CHN is seeking an experienced, highly motivated, well-organized, and energetic individual to work with our small staff and large network of partner organizations. This position reports to the Executive Director. Key responsibilities include, but are not limited to, the following:
- Coordinate CHN’s advocacy campaigns on Capitol Hill and with the Executive Branch. Includes lobbying, chairing of regular information-sharing meetings, and tracking of priority legislation.
- Co-Chair a lobby working group, engaging advocates in legislative Hill work including on CHN’s lead budget and tax issues.
- Work with CHN members to develop joint congressional legislative strategies, including organizing lobby visits, on human needs topics.
- Join in Capitol Hill advocacy work of CHN member organizations on issues they lead.
- Collaborate with CHN field staff in identifying issues and targets for field advocacy.
- Coordinate the development of CHN’s biennial Public Policy Priorities document.
- Represent CHN in coalitions working on issues consistent with CHN’s positions.
- Present on panels and conferences on CHN issues.
- Write/fact-check for CHN’s newsletter, The Human Needs Report, as well as occasional fact sheets, talking points, letters representing CHN positions, blog and social media posts, and other analyses. This position may also occasionally assist in the writing of grant proposals.
- Meet with White House and various administration officials and draft and submit comments on administrative rule making.
- Communicate policy updates frequently through email lists, on website, and in calls and meetings to CHN members and partners, working groups, and Hill staff.
- Collaborate with other CHN staff to organize briefings, workshops, and seminars for the domestic human needs community, members of Congress, and their staffs.
- Coordinate activities with other CHN staff on policy-related matters, in consultation with the Executive Director.
- Other duties as assigned by the Executive Director.

The most important skills in a new executive director are to provide strategic vision, leadership to the staff and the coalition, a campaign orientation that is focused on legislative action and political action, the know-how to drive a content-driven agenda, strong messaging and communications, and a proven ability to raise money from foundations and major donors. Effective communications and persuasive messaging with a widely diverse array of coalition partners, allied organizations and citizens is critical, as is the ability to establish a durable and influential relationship with key policy makers and their advisors. This is a role that calls for progressive values and a commitment to diversity and inclusion.

This internship is an excellent opportunity to learn about national advocacy organizations, nonprofit program management and coalition building, public interest advocacy and development of public policy, and all aspects of the Congressional, budgetary, and legislative process. It will give the intern the chance to interact daily with a large number of advocates in Washington, D.C. who promote the protection, support, and wellbeing of our society’s most voiceless and vulnerable people. A $500 monthly stipend will be given to aide with living and transportation costs during the duration of the internship.