Internships

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We are accepting applications for Summer 2009 internships. Complete applications must be received by Monday, April 27^th, 2009.

Internships at the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee are designed to give students substantial exposure to practical, campaign-style politics on a national level. DCCC internships are unpaid, volunteer positions. Internships are available in the following divisions:

Online Communications / Blog Intern:

The Online Communications Department is tasked with helping the DCCC and House Democrats compete in the Information Age through the development of online capabilities that will expand political and financial resources, impact, and effectiveness.

Specific offerings will include the creation of new DCCC websites, including many interactive opportunities for members, donors and voters to get involved with the DCCC here in Washington, DC or in their local districts. The department also produces web ads, grassroots actions, informational online newsletters and a running weblog of national and local politics, which interns may be asked to contribute to. All applicants will be considered without regard to race, color, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, sex (including marital or parental status), disability, age, or any other basis prohibited by law.

Duties: The Online Department is seeking hard-working, motivated students who are interested in: Politics, New Media, Online Marketing, Communications, Journalism, and Graphic Design. Our interns play a vital role in the brainstorming, design, development and implementation of a host of different projects. You may design, research, market or write while interning in the Online department.

Direct Marketing and Membership:

The Direct Marketing and Membership Department is responsible for the DCCC's grassroots fundraising, using direct mail, telemarketing, and email appeals. In the 2006 cycle, the DCCC's marketing program experienced massive growth, expanding our membership to over 400,000 members. In the 2010 cycle, the Direct Marketing department will focus on continuing to grow our membership with new initiatives for new donor acquisition, expanding our high-dollar direct-mail club for $250+ donors, aggressively renewing the enormous group of new donors from the 2008 cycle and the continued expansion of the DCCC's existing monthly giving club.

Duties: The Direct Marketing and Membership Intern would assist the Membership Coordinator with membership inquiries, FEC compliance, and the approval of direct mail letter copy and artwork. The Intern would also have the opportunity to assist in the development of future DCCC direct mail and email communications and will also provide administrative support for the Director of Marketing and the department as a whole.

Communications:

The DCCC's communications department engages in a variety of message activities to help elect a Democratic majority and to further the Democratic Caucus' political objectives through earned media. The primary goal of the communications department is communicating a strong and effective Democratic message in the national and local press in the House's key battleground states. In addition, the communications department offers a variety of services to Democratic Members. Our staff is dedicated to meeting a broad array of Members' communication needs.

Duties: The Communications Intern would assist the Press Assistant in maintaining district specific lists of media outlets, sending out press releases through fax and e-mail, and monitoring media coverage using an online media monitoring service. The Intern would also provide daily Administrative support for the Communications Director and the department as a whole.

Finance:

The Finance Department raises the funds that are essential to maintaining and expanding the Democratic majority in the House in 2010. The resources raised by the this department help Democratic incumbents and challengers win competitive House seats.

The Finance Department has several different programs that utilize the strength and diversity of the Democratic Caucus and the Party, including regional fundraising divisions, PAC fundraising, Frontline Democrats, the Red to Blue Program, the Business Council and Women Lead. This department also plans and executes high-dollar fundraising events throughout the country

Duties: The primary duty of the Finance intern is to assist with the planning and execution of fundraising events. Examples of other daily tasks include keeping track of candidate finances, processing donations, preparing mailings, and updating contact information for various groups. Interns may also be asked to help with long-term projects that may include writing memos to the Democratic Caucus, completing research projects, and helping fulfill candidate staffing needs. Interns will also attend and staff local fundraising events.

Member Services:

The DCCC Member Services Department provides support for all Members' campaign programs. The DCCC has space conveniently located near Capitol Hill for campaign activity and provides a number of services to Members.

Duties: This internship offers a unique access to Members of the US House of Representatives and possible networking opportunities. Some of the duties the intern would assist with are management of call spaces for telephone campaign efforts, preparation of tracking reports, fundraising list development and distribution, database management, notification to the public of Member and candidate events, development and distribution of master calendar of fundraising activities, and phone banking and mass mailings support.

Political:

The DCCC Political Department is committed to recruiting, training, and electing Democratic candidates to the U.S. House of Representatives. Through a variety of services and resources, the Department provides the technical, logistical, and problem-solving support necessary for candidates and staff to run strong, competitive, winning campaigns. The Political Department provides guidance to campaigns on fundraising, message, budgeting, and voter contact, as well as a wide range of other areas. Additionally, the Political Department is tasked with tracking the political climate on a national and district-by-district basis, and working to help campaigns gain visibility, both in-district and in Washington, D.C.

Duties: Interns will be involved in the day to day operations of the political department. They will help track congressional races across the country; maintain our database and candidate files while gaining exposure to all aspects of supporting successful campaigns

Research:

The DCCC research department provides both committee staff and congressional candidates with a variety of information ranging from issue briefs to public record research. The department specializes in framing platforms based on local concerns within the larger context of our national debate. We look forward to working with candidates on paid and earned media content, legislative updates, debate preparation, vote reports and building a case to take to voters based on well-documented facts.

Duties: Research at the DCCC is an ongoing, rigorous process that requires hard work and attention to detail, but most of all enthusiasm for politics and public policy. Interns can expect to help the Research Department compile databases, opposition research, and help track events, issues and policy on the Hill, in think tanks in Washington, or locally in Congressional districts and states, and other tasks as needed.

Qualifications:

Interns at the DCCC must be able to work independently as well as respond to direction. Most importantly, interns must finish assigned work quickly, thoroughly, and accurately. Other qualifications include:

• Commitment to the goals of the Democratic Party and the DCCC
• Good analytical and communications skills
• Working knowledge of the legislative and electoral process, especially in regards to the House of Representatives
• Familiarity with Microsoft Office and other applicable computer programs

What does an internship at the DCCC give you?

• The DCCC will assist the intern in obtaining academic credit.
• The DCCC provides a transportation stipend for the metro.
• Interns will have exposure to important and well-connected people in the Democratic Party. Interns will probably meet Members of Congress and many of the staff members.
• You will also be able to get a hands-on, insider view of some of the strategies, policies, and procedures followed in national campaign politics.

Application Deadlines:
Summer applications are due by Monday, April 27^th, 2009.

To Apply:

Send the following items to our intern coordinator:

• A completed Internship Application
• Cover Letter describing your interest in politics and the DCCC
• Resume
• An unofficial transcript
• One letter of recommendation
• Three Professional References (Name, Title, Business, Phone Number, and Email Address)

Please make sure that all materials are included. Please include your letter of reference in the packet. Incomplete applications will not be reviewed!

Send all materials to:

Mail: Intern Coordinator
Attn: George Connelly
       Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee
       430 South Capitol Street SE
       Washington, DC 20003
Email: internships@dccc.org
Phone: 202-741-1851
Fax: 202-481-9605