General Intern

Founded in 2009, the Campaign for the Fair Sentencing of Youth (CFSY) works to ban juvenile life without parole in the United States and create opportunities for those directly impacted by extreme sentencing to thrive and lead. This temporary, part-time internship (up to 19 hours per week for a 12-week term) offers college credit eligibility upon successful completion.

About the role

Interns assist CFSY staff by responding to letters from incarcerated individuals, supporting communications projects, and performing program support and administrative tasks. Over the term, interns will become familiar with national and state efforts to end juvenile life without parole and other extreme sentences for children. The position is remote or hybrid, based in Washington, DC, and reports to the Outreach & Advocacy Associate while collaborating across all departments.

Responsibilities

• Work with the legal team to respond to letters and inquiries from incarcerated individuals (some content may include graphic descriptions of traumatic experiences and sexual violence)
• Perform administrative tasks such as filing, data entry, and using Salesforce, Microsoft Word & Excel, and Mailchimp
• Represent CFSY at virtual or in-person juvenile and criminal justice meetings/events
• Assist with donor prospect research
• Support communications, strategic partnerships, and movement-building team projects
• Provide research support for the legal/policy team
• Assist with event planning
• Perform other duties as assigned

Requirements

• Commitment to criminal and juvenile justice issues, particularly reform to harsh juvenile sentencing practices, racial discrimination in juvenile justice, and/or human rights in the United States
• Some experience with Microsoft Outlook and Google Office applications (Salesforce experience a plus)
• Well-developed organizational skills
• Maturity and reliability
• Strong communication, interpersonal, and listening skills
• Willingness to take direction and work as part of a team
• Excellent writing abilities (candidates selected for interviews will complete a brief writing assignment)
• Candidates with availability for multiple semesters are encouraged to apply

Values and Traits

• Strong interest in criminal legal reform, particularly ending harsh youth sentencing practices, racial discrimination, and human rights abuses
• Belief that society has failed children impacted by life without parole and other extreme sentences, and that we all have a responsibility to create avenues for their restoration and that of the community
• Belief in the inherent dignity and humanity of all people, regardless of race, sex, sexual orientation, gender expression, class, education level, or zip code
• Flexibility and adaptability to the evolving nature of CFSY’s work
• Constructive and optimistic approach to problem-solving
• Prioritization of self-care

Location and Travel

CFSY’s headquarters are in Washington, DC, with many staff working remotely. This position is remote or hybrid, with optional in-office work in DC. Interns must provide their own computer, though accommodations can be made if this presents a barrier. All business-related travel will be paid by CFSY in accordance with its travel policy.

Physical Environment and Equipment

While performing duties, the intern will regularly stand, sit, talk, hear, and use hands/fingers to operate a computer and telephone. Specific vision abilities include close vision for computer work. The role requires effective use of a telephone, computer (with Microsoft and Google applications), keyboard, and video conferencing. Reasonable accommodations will be made for individuals with disabilities.

Pay

The hourly wage for this position is $18.40.

Schedule

This is a temporary, part-time, non-exempt position for up to 19 hours per week over a 12-week term.

Culture

The CFSY actively practices meaningful connection to individuals directly impacted by extreme prison sentences, working in deep partnership with those currently or formerly incarcerated and their families. All staff, regardless of role, engage in this connection and maintain proximity to those impacted by the work. The organization is committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion, and strongly encourages applications from people of color, individuals with disabilities, members of the LGBTQ community, and those with personal experience in the criminal legal system.