Location: Hybrid (Brooklyn Park); in‑office days typically Tuesday and Thursday
Duration: Summer 2026 internship (June–August), ~10–12 weeks
Hours: 25–35 hours/week preferred (flexible; total ~180 hours over the summer)
Role summary
The Public Affairs Intern will support the organization’s policy, outreach, and event work focused on hunger relief and civic engagement. This is a hands‑on role ideal for a student or recent graduate who wants practical experience in policy research, strategic communications, community engagement, and event staffing. The intern will work closely with the Public Affairs team on research projects, campaign support, and on‑the‑ground event work.
Key responsibilities
-
Policy research: Compile and summarize state‑by‑state funding sources and programs for hunger relief; produce clear, citation‑backed briefs.
-
Campaign support: Contribute to the Hunger Is a Policy Choice initiative by researching best practices for voter engagement that food shelves can implement; help develop training materials and assist with trainings in coordination with the Office of the Secretary of State.
-
Event logistics and staffing: Prepare materials, pack supplies, and staff events such as Farm Fest and the State Fair (may include early mornings and weekend shifts as well as local Minnesota travel).
-
Neighbor engagement research: Research best practices for neighbor outreach and community organizing, informed by best practices for neighbor safety and dignity.
-
Communications support: Draft short communications, social copy, and internal summaries; assist with outreach lists and stakeholder tracking.
-
General organizational tasks: Support session preparation, policy development research, and other ad hoc tasks to help the Public Affairs team meet deadlines.
Learning outcomes and what you’ll gain
- Practical experience conducting policy research and translating findings into actionable briefs.
-
Exposure to civic engagement strategies and voter‑engagement best practices tailored to community organizations.
-
Hands‑on event planning and staffing experience at large public events.
- Improved strategic communications skills, including drafting materials for trainings and public audiences.
- Mentorship from public affairs professionals and opportunities to contribute to real campaigns and policy work.