The Office of State Representative Phil Robinson (D-19) is searching for qualified undergraduate and graduate students for volunteer internships at the Ohio House of Representatives. Rep. Robinson represents Ohio House District 19 in Southeast Cuyahoga County, which includes Bedford, Bedford Hts, Bentleyville, Brecksville, Chagrin Falls Village & Township, part of Cleveland Ward 12 (Precincts 12H, Part of 12F), Cuyahoga Hts, Glenwillow, Hunting Valley, Independence, Mayfield Hts, Moreland Hills, Newburgh Hts, Oakwood Village, Orange, Pepper Pike, Solon, Valley View, Walton Hills, and Woodmere. Rep. Robinson was just recently elected to his first term, with a historic win being the first black legislator elected to represent any of the outer Cuyahoga County suburbs.
Interning for the legislature provides an opportunity for students that care about the course of the state of Ohio to gain an understanding of the legislative process by actively participating in it.
As an intern in Rep. Robinson’s office, you will gain:
· Experience and knowledge in Ohio politics, state-level policy and government operations, and the legislative process to pass laws.
· A professional background and contacts that can potentially lead to other career opportunities, including paid, full-time staff positions at the Ohio Statehouse.
· A chance to help pass good laws and serve the voters and residents of Ohio.
Some of your expected responsibilities will include:
· Supporting constituent outreach through writing correspondence and responses.
· Filing, scheduling, answering the phone, database entry, and other office administrative tasks.
· Research and writing related to legislative and communications work of our office.
· Assist the representative both indirectly and directly for committee hearings, session days, and other tasks the representative will need aid in.
The qualities we are looking for in interns are:
· Enthusiasm and/or interest in politics, state-level government, public policy, public administration, the legislative process, political science, the social sciences, civil/public service, and wanting to help people.
· Multitasking and adaptability to fast-paced office environments.
· Strong verbal and written communications skills with high attention to detail.
· Strong planning and organizational skills with the ability to manage time effectively.
· Availability between 5 – 20 hours during the work week between 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
We do not require but encourage you to apply if you:
· Have a background, knowledge, and/or interest in policy related to education, local government, job and economic growth, and government ethics issues.
· Are a resident of and/or who grew up in Cuyahoga County and especially any of the communities of District 19.
We work with schools and departments to compensate volunteer interns with college credit for their internship classes/programs. For more information, please contact your respective department guidance counselor.
Wearing a mask and maintaining social distancing measures during the pandemic is required for this internship if the CDC, Ohio Dept. of Health, Franklin County, and/or the City of Columbus recommends or requires.
This internship is in-person. The Ohio House of Representatives administration department currently does not allow virtual/remote internships.
The internship’s starting date is at the end your summer semester or the beginning of your fall semester for your school’s academic calendar, but our office is flexible to the exact date based on your schedule.
Applicants should send their resume and a one-page writing sample to Dakota Bidgood at dakota.bidgood@ohiohouse.gov with the subject line “Internship Application.” Please include your availability in the email. First interviews begin in April as scheduled but there is an open deadline to apply and accepting interns on a rolling basis until all office hour time-slots are filled.