Intern, New America Foundation in California

New America launched the California Program in late 2004 to bring its proven approach to California, the nation’s leading policy laboratory. Its purpose is to nurture a new generation of public policy writers and thinkers in California; to generate creative new policy solutions about the state’s most pressing problems; and to improve California’s public debate via frequent events and publication of articles and commentary in the state’s leading media outlets.

New America’s Asset Building Program in California

In today’s economy, economic mobility depends not just on one’s job and income, but increasingly on one’s ability to accumulate a wide range of assets—especially buying a home, pursuing a post-secondary education, starting a business, building up savings, and securing a nest-egg for retirement. Yet, fully one third of Californians currently have few or no assets. And many Californians lack basic financial tools—such as bank accounts—and money management know-how.

The purpose of New America’s Asset Building Program in California—working closely and strategically with New America’s national Asset Building Program, based in Washington, DC—is to significantly broaden the ownership of assets in California, thereby providing all Californians both with the means to get ahead, and with a direct stake in the overall success of our economy. This major, new direction in public policy promises to be as successful in the 21st century as the Homestead Act was in the 19th century, and as the GI Bill and home mortgage deduction were in the 20th century. For additional information on New America’s national and California Asset Building Programs, please see www.newamerica.net/california.

Position Description

The New America Foundation is seeking an enthusiastic intern primarily to staff the Asset Building Program in California, as well as assist the New America in California Program. This is a paid internship with the flexibility for the intern to work 20–25 hours a week.

Primary Responsibilities

• Research and report on asset building issues;
• Draft background memos;
• Edit and proofread a variety of policy documents;
• Assist in developing fundraising leads and contacts for the foundation
• Staff the New America Foundation’s public events; and
• Maintain the program’s contact database.

Qualifications

Ideal candidates will have the following qualifications:

• Proven research and analytical skills;
• Strong writing and editing abilities;
• Familiarity with internet research tools;
• Ability to multitask in a fast-paced environment; and
• Be a flexible and enthusiastic team player.

Application Process

E-mail resume, cover letter and one writing sample (up to six pages) to: Claudie Kiti-Bustamante, New America Foundation, 921 11th Street, Suite 901, Sacramento, CA 95814. Fax: 916-448-3227. E-mail: bustamante@newamerica.net. Please state “Intern, New America Foundation in California” in the e-mail subject line. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis.

Applicants must be currently eligible to be employed in the United States. The New America Foundation is an equal opportunity employer.