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The Murray Dobbin Tax Research and Communications Internship

5 September 2023

photo advertising internship with canadians for tax fairness

NOTE: The application period is closed for this internship.

The Murray Dobbin Tax Research and Communications Internship

Canadians for Tax Fairness (C4TF) is hiring a paid research and communications student intern. Our annual internship is open to post-secondary students and recent post-secondary students in honour of the late Murray Dobbin, progressive economic activist and founding president of Canadians for Tax Fairness.

The student will assist with various research, public policy, and communications tasks under the supervision of C4TF’s Executive Director and Communications Coordinator. The student will also work with the organization’s Fundraising Coordinator. 

Main tasks include researching issues related to tax fairness and producing content for media, supporters, the public and policymakers.

WHO SHOULD APPLY

The internship is ideal for students studying economics, political science, sociology, public policy, or communications. Students with progressive values, who are interested in researching and communicating economic concepts to a variety of audiences are encouraged to apply.

Applicants should also want to work for an organization focused on raising awareness about tax justice, and increasing democratic control of government revenue and spending. C4TF encourages racialized and Indigenous Canadians, women, people who identify as LGBTQ+, and students with disabilities to apply.

TERM:

The internship runs for a period of 3 months with flexible start and end dates, ideally beginning in Fall 2023 and ending in 2024. This is a paid, part-time internship (20 hours a week) for $20 an hour.  

LOCATION

Students work from home, as C4TF staff do. We have colleagues in Ottawa and Toronto, and our Board of Directors comes from across Canada. On occasion, we meet in Ottawa or elsewhere.

EVALUATION

C4TF staff can complete evaluations of the work term in accordance with University policies, and offer students regular feedback on their work. Moreover, most work at the organization is in the form of joint projects, and regular interaction on each project is ongoing, including meetings, shared documents, calls and and emails.

RESPONSIBILITIES AND FUNCTIONS

Research: Work with other C4TF staff to identify research needs, locate potential data sources, collect and organize data. Analyze data and how it can be presented in a way that is accessible to a broader audience.

Communications: Work with C4TF staff to produce a variety of communications material, including social and traditional media, that supports the organization’s objectives.

Writing: Initiate, write and assist other C4TF staff in writing short research pieces, op-eds, letters, and blogs on fair taxation.

Multimedia: Transform text and numerical information into content designed for web and print, including images, tables or graphs.

Fundraising: Work alongside fundraising coordinator to identify fundraising opportunities and help produce fundraising material.

Execute other related tasks.

QUALIFICATIONS

Strong research and writing skills. The ability to present complex findings in a clear and concise manner would be an asset.

Interest in economics, taxation, public policy, and how governments can reduce financial and social inequalities.

Capacity to work autonomously and respect deadlines with minimal supervision.

Fluency in spoken and written English. Strong written and spoken French is an asset.

Basic quantitative skills, including the ability to use Excel, or a similar program, is an asset.

Interest in using graphic design, video editing and other social media applications.

Experience working with non-profit or political organizations would be an asset

Ability to communicate professionally with a variety of people in a manner appropriate to a credible organization with national media presence.

Interest in how Parliament works and advocating on tax fairness issues
 

EQUIPMENT

Interns are expected to have access to their own computers, as they will be working from home. The intern will not be required to pay for purchasing any software.

TRAINING

Training is provided by C4TF staff during work hours, who remain available to be contacted throughout the day. Documents to assist students integrate are available.

HOW TO APPLY

Send one PDF document to office@taxfairness.ca that includes:

1. Required: A CV that is maximum 2 pages in length, with an email address and a telephone number.

2. Required: A Letter of Intent, which is no longer than 500 words.

3. Optional: Please include hyperlinks or attachments of relevant research or writing samples (2 maximum). 

DEADLINE FOR APPLICATIONS: September 29, 2023.