Humane World for Animals, a global leader in animal advocacy and protection, is seeking one part time Companion Animal Policy intern for the Companion Animals department. As a Companion Animal Policy intern you will gain experience researching and performing outreach to support ongoing companion animal policy campaigns, with a focus on cat protection issues. The intern will also learn about companion animal advocacy and how it intersects with public policy.
This internship is 12 weeks long, beginning in September and working remotely approximately 15 hours per week. Please submit a cover letter explaining your interest in companion animals and public policy. Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled
You will be responsible for:
• Attend and participate in regularly scheduled department meetings, as well as meetings focused on companion animal programs and policy, including cat-focused initiatives, with internal colleagues, external consultants, mentorship shelters and coalition partners;
• Assist with the creation of fact sheets, action alerts, testimony, letters to the editor and other items as needed to support companion animal protection legislation;
• Monitor news alerts for proposed changes to companion animal policies, research status and follow-up as needed with advocates and/or policymakers;
• Perform outreach to various segments of the companion animal protection community, including feline protection advocates and partners;
• Spearhead one independent project that will culminate in a presentation to our department;
• Complete knowledge building and professional development work, as assigned;
Learning Opportunities:
• Gain a deeper understanding of companion animal policy issues, including feline-related issues, and how they intersect with the issues of animal protection legislation and advocacy;
• Develop structured mentor/mentee relationship(s) and network with other animal advocates;
• Strengthening research, writing, networking, public speaking and presentation, data compilation, organizational and time management skills;
• Learn how research supports policy work for companion animal issues, with applied examples from cat-focused campaigns;
• Learn about Humane World’s major positions, programs and mission.
Qualifications and Requirements:
• Must be able to work in the United States;
• Must be at least 18 years of age;
• Must have graduated high school;
• Meets one of the following:
a. Currently enrolled as an undergraduate or graduate student of an accredited college or university;
b. High school or accredited college or university graduate who graduated within the last two years;
c. Service member with an honorable discharge within two years of leaving the military;
• Previous experience in animal welfare preferred;
• Strong desire to learn about companion animal issues in animal welfare; in particular, increasing veterinary access to care;
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills;
• Strong research, writing and critical thinking skills;
• Strong work ethic and willingness to learn;
• Proficiency in Microsoft Word. Familiarity with other Microsoft 365 applications—particularly Outlook, Teams, Excel and PowerPoint—and Airtable, helpful.
• Attentive to detail with a commitment to accuracy;
• Able to use discretion, keeping in mind the confidential nature of some aspects of the work;
• Able to work well independently and use good judgment.
This internship is remote.
Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, age national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, marital or parental status or protected veteran status. EOE