Political Intern

Job Overview Political Intern – Michigan Chapter – Hybrid within Michigan – 10-20 hours/week for 4 months – 7 open positions – Reports to: Legislative and Political Director. About the Role In this internship, you will directly assist candidates running for public office that the Sierra Club has endorsed. The Sierra Club maintains a rigorous endorsement process focused on supporting environmentally‑minded candidates in competitive races across Michigan. Interns receive training in the fundamentals of political and campaign organizing, learn about environmental issues impacted by public policy decisions, and gain firsthand experience working on active political campaigns. Interns may be deployed to support campaigns for varying lengths of time depending on scheduling and campaign needs. Potential responsibilities include organizing voter outreach efforts, assisting with volunteer recruitment, supporting communications and earned media strategies, conducting policy and campaign research, assisting with fundraising events, canvassing, phone banking, and helping campaigns with administrative and data‑entry tasks. Key Responsibilities Support political and electoral organizing efforts for Sierra Club‑endorsed candidates through voter contact, canvassing, phone banking, and volunteer recruitment activities. Assist with communications and media outreach efforts, including coordinating press conferences, drafting press materials, supporting social media content, and helping with earned media strategy development. Conduct policy, political, and campaign research related to environmental and public policy issues impacting Michigan communities. Track legislation, candidate positions, and campaign developments. Provide operational and administrative support to campaigns and Sierra Club political programs, including event support, data entry, office tasks, and coordination with volunteers and partner organizations. Core Qualifications Interest in politics, public policy, community organizing, or environmental advocacy, with a desire to learn more about political campaigns and grassroots organizing. Strong written and verbal communication skills; ability to collaborate with volunteers, campaign staff, and community members in fast‑paced environments. Ability to work independently, take direction on projects, manage multiple responsibilities, and adapt to changing campaign priorities and timelines. Familiarity with Microsoft Office, Google Workspace, email communication platforms, and social media platforms such as Facebook, Instagram, and X/Twitter. Willingness to participate in campaign field activities, trainings, and occasional evening or weekend events as needed. Commitment to environmental justice, civic engagement, and building inclusive democratic participation across communities. Committed to evolving: continuously deepening and evolving your understanding of systems of oppression through study, openness, and humility, and recognizing your own relationship to privilege and power. Uplifting and additive: see mistakes as opportunities for growth; problems as catalysts for solutions; inspire others; maintain a constructive approach, can‑do attitude, sense of humor, and authentic kindness. Preferred Experience and Skills Prior volunteer or internship experience on political campaigns, issue advocacy campaigns, or community organizing efforts. Knowledge of Michigan politics, elections, or environmental policy issues. Experience with graphic design, social media management, voter databases, or digital organizing tools. EEO Statement The Sierra Club provides equal employment and advancement opportunities to all staff members. Employment decisions are based on merit, qualifications, lived experience, and skills. The Sierra Club does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, creed, religion, national origin, immigration status, socioeconomic status, ancestry, age, size, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, familial status, veteran status, disability, AIDS/HIV status, medical condition, prior conviction, arrest history, or any other characteristic protected by law. The Sierra Club values applicants who identify as Black, Indigenous, and other minoritized groups; women; queer, transgender, gender non‑conforming, and gender fluid people. Applications will be accepted through July30,2026. Additional Information We may use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to support parts of the hiring process, such as reviewing applications, analyzing resumes, or assessing responses and identifying potential inconsistencies or verification signals in application materials. These tools assist our recruitment team but do not replace human judgment. Final hiring decisions are ultimately made by humans. The internship is unpaid, but includes a $3,000 completion stipend to help offset food, transportation, and other related expenses. The stipend will be dispersed at the completion of the 4‑month internship. Academic credit may be available depending on school requirements and advisor approval. This is a category99 non‑exempt, non‑represented, temporary position. Sierra Club is a 501(c)(4) non‑profit organization. Sierra Club employees are not eligible to participate in the Federal Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) Program. Sierra Club sponsors both non‑immigrant and immigrant visas when certain criteria are met, based on immigration laws and organizational needs. Such sponsorship is at the discretion of the Department Head and Sierra Club People Department in consultation with the employee’s manager. The Sierra Club cannot guarantee the approval of a visa petition. Sierra Club is an equal‑opportunity employer committed to workforce belonging. #J-18808-Ljbffr