional phone manner.
- Flexibility, resourcefulness, and tenacity for handling multiple issues and deadlines.
- Creativity and initiative to seek out new approaches and contacts.
- Solid computer skills, including especially word processing, Internet research and database management.
- At least two years experience in a communications role for an advocacy organization, public relations firm, association, or elected official.
- Desirable skills include fluency in Spanish; experience with video and still photography; and graphic design experience.
- Familiarity with specialty and minority outlets, including African American and Hispanic outlets, desirable.
- Interest in progressive issues and public interest commitment.
To apply: Send resume, statement of interest, and three writing samples to Human Resources, People For the American Way, 2000 M St., NW, Suite 400, Washington, DC 20036, email to hr@pfaw.org
People For the American Way is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
January 2010
Director of Federal Governmental Affairs
People For the American Way is a national organization dedicated to defending constitutional and civil rights and promoting the democratic values of citizen participation, freedom of expression, freedom of religion, and equal opportunity for all. The Director of Federal Governmental Affairs assists in the development of People For the American Way's policy positions and lobbies Congress and the Executive branch to advance these policies at the federal level. This position is a senior position reporting to the Executive Vice President for Policy and Programs.
Responsibilities:
- Direct the representation of the organization's interests, and establish the organization's presence on Capitol Hill concerning federal legislation on issues including, but not limited to the Religious Right, civil rights, civil liberties, public education, First Amendment, immigration, church/state, electoral reform, budget/tax, and reproductive rights.
- Direct all federal legislative activity including drafting legislation, writing testimony, developing strategy, lobbying, and developing federal legislative advocacy materials.
- Assist in the development of official organizational policy statements.
- Speak on behalf of the organization at congressional hearings and briefings; serve as a media spokesperson; and serve as spokesperson at conferences and events.
- Oversee the work of staff and interns, providing guidance and management support on public policy activities
- Assist in coordinating federal advocacy activities with individuals in People For's African American faith and youth leadership program networks and with other departments.
- Ensure organizational compliance with lobby disclosure requirements.
- Assist as needed in the formulation of policy positions for affiliate People For the American Way Foundation
- Other duties as needed
Qualifications:
- Substantial experience and knowledge of Capitol Hill and the legislative process.
- Excellent strategic, analytical, research, editing, writing and public speaking skills required.
- Strong interpersonal skills; ability to work effectively with a variety of people
- Commitment to progressive values and interest in People For's issues and activities
- Public interest background and substantive expertise in constitutional law and civil rights issues preferred
- Law degree required.
To apply: Send resume and statement of interest to Human Resources, People For the American Way, 2000 M Street, NW, Suite 400, Washington, DC 20036. Email hr@pfaw.org.
People For the American Way is an equal opportunity employer.
October 2009
If you live in the Washington DC area, become a Capital Volunteer and start working directly to combat intolerance and preserve constitutional freedoms! We are currently looking for individuals for the following volunteer position(s).
Please contact the volunteer coordinator at 202-467-2457, or by e-mail at volunteer@pfaw.org, for more information on time and place.
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