Work That
Forms Leaders
Every role within the Emerging Leaders Program is designed not simply to develop professional skills, but to cultivate responsibility, judgment, initiative, and servant leadership.
Interns are entrusted with meaningful work that contributes directly to a national civic movement while receiving mentorship, professional development, and practical formation throughout the academic year.
Rather than treating interns as passive assistants, ELP emphasizes ownership, adaptability, collaboration, and growth through real responsibility.
IT & Technology Support Intern
The IT & Technology Support Intern assists with day-to-day technology operations, staff troubleshooting, and digital support needs across the organization. This role is ideal for students who are comfortable working with technology, enjoy problem-solving, and are eager to grow in technical proficiency within a collaborative professional environment.
Interns gain practical experience supporting staff technology needs while developing familiarity with software systems, digital organization, and operational technology workflows.
Core Responsibilities
- Provide general technology troubleshooting support
- Assist with basic IT and operational needs
- Set up and maintain digital systems and workflows
- Organize and manage shared digital files and platforms
- Assist staff with Google Workspace tools and functionality
- Troubleshoot common software and connectivity issues
- Internal communication and technology coordination
- Technology-related projects and operational support tasks
Skills & Formation Opportunities
Interns will develop:
- General IT support and troubleshooting skills
- Proficiency in Google Workspace applications
- Software navigation and digital systems management
- Organizational and technical problem-solving abilities
- Professional communication and support practices
- Adaptability in learning new technology platforms
- Operational efficiency and workflow management
- Confidence working across multiple software environments
Ideal Candidate Traits
- Interest in technology and software systems
- Eagerness to learn new digital tools and platforms
- Strong problem-solving mindset
- Reliable and responsive in supporting staff needs
- Organized and detail-oriented
- Adaptable in changing technical environments
- Comfortable assisting others with technology questions
- Positive attitude and willingness to grow technically
Grassroots Intern
The Grassroots Intern supports the day-to-day work of civic engagement, outreach, and grassroots organization efforts. This role is ideal for students who enjoy working with people, communicating clearly, and contributing to mission-driven operations in a flexible and fast-moving environment.
Interns gain firsthand exposure to how grassroots movements function while developing communication, outreach, and operational skills through practical experience.
Core Responsibilities
- Support grassroots engagement and outreach initiatives
- Assist with phone calls, communication, and constituent interaction
- Help execute campaign and organizational efforts
- Contribute to regional outreach and follow-up communication
- Manage spreadsheets, lists, and outreach systems
- Support email and text campaigns
- Assist with media research and communication efforts
- Participate in team projects and collaborative assignments
Skills & Formation Opportunities
Interns will develop:
- Communication and outreach skills
- Campaign operations experience
- CRM and data management systems
- Organizational and administrative discipline
- Grassroots strategy and engagement practices
- Professional adaptability and initiative
- Critical thinking in communications and messaging
Ideal Candidate Traits
- Strong interpersonal and communication skills
- Coachable and willing to learn
- Adaptable in fast-moving environments
- Comfortable taking initiative
- Reliable and consistent in follow-through
- Able to balance multiple responsibilities
- Interested in civic engagement and public leadership
Video Production Intern
The Video Production Intern contributes to creative storytelling, media production, and digital communication efforts that support the mission of the Emerging Leaders Program and Convention of States.
This role offers opportunities for both creative development and technical growth, allowing interns to participate in video editing, production workflows, AI-assisted media experimentation, and content organization.
Core Responsibilities
- Assist with video editing and production
- Support creative storytelling and media development
- Organize and manage media assets
- Contribute to scripting, descriptions, and content systems
- Collaborate on creative direction and production ideas
- Assist with AI-assisted media workflows and experimentation
Skills & Formation Opportunities
Interns will develop:
- Video editing and production skills
- Creative storytelling techniques
- Content organization systems
- Media workflow management
- AI-assisted production tools
- Collaborative creative development
Ideal Candidate Traits
- Creative and visually minded
- Organized and detail-oriented
- Self-motivated and proactive
- Open to feedback and iteration
- Interested in media, communications, or storytelling
- Willing to experiment and challenge conventional approaches
Regional Director Intern
The Regional Director Interns supports outreach, event coordination, communications, and operational efforts connected to grassroots and legislative engagement initiatives.
This role combines administrative precision with creative communication and is ideal for students interested in public affairs, organization, and civic operations.
Core Responsibilities
- Organize candidate and contact information
- Manage spreadsheets and CRM systems
- Assist with landing pages and RSVP tracking
- Support event follow-up and reporting
- Update legislator and outreach information
- Contribute to messaging, writing, and communication efforts.
Skills & Formation Opportunities
Interns will develop:
- Data and organizational management
- CRM and outreach system experience
- Event coordination processes
- Communication and messaging skills
- Administrative discipline and reliability
- Grassroots operational understanding
Ideal Candidate Traits
- Reliable and self-directed
- Detail-oriented and organized
- Strong written communication skills
- Able to work independently
- Open to feedback and continuous growth
- Balanced between administrative and creative strengths
Graphic Design Intern
The Graphic Design Intern helps translate ideas, stories, and civic messaging into compelling visual communication.
This role is ideal for creative students who are passionate about storytelling, visual design, and communicating ideas clearly through imagery and layout.
Core Responsibilities
- Develop visual concepts and storyboards
- Create timelines and visual sequences
- Support content design and visual storytelling
- Collaborate on creative direction and media projects
- Assist with layout and communication materials
Skills & Formation Opportunities
Interns will develop:
- Storyboarding and visual planning
- Canva and design platform proficiency
- Visual communication strategy
- Narrative and creative development
- AI-assisted design workflows
- Collaborative creative processes
Ideal Candidate Traits
- Strong artistic or creative inclination
- Passion for storytelling and visual media
- Reliable and responsive
- Open to critique and creative refinement
- Thoughtful communicator with intellectual curiosity
Social Media Intern
The Social Media Intern supports digital communications, audience engagement, and campaign messaging across multiple platforms.
This role is ideal for students interested in communications, marketing, media strategy, and fast-paced digital engagement.
Core Responsibilities
- Create and publish social media content
- Support digital campaigns and engagement efforts
- Monitor trends and emerging topics
- Collaborate with media and content teams
- Assist with audience growth and outreach initiatives
- Execute content quickly and consistently
Skills & Formation Opportunities
Interns will develop:
- Social media management
- Digital marketing strategy
- Platform analytics and engagement practices
- Content creation workflows
- Communication and branding skills
- Rapid-response media execution
Ideal Candidate Traits
- Highly responsive and adaptable
- Comfortable in fast-moving environments
- Digitally fluent and trend-aware
- Interested in communications or marketing careers
- Able to manage shifting priorities effectively
- Strong work ethic and execution mindset