Policy Research Intern Fall 2024

Make an impact: Apply for an Internship with the Smart Surfaces Coalition!

The Smart Surfaces Coalition (SSC) is a fast-growing non-profit organization made up of 40+ leading NGOs from a wide range of industries including urban sustainability, public health, and environmental justice. The Coalition supports the rapid adoption of Smart Surfaces—a term referring to the integrated deployment of reflective, porous, and green surfaces, solar PV, and urban trees city-wide—in cities in the US and globally. This is one of the largest, least deployed, and most cost-effective climate change mitigation and adaptation strategies and is central to addressing urban environmental justice issues. SSC seeks passionate and enthusiastic individuals with 2-4 years of directly relevant, substantial experience to serve as interns.

Title: Undergraduate / Graduate Fall Intern
Location: Remote (hybrid remote opportunities)
Position: Part-time Internship (Fixed Term)
Hours Per Week: 10-20
Duration: TBD
Start Date: September 2024
Compensation: $250-500 biweekly (dependent on hours)

Policy Research Interns will work with SSC staff, National League of Cities, Sabin Center for Climate Change Law at Columbia University, American Public Health Association, and other SSC partners to research national Smart Surfaces policy. Interns will support the development of a Smart Surfaces Policy Tracker online database and respond to city and metro area requests for information about Smart Surfaces Policy. This internship will provide valuable experience in equity-driven policy development, climate change mitigation and resilience strategies, and municipal governance. Additional topic areas covered during the internship are likely to include public health, data visualization and analysis, urban planning, stormwater management, and state and federal grant processes.

Interested individuals should email a CV and cover letter describing their background and what work areas most interest them to Shallon Hartke (shartke@smartsurfacescoalition.org). Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis. Smart Surfaces Coalition is an equal opportunity employer, and we are committed to racial equity and accessibility. Black and Indigenous people, people of color, people with disabilities, and LGBTQIA people are strongly encouraged to apply. SSC does not discriminate in employment opportunities or practices on the basis of race, ethnicity, religion, national origin, sexual orientation, disability, sex, age, gender identity or expression, or other status protected by applicable law.

Required Qualifications

  • Currently enrolled in or a recent graduate of a Bachelor’s or Master’s degree program in Urban Planning, Environmental Science, Public Policy, Geography, Data Science, Public Health, Media/Communications, or a related field. Minimum of 3.0 grade point average, with substantial course work and work experience in relevant disciplines.

  • Demonstrated passion for climate change mitigation and adaptation, urban transformation, or similar directly relevant subject

  • Critical thinking and problem-solving skills, attention to detail, effective time management, and the ability to work and learn independently or with a team

  • Experience analyzing and/or managing data and conducting research

  • Ability to write about and explain complex concepts in simple, concrete terms

  • Strong writing and oral communication skills in English

  • Knowledge of geospatial data analysis/visualization, or economics

  • Strong Microsoft Office skills, especially with Excel

  • Highly motivated individual interested in working in a dynamic, fast-paced environment