Program Overview
The Minnesota DFL supports and works to enact the ideals and principles of the Democratic Party and strives to sustain the foundations in our Party’s grassroots history. We believe that every American and Minnesotan, regardless of their background or other immutable traits, has a right to stable employment with fair wages, to a proper education, to raise and provide for a family, to accessible and affordable healthcare, to live in safe communities, and to retire with dignity and security.
The Minnesota DFL is currently seeking interns to help us accomplish these goals. Our positions are paid and part-time. We ask that interns work roughly 20 hours a week.
Spring 2025 Internships
Start & End Dates: 01/03/25-05/23/25
Application Deadline: 11/08/2024
Applications will be accepted until each position is filled.
Successful applicants in all departments will have:
- Excellent communication and collaborative work skills.
- A strong work ethic and ability to work independently.
- Capacity to work in a fast-paced environment.
- Strong writing, research, and organizational skills.
- A willingness to be flexible in daily work assignments.
Internship Departments
We encourage you to familiarize yourself with the different internships available at the DFL prior to applying!
Communications & Research:
The Minnesota DFL is seeking an intern to help with writing, research, and special projects.
Duties include assisting in writing press releases, columns and letters to the editor; monitoring media (print, radio and television); working with DFL Communication Coordinators across the state; and working with a team on research projects.
Qualified interns will have excellent writing and research skills, editing and communication skills, basic knowledge of Microsoft software (Word, Excel, and Outlook) and organizational skills. Political science, journalism, and mass communication students are encouraged to apply.
If applying for a communications internship, please include a non-academic writing sample in your application.
Political Data:
The Minnesota DFL is seeking an intern to help with data, analytics, reporting, data visualization and special projects.
Duties include assisting in managing the statewide voter file; working with campaigns and candidates to understand and utilize available data tools; building reporting and data visualizations; training; and working with a team on special projects.
Qualified interns will have an interest in learning how data affects campaigns, and learning data skills and tools such as Microsoft Access, SQL and Tableau. Applicants with good working knowledge of Excel encouraged to apply.
Fundraising & Development:
The Minnesota DFL is seeking a fundraising/development intern. Duties include working closely with the Finance Director to grow our grassroots donor program, assisting with the planning of small and large events, analyzing data in our donor database, and taking on special projects as they arise. This part-time intern will play an important role in preparing our party for the crucial 2024 election cycle and will complete the semester with a better understanding of basic fundraising strategies.
Strong applicants will be proficient in Excel and have a general familiarity with politics in Minnesota.
HR & Compliance:
As an HR and Compliance Intern at Minnesota DFL, you will play a crucial role in supporting our organization’s human resources administration and ensuring compliance with campaign finance regulations. This internship offers hands-on experience in human resources and compliance within a dynamic political environment. Key responsibilities include:
- Onboarding: Assist in the onboarding process for new employees.
- Benefit Enrollments: Support with benefit enrollment processes, ensuring accurate and timely administration of health insurance and other employee benefits.
- Internal Service: Provide excellent customer service to internal stakeholders, addressing inquiries related to HR policies, procedures, and benefits.
- Proactive Outreach: Reach out to new hires during the onboarding process and benefit enrollment to move them along or request submission of missing documents and forms.
- Campaign Finance Compliance: Assist in maintaining compliance with campaign finance regulations, including reviewing financial reports, documenting contributions, and ensuring adherence to legal requirements.
Qualifications:
- Currently pursuing a degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, Political Science, or a related field.
- Strong organizational skills with meticulous attention to detail.
- Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, both written and verbal.
- Ability to handle confidential information with discretion and professionalism.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint).
- Passion for progressive values and interest in political advocacy.
Party Affairs:
The Minnesota DFL seeks an intern to assist in the Party Affairs department. Duties will include working with local unit DFL chairs in event planning, assistance in maintenance our volunteer database, working to develop our officer manuals, promotional kits, convention materials, and assisting local party units in their organizing efforts.
Qualified interns will be able to work well with people, prioritize to meet deadlines, possess excellent phone and computer skills, be confident, flexible, creative, organized, and reliable.
Operations:
The Minnesota DFL seeks an intern to join the Operations Department to assist with a variety of duties, including:·
- Support all administrative duties in the office.
- Manage office supplies inventory and place orders as necessary.
- Greet visitors and answer phone calls.
- Receive and sort incoming mail and deliveries.
- Assist with staff events and outings.
- Manage vendor relationships and communicate with service providers.
- Coordinate office facility and office maintenance.
Strong applicants will demonstrate the following traits:
- Ability to communicate clearly, effectively, and patiently.
- A courteous and helpful attitude acknowledging the public relations aspect of this position.
- Strong organizational skills, ability to multitask effectively and prioritize work.
- High degree of resourcefulness and positive energy.
- Basic computer skills including MS Office Suite and GSuite.
Applying for an Internship
To apply for an internship at the Minnesota DFL, please fill out an Application Form here.
Application Forms require the following attachments:
- Cover Letter: A one-page cover letter which outlines your interest in interning for the Minnesota DFL.
- Resume: A one-page resume that outlines your academic and work experience.
- *Writing Sample (Comms Apps only): A sample in your preferred format of non-academic writing.
For any questions regarding internship applications or openings, please contact jweseman@dfl.org.
Diversity and Inclusion: The Minnesota DFL is an equal-opportunity employer. The DFL Party is committed to including groups historically underrepresented due to race/ethnicity, religion, age, gender identity, sexual orientation, and/or ability. We strongly encourage members of underrepresented and marginalized communities to apply.
Voluntary Self-Identification Information (OPTIONAL)
Consistent with the DFL Party’s commitment to including groups historically under-represented in the DFL Party’s affairs, by virtue of race/ethnicity, age, sexual orientation, or disability, we encourage members of underrepresented groups to seek jobs within the DFL Party. To help in this effort, we ask applicants to complete a self-identification form in their application. Completion of this information is voluntary and is not a requirement of employment. This information will not affect the decision regarding your application for employment. This information will be kept confidential.
