Policy Research Intern

Position Description: Policy Research Intern ABOUT EARN EARN is a nonprofit that gives low-income working families the power to create prosperity for generations. As the nation’s leading microsavings provider, EARN gives families the tools to build wealth and achieve life-changing goals such as saving for college, buying a first home, or starting a small business. Since 2001, we have helped tens of thousands of low-wage families through innovative financial products including matched savings accounts, checking accounts for the unbanked, and financial coaching. The EARN Research Institute evaluates the impact of EARN’s work and publishes original data, sharing lessons learned and best practices. We use this unique grounding in rigorous applied research and direct service experience to transform the financial services landscape and to champion effective public policies. EARN's ultimate vision is that millions of well-informed, low-wage American families will achieve financial success through proven strategies, fair public policy, and their own hard work. Connect with EARN at www.earn.org, twitter.com/earn and facebook.com/earnorg. POSITION OVERVIEW This is an eight-week full‐time paid internship. EARN’s Public Policy team advances national, state, and local asset-building policies that open the door to financial success for low-wage workers. EARN’s public policy efforts are focused on policy analysis and research, constituency building and building public awareness about how public policy impacts the lives of low-wage workers and low-income families. EARN’s work with thousands of low-wage families provides us with the knowledge and the experience to shape equitable government policies that really work for hardworking families. Historically, many American families were given the opportunity to build wealth for themselves and their families because of government policies that rewarded hard work and certain savings behaviors. However, these same policies and recent policy shifts have excluded entire groups and have contributed to the vast wealth gap that exists in the U.S. today. The Policy Research Intern will work closely with EARN’s Public Policy Team to support and strengthen EARN’s internal programmatic efforts through public policy. The Intern will identify which policies and regulations impact EARN’s delivery of services and the innovation of products that promote savings and investment opportunities for low-wage workers and families. This research will reveal how public policy, legislative and regulatory initiatives influence the prioritized work within EARN’s Financial Services, Research and Innovation programs. EARN will utilize this research to become proactive and prioritize future policy research, advocacy and legislative efforts. 2 KEY RESPONSIBILITIES • Review EARN’s Financial Services, Research and Innovation program priorities and identify related policy issues • Identify state and federal legislation, financial services regulations, and any local best practice models related to EARN’s priorities for savings and asset building • Assess regulations which impact EARN’s ability to deliver its core services and develop products which promote savings • Recommend legislation that EARN should track on the state and federal level QUALIFICATIONS • Graduating college senior or currently enrolled in a graduate studies program related to public policy, business, economics or a related field. • Demonstrated experience in research, policy development and data analysis • Demonstrated commitment to working on issues focusing on low-wage workers , low-income families, and communities of color • Excellent written and oral communication skills. • Ability to work independently and contribute to a team. • Ability to multitask and meet deadlines. COMPENSATION The intern will receive a monthly stipend of $2100 for a total of $4200 for an eight-week period. Health benefits excluded. NEXT STEPS Applicants should email a cover letter, resume, and relevant writing sample to: jobs@earn.org. EARN is an equal opportunity employer. Please visit www.earn.org to learn more about us.