Foster Youth Internship

The State University of New York, or SUNY, is the largest comprehensive system of public higher education in the United States, with 64 colleges and universities spanning the state from Long Island to the Adirondacks to Buffalo. SUNY System Administration employees, based in Albany and New York City, provide critical support for SUNY campuses, employees, and students to advance SUNY's mission of providing high-quality, affordable higher education for all.

Across a wide range of roles, from finance and legal counsel to student support, academic affairs, IT, admissions, and more, our employees work toward advancing the four priority pillars established by SUNY Chancellor John B. King Jr. and the SUNY Board of Trustees: student success; research and scholarship; diversity, equity, and inclusion; and economic development and upward mobility.  SUNY System Administration is a mission-driven workplace with robust New York State benefits including health insurance, retirement, time off, and paid family leave.

Job Description:

The State University of New York System Administration, located in Albany, New York is searching for a Student Intern to focus on higher education policy issues that surround fostered youth in care. This is a great opportunity to gain experience working in a professional environment under the guidance of experienced practitioners and will have the satisfaction of contributing to this initiative.

Key Duties and Responsibilities:

• Conduct in-depth research on policy issues affecting foster youth, contributing to reports and policy recommendations. 
• Assist in data collection, input, organization and analysis.
• Assist with legislative advocacy, contacting policymakers, and participating in advocacy events. 
• Assist with documentation of projects and associated reports.
• Assist with community outreach, building relationships with stakeholders, and raising awareness about foster care. 
• Provide administrative support as needed, including data entry, file management, and correspondence. 

Required Qualifications:

• Current undergraduate or graduate student enrolled at a SUNY institution.
• Interest or experience in foster care policy.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint, Access).
• Excellent oral and written communication skills with professional telephone etiquette.
• Highly organized and capable of managing multiple projects.
• Able to work independently and collaboratively with internal and external constituents.

Hours are flexible. Typically averaging 20 hours per week.  

Paid Positions: Undergraduate students $16.00/hour: Graduate students $18.00/hour.