Summer 2020 Graduate Intern

The Data Quality Campaign (DQC) is one of the country’s leading education advocacy organizations, with a 10-year track record of success and a growing, talented staff headquartered in Washington, DC. DQC is a nonprofit policy and advocacy organization leading the effort to bring every part of the education community together to empower educators, families, and policymakers with quality information to make decisions that ensure that students excel. To realize this vision, DQC works toward three goals: 

1. Increase public understanding of the value of education data.

2. Ensure that everyone with a stake in education has timely access to the right information.

3. Improve the capacity of and conditions for teachers and school leaders to use data.

If you care passionately about changing the role of data in education so that every student is not only counted, but counts, DQC is the place for you. DQC values the diverse backgrounds, experiences, and opinions that each team member brings to this work—and seeks to add individuals who continue to expand our thinking, push our boundaries, and commit to bringing their whole selves and experiences to our team.

Position Summary

The intern will work across the organization to assist in day-to-day and long-term projects. The intern will also be given the opportunity to work on an independent project that meets his or her own interests as well as those of DQC. This internship is an opportunity to gain knowledge and experience in local, state, and federal education policy. Interns in this position should expect to develop their communication, organizational, and leadership skills, as well as obtain experience in a remote environment and gain a unique perspective in education policy, focusing on the effective use of data to improve student achievement.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities 

• Engage in DQC’s communications activities such as completing various tasks for publications, website, Twitter, YouTube, Facebook, LinkedIn, and other platforms, as well as maintaining and enhancing DQC’s listserv contacts through Mailchimp and DQC’s media contacts through Meltwater.

• Conducting research regarding education data policy, state policy and related initiatives, and state and federal legislative research.

• Supporting the execution of DQC-hosted meetings and events.

• Attending virtual events on behalf of DQC and briefing team members afterward.

• Summarizing relevant policy reports and other publications.

• Populate and update internal tracking tools that monitor publications, media, and presentations.

• Other work as assigned.

Requirements & Qualifications 

The ideal candidate has: 

• Completed an undergraduate degree and is working toward completion of a graduate degree in education, public policy, political science, or a related field.

• Excellent writing and communication skills.

• Effective time-management skills.

• The ability to handle multiple short-term projects in a fast-paced environment.

• A team-oriented work style.

• A passion for education.

• Relevant internships or work experience (preferred).

Time Commitment

DQC is seeking part-time candidates able to work 15 - 20 hours a week for six weeks. We offer two internship periods (June 1, 2020 – July 10, 2020 or July 20, 2020 – August 28, 2020). There may be some flexibility in these dates. 

Due to COVID-19 and the understanding that DQC staff may still be teleworking during this time, this will be a remote position, though priority will be given to DC-based candidates. Coordination and communication with DQC staff will take place primarily through telecommunication platforms, requiring the intern to have a personal computer and an internet connection.  

Reports To

• Senior Associate, Policy and Advocacy 

This position is paid.

How to apply

• Please send resume, cover letter, and brief writing sample to employment@dataqualitycampaign.org.  

• Indicate “Graduate Intern Application” in the subject line.

Equal Opportunity Employer Statement

The Data Quality Campaign is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, age, citizenship status, Vietnam era or special disabled veteran's status, or sexual orientation. Under Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act and the Americans with Disabilities Act, disability accommodations will be provided, as needed.