Community Cats Intern

Summer session (June 3-August 23)
 $18.55 per hour working 15 hours per week.

The Humane Society of the United States (HSUS), the nation’s most effective animal advocacy organization, is seeking a Community Cats Intern for the Companion Animal department. As an Intern will gain experience researching and performing outreach to support ongoing campaigns for cat protection and policy, specifically the humane management of community cats. The intern will also learn about cat protection advocacy and how it intersects with the issues of public policy. 

You will be responsible for:

• Attending and participating in regularly scheduled department meetings, as well as meetings focused on community cat programs and policy, with internal colleagues, external consultants, mentorship shelters and coalition partners;
• Building tools for community cat advocates, such as presentation templates, factsheets, social media posts, op-eds, letters to the editor and other items as needed under the guidance of staff; 
• Monitoring news alerts for proposed changes to community cat policies, research status and follow-up as needed with advocates and/or policymakers;
• Performing outreach to various segments of the feline protection community;
• Spearheading one independent project that will culminate in a presentation to our department;
• Complete knowledge building and professional development work, as assigned.
•  Additional learning opportunities include:
        o Gaining a deeper understanding of feline-related issues and how they intersect with the i  issues of animal protection legislation and advocacy;
        o Developing a structured mentor/mentee relationship(s) and network with other animal advocates;
        o Strengthening research, writing, networking, public speaking and presentation, data compilation, organizational and time management skills;
        o Learning how to research assists policy work for feline-related issues;
        o Learning about the HSUS’s major campaigns, programs and mission;

Qualifications and Requirements:

• Able to work in the United States;
• At least 18 years of age;
• High School Diploma is required;
• Previous experience in animal welfare preferred;
• Strong interest in cat welfare;
• Strong familiarity with the internet and online research tools;
• Strong work ethic and willingness to learn;
• Excellent communication skills;
• Strong research, writing and critical thinking skills;
• Attentive to detail with a commitment to accuracy;
• Proficiency in Microsoft Word and Excel;
• Able to use discretion, keeping in mind the confidential nature of some aspects of the work;
• Must have interpersonal skills and be professional;
• Able to work well independently and use good judgement.

This is a remote position.