Upstream Policy Intern
Reports to: Local Reuse Manager
Job purpose
At Upstream, we foster a culture of creative action where a rich mix of talented people want to come, stay, connect as both colleagues and humans, and co-create a more beautiful, just world every day.
As an organization, Upstream is unique in its singular focus on reuse, position as a thought leader, and access to a large network of stakeholders from the NGO, business, and government sectors. Given the distributed, small nature of our team and large geographic scope, we take a high level role and focus on serving the movement in a way that is impactful and scalable.
This position’s responsibilities, outlined below, will support our policy team as we convene and support reuse advocates across the US and Canada in our Reuse Solutions Network. This role will also support the policy team’s tracking of reuse funding opportunities and municipal, state / provincial, and federal reuse policy.
Job Duties & Responsibilities
With this context in mind, the person in this role will:
Lead Upstream’s Policy and Funding Tracking
Manage Upstream’s Policy Tracker
Maintain tracker on a weekly basis to ensure all US and Canadian policies are captured
Audit data for accuracy and clarity
Periodically update cover sheet by adding related trackers
Keep abreast of reuse policy developments across the US and Canada
Manage Upstream’s Reuse Incentives and Grants Tracker
Check the tracker on a regular basis to ensure information being submitted by external parties is accurate and applicable; incorporate new information when appropriate
Search for new funding opportunities
Regularly update tracker with relevant incentives and grants
Support Reuse Solutions Network (RSN) meetings, in coordination with the Reuse Networks Manager
Conduct weekly onboarding of new RSN members
Collaborate on agenda-setting and assist with creation of slides and other assets as needed for RSN meetings
Take detailed, accurate notes during each meeting and finalize meeting summaries
Generally support RSN meeting execution as needed
Provide assistance with management of our network communication platform, Basecamp
Policy research & communications
Support ad hoc research needs on reuse policy
Work with Upstream’s communications team to publish 1-2 blogs or vlogs throughout the duration of the internship
Other tasks
Attend 1-2 webinars or external meetings a month hosted by key players in the movement and report on key takeaways to the team
Through this internship, you will develop the following skills:
A strong understanding of the reuse movement within the US and Canada, including key issues and players
A working knowledge of the reuse policy and funding landscapes
Direct experience supporting and navigating large advocacy networks
Experience working at a well-established environmental nonprofit on fast-paced policy issues
Core competencies needed for this position:
Attention to detail
Excellent organizational and time management skills
Excellent note-taking skills
Effective communication
Strong teamwork
Problem-solving prowess
Self motivation & a go-getter mindset
Physical Demands: Prolonged periods of sitting at a desk and working on a computer.
Work Environment: This internship is for 6 months with the possibility of extension and is compensated at a rate of $20 per hour. All work for this position will be conducted remotely, and candidates must reside in AZ, IL, MD, NH, ME, NC, CA or TX. Successful candidates will be required to commit to 20 hours per week, and will determine an appropriate schedule with Upstream’s Local Reuse Manager.
The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by individuals assigned to this job. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and skills required of the position. All employees may have other duties assigned at any time.
EEO Statement: Upstream is an equal opportunity employer. All employment decisions at Upstream are based exclusively on business needs, job requirements and individual qualifications, without regard to race, color, religion, national, social or ethnic origin, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation and all other statuses as protected by the laws and regulations of the United States and/or the state of Maine.
Employment at-will: The company does not offer tenure or guaranteed employment. The company or the employee can terminate the employment relationship at any time, with or without cause, with or without notice. This is called employment at-will, and this relationship exists regardless of any other written statements or policies contained in any company documents or verbal statements to the contrary.
Applicants must be authorized to work for any employer in the U.S. We are unable to sponsor or take over sponsorship of an employment visa at this time.