Policy Advocacy Internship

Location: Oakland, California, United States Department: Investment - Advocacy & Organizing

Policy Advocacy Internship

Oakland, CA

Hybrid

Anticipated deadline to submit application: October 19, 2026 before 12 pm PST. Position may close early if application limit is met. Apply promptly for full consideration.

The Opportunity

The Advocacy Fellow will assist CEO’s Investment and Powerbuilding teams who operate an advocacy leadership program known as CEO’s Advocacy Leadership Committee (ALC). The ideal candidate will draw learnings from their own experience as an ALC member and assist in developing the next cohort of organizers-in-training. In addition, Advocacy Fellows receive access to unique opportunities that will prepare them to become effective advocates for change at all levels of government. Advocacy Fellows participate in CEO’s Emerging Leaders Program (ELP) which provides structured professional development, a cohort of motivated peers in reentry, and professional mentorship, and work towards obtaining a Certificate in Social Justice for Community Organizing, offered through the University of Michigan Online.

Fellowships last approximately 6 months. In special circumstances, duration may be extended. Fellows will work in a hybrid environment - most team work will be conducted remotely, but fellows should expect to commute and work from their local CEO office, at least 2 days per week.

Who We Are

The Center for Employment Opportunities (CEO) provides employment services to people recently released from incarceration. Across the United States, 8,000-9,000 people participate in CEO each year, transitioning to employment that supports themselves, their families, and their communities.

What began as a demonstration project of the Vera Institute of Justice in the 1970s to address employment barriers facing the formerly incarcerated following release in New York City has grown into the leading reentry employment organization in the country, where over 30,000 formerly incarcerated individuals have secured full-time employment since 1996.

Who You Are

You are looking for short-term, meaningful experience that will take you to the next step in your career

You are a natural leader.

You know how to raise your hand and show up for others when you see a clear need.

You have a strong desire to change the status quo.

You are optimistic and passionate about criminal legal reform despite the long road ahead. Bonus points if you have experience in community organizing!

You are a “credible messenger” whose lived experiences in the legal system help you build rapport with our members by showing a sense of authenticity and humility.

You have a growth mindset. You can approach unknowns with a willingness to try - you are not afraid to make mistakes and know how to dust yourself off and try again.

The Nitty-Gritty

Key responsibilities of the Advocacy Fellow include but are not limited to:

Facilitation of Organizing Workshops

Convene, facilitate, moderate, and instruct the training sessions for each cohort of CEO’s anchor organizing training program, known as Advocacy Leadership Committee (ALC)

Assist with planning and coordination of ALC cohorts in assigned locations, helping to recruit members and prepare them for the learning opportunity

Assist with preparing and distributing materials to new ALC members in your local CEO office and remotely

Support experience and knowledge sharing by recognizing ALC members as experts and champions of change

Document engagement activities in writing using Salesforce, Google Sheets or other means as directed by the supervisor

Advocacy Work

Become knowledgeable on CEO’s policy agenda and campaigns

Support CEO’s policy agenda by representing the organization in external coalitions or campaigns CEO with external groups, ALC members, and elected officials in partnership with CEO Leadership

Conduct trainings on CEO campaigns to raise awareness remotely and in-person

Contribute to campaign goals by elevating your voice in story form through blogs, interviews, testimony or other means

Engage with our local partners - attending meetings, reading newsletters and joining their organizations as members, if needed

Be proactive in your local advocacy community, taking note of the important work of local groups and identifying opportunities for CEO collaboration

Additionally

Develop the ability to speak from your own experience and perspective with confidence

Create a positive culture for our members, encourage connectivity and always demonstrate respect and compassion

Ask questions. Share your opinions. Support your colleagues.  Seek to learn and improve, daily

Compensation and Benefits

Fellows are paid hourly, and the wage varies depending on location. The typical rate is between $19 to $21 per hour, and fellows should expect to work approximately 20 - 30 hours per week. In an effort to be both equitable and transparent, CEO's compensation philosophy considers a variety of factors, including, but not limited to, experience, internal equity, and home office location in making a final determination on our salary offer.

More About Us

Center for Employment Opportunities believes that everyone deserves the chance to shape a stronger future for themselves, their families, and their communities. People who are justice involved are highly encouraged to apply for vacant positions at all levels. CEO is committed to the CROWN Act, and creating an open space where our employees can present as their true authentic selves.

All qualified applicants will be considered for employment without unlawful discrimination based on race, color, religion, national origin, sex, age, gender, gender identity, disability, marital status, sexual orientation, military status, prior record of arrest or conviction, citizenship status, current employment status, caregiver status, or any other category protected by federal, state, or local law. We value diverse experiences, i