Advocacy & Strategic Initiatives Intern

ABOUT US

Founded in 1999, the Center for Urban Families (CFUF) strengthens urban communities by helping fathers and families achieve stability and economic success. As a pioneer in responsible fatherhood, family strengthening, and workforce development, CFUF’s programs seek to help individuals fully exit poverty and sustain themselves and their families. CFUF serves individuals living in Baltimore’s most underserved communities. Our members (the term we use for persons that we serve) are 95% African American or Black, 71% male, and 29% female. On average, at the time of enrollment, 30% of our members do not possess a high school diploma or GED-equivalent, 53% possess a misdemeanor and/or felony conviction, 58% experience housing instability (e.g., living in a shelter/car or couch-surfing), and the vast majority access income assistance.”

ALL In is CFUF’s comprehensive strategy to accelerate social and economic opportunity and advocate for policies that promote equity and racial justice. Leveraging 20 years of positive impact and applied learnings, the All In strategy targets two critical areas: chronic unemployment and family instability. The approach links individual accountability, person-centered case management, and supportive networks with workforce development training, education, and civic engagement. ALL In dismantles poverty and builds long-term social and economic prosperity that results in brighter futures for our members, their families, and the communities in which they live.

National impact: CFUF’s Practitioners Leadership Institute (PLI) provides technical assistance and promotes and extends best practices in family strengthening, responsible fatherhood, and workforce development to practitioners and key stakeholders across the country. CFUF is also nationally renowned for its public policy work in the responsible fatherhood arena.

SUMMARY

The Advocacy & Strategic Initiatives Intern supports research, analysis, advocacy efforts, and administrative coordination for the Department of Advocacy and Strategic Initiatives. The Advocacy & Strategic Initiatives Intern conducts literature reviews, collects and analyzes data, monitors legislative and regulatory developments, and assists in drafting policy briefs, reports, and other written materials. This internship offers a valuable opportunity to gain hands-on experience in the policy research process and contributes to meaningful work that informs decision-making and drives social impact.

All activities must support the Center for Urban Families’ (CFUF) strategic goals and objectives and produce the results that meet the mission of the Department of Advocacy and Strategic Initiatives.  

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

1. Conduct Policy Research

• Assist in gathering and synthesizing information from academic literature, government documents, news sources, and existing policy reports
• Support issue-area scans and background research for ongoing policy projects

2. Support Data Collection and Analysis

• Collect, organize, and analyze qualitative and/or quantitative data related to policy issues
• Assist in creating charts, graphs, and tables for use in reports and presentations

3. Monitor Legislative and Regulatory Activity

• Track relevant legislative proposals, regulatory updates, and public policy developments at local, state, and/or federal levels
• Summarize key policy changes and their potential implications

4. Draft Written Materials

• Contribute to the development of policy briefs, memos, research summaries, and blog posts
• Edit and proofread documents to ensure clarity, consistency, and accuracy

5. Assist in Project Coordination

• Help manage timelines, track deliverables, and maintain documentation for active research projects
• Coordinate logistics for meetings, interviews, or events related to research dissemination

6. Collaborate with Team Members

• Participate in regular team meetings and contribute to group discussions and brainstorming sessions
• Provide support for cross-functional initiatives or organizational priorities as needed

7. Engage in Learning and Development

• Attend internal trainings, onsite and offsite meetings, briefings, and external webinars or events as appropriate
• Stay informed on emerging policy trends and contribute insights to the team

8. Ensure Ethical and Accurate Work

• Adhere to research ethics, including proper citation of sources and respect for confidential information
• Maintain high standards of accuracy, objectivity, and nonpartisanship in all work products

QUALIFICATIONS

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to satisfactorily perform each essential duty. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skills, and/or abilities required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

CORE COMPETENCIES

• Research and Analytical Skills: Ability to gather, synthesize, and analyze qualitative and quantitative data from a variety of sources and experience with literature reviews, policy scans, or comparative analyses
• Critical Thinking: Approaches issues of varying complexity with a problem-solving mindset. Demonstrates the ability to process and analyze various data sources to identify implications, strengths, and weaknesses
• Written and Verbal Communication: Strong writing skills, including preparing briefs, reports, memos, and summaries. Displays comfort in presenting findings clearly and concisely to various audiences
• Attention to Detail: Produces accurate and well-documented research outputs. Diligent in checking sources and citations for consistency and reliability
• Familiarity with Policy Processes: Basic understanding of public policy formulation, implementation, and evaluation. Interest in legislative or regulatory affairs, government operations, or nonprofit advocacy
• Technical Proficiency: Proficient in Microsoft Office, including Outlook, Word, Excel, and PowerPoint
• Team Collaboration: Works well in collaborative environments and contributes to group research efforts. Open to feedback and able to incorporate it constructively
• Ethical Research Practices: Understands and follows ethical standards in data collection and reporting. Respects confidentiality and intellectual property
• Commitment to Learning and Public Service: Enthusiastic about learning new policy areas and research methods. Demonstrates a passion for public policy and making an impact through evidence-based work
• Excellent organizational, verbal, and written communication skills

EDUCATION AND/OR EXPERIENCE

Must be an active degree-seeking undergraduate student enrolled at an accredited university, with at least one year of completed undergraduate coursework by the start of the internship. Prior coursework or demonstrated interest in research methods, data analysis, or subject area related to the internship is strongly preferred. Minimum GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale is also strongly preferred. An equivalent combination of education and experience may be substituted.

SUPERVISORY CONTROLS

The incumbent works under the direct supervision and mentorship of the Director of Advocacy & Strategic Initiatives project. The supervisor will provide general guidance, define overall objectives, and outline the scope of assignments. Work will be reviewed for accuracy, completeness, and adherence to project goals and CFUF’s organizational standards.

WORK ENVIRONMENT 

Work is primarily performed in a standard office setting, which may include shared or individual workspaces, access to computers and research materials, and occasional virtual meetings or communication. The position may involve extended periods of sitting, use of a computer, and interaction with other team members in person or via online platforms. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of this role.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

The work is primarily sedentary, requiring no unusual physical demands. Some walking, standing and carrying light objects may be required; and travel to meetings and job or benefit fairs or workshops. The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.   Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.