Public Policy and Advocacy Intern

INTERNSHIP – Public Policy and Advocacy Intern

Title: Public Policy and Advocacy Intern Reports To: Chief Executive Officer or 0044esignated PRAB Supervisor Location: East Brunswick, New Jersey, with possible participation at PRAB program sites and community events throughout Middlesex County Type: Unpaid, educational internship for academic credit or completion of an approved university internship requirement | Approximately 12–20 hours per week, based on the student’s academic program | Fall, Spring, or Summer Semester

Educational Structure: This internship is designed as a supervised learning experience connected to the student’s academic and professional development. Interns will receive an individualized learning plan, regular supervision, structured feedback, and opportunities to connect assigned projects to their academic field. Interns will complement, rather than replace, the work of PRAB employees and will not independently perform duties requiring professional licensure, legal judgment, or final organizational authority.

Position Summary

PRAB is seeking a highly motivated, civic-minded intern to help strengthen our relationships with policymakers, track relevant legislation, and support our advocacy initiatives for low-income, immigrant, and Latino communities across Central New Jersey. This is a powerful opportunity for students interested in public policy, community organizing, or government relations.

Internship Hours

15-30 hours/week, based on university program requirements and flexible across 2-4 days (between 9:00 am–5:00 pm). Must be available at least two consistent days per week. In-person participation is required.

Key Responsibilities

· Track local, state, and federal legislation that impacts PRAB’s priority areas (e.g., housing, early childhood, immigrant services)

· Maintain a legislative relationship tracker using Excel or Microsoft Lists

· Prepare research-based drafts of letters, briefing memoranda, testimony, or policy materials for review and approval by the CEO or designated supervisor.

· Conduct nonpartisan policy and legislative research consistent with PRAB’s charitable mission and organizational advocacy priorities.

· Attend or observe local council, county commissioner, and state legislative sessions (in-person or virtually)

· Support the planning of PRAB-led advocacy campaigns or legislative briefings

· Monitor legislative, regulatory, budget, and public-policy calendars.

· Propose legislative engagement opportunities (e.g., Latino Legislative Day, budget hearings)

Internship Requirements

Selected interns must comply with PRAB’s confidentiality, technology, nondiscrimination, professional conduct, records-management, and safety requirements. Depending on the placement and level of

client contact, completion of a background check, confidentiality agreement, mandated reporter training, or other program-specific onboarding may be required.

Ideal Candidate

· Student pursuing a degree or approved academic program

· Strong written and verbal communication skills

· Organized, detail-oriented, and interested in racial, economic, or housing justice

· Familiarity with NJ state government structure and legislative process is helpful

· Spanish fluency a plus but not required

What You'll Gain

· Real-world experience in public affairs and nonprofit advocacy

· Participate in weekly supervision, project review, and professional-development discussions with the assigned PRAB supervisor.

· Understanding of the policy process at multiple levels of government

· Hands-on research and writing skills with executive exposure

· Internship credit (if applicable)

· Networking opportunities

· Eligibility for verification of completed hours, a final performance evaluation, and consideration for a letter of recommendation based on successful completion and performance.

· Opportunities to observe or participate in approved advocacy meetings, public hearings, briefings, or community events during the internship.

Optional Capstone Project Ideas for this Role

Based on the intern’s academic requirements, interests, and the needs of the organization, the internship may include completion of a supervised capstone project such as:

1. Legislative and Policy Landscape Briefing Book identifying relevant public officials, committees, legislation, budget priorities, public-policy developments, and appropriate engagement opportunities for PRAB leadership and the Board.

2. PRAB Policy Watch Bulletin providing periodic, nonpartisan summaries of legislative, regulatory, budget, and administrative developments affecting PRAB’s programs and communities.

3. PRAB Legislative Advocacy Day Plan containing proposed objectives, stakeholder outreach materials, briefing documents, meeting agendas, participant preparation materials, and follow-up procedures.

Participation does not create an expectation or guarantee of paid employment with PRAB at the conclusion of the internship.