Internship in Public Policy and Entrepreneurship

Posting Job Description:
The Canadian Federation of Independent Business (CFIB) is a non-partisan, not-for-profit advocacy group representing the interests of 110,000 small and medium-sized businesses across Canada. CFIB was founded 50 years ago in reaction to a piece of public policy that, at the time, would have been devastating to the Canadian independent business sector. Now, CFIB’s advocacy, savings and support for small businesses has been integral to helping businesses survive the pandemic.

In conjunction with Scotiabank, we are offering a six-month Public Policy and Entrepreneurship Internship in Vancouver, Calgary, Toronto, and Montreal (four positions). The positions will run for 27 weeks from May 3 to October 29.

CFIB has taken great care in developing a coveted Public Policy and Entrepreneurship Intern Program that will not only advance our small business members’ priorities, but also provide a meaningful and enriching opportunity for the interns.

Scope of Responsibility:
Reporting to a member of the legislative team, you will work directly on project(s) that support CFIB’s mission to ensure Canada’s small business community thrives, including research, analysis, content creation, communications, and marketing. Throughout the program, you will build a portfolio of work to your name, which may include reports, news releases, social posts, survey questions, and more. Your work will become a component of CFIB’s advocacy work on CFIB members’ top priorities. This year, interns will also be given one of two specializations, which involve working with either CFIB’s Research (BC & Calgary) or Marketing (Toronto & Montreal) departments. We are excited to add this specialization to foster additional skills and experience for the interns.

Highlights of Responsibilities:
In consultation with and direction from a CFIB Intern Manager, you will:

Refine the content creation plan and develop weekly completion targets

Meet agreed upon weekly completion targets

Gather relevant data from CFIB member surveys, government and other sources

Analyze data and write draft final content, e.g. report

Work collaboratively with other CFIB Public Policy and Entrepreneurship Interns and CFIB colleagues across Canada

Work with the the Research or Marketing team on content development projects (survey design, analysis, digital/social campaigns, communications, etc.)

Provide research assistance on other small business issues, as necessary

Provide office administrative help and assist small business members, as necessary

Qualifications:
Candidates must possess:
Desire to learn more about the small business sector and its role in the Canadian economy

Interest in government relations/politics/public policy

Strong research skills to undertake qualitative and quantitative analysis, check sources and facts, and develop key arguments

Superior written communication skills

Commitment to accuracy and thoroughness

Expertise in word processing, spreadsheets and graphs

Proven ability to work interdependently in a collaborative environment with colleagues in a small office environment

Ability to step in to help keep the office running (answer phone, administrative tasks), if necessary

Good interpersonal skills

Objectivity and non-partisanship

Fluency in both French and English is a requirement (written, oral and reading)

Notes:
Recent graduates (2020 or 2021) of relevant post-secondary education are encouraged to apply. Preference will be given to those students able to complete the internship without interruptions.

A work from home arrangement may be required during the pandemic.

Remuneration:
$2,500/month gross (paid bi-weekly, less statutory deductions)

Writing sample:
This application process requires a sample of written work you have completed. The writing sample should be a brief example of your research and writing abilities. The sample does not necessarily have to be related to small business issues. For example, you may want to use a portion of a paper that you submitted for a school course. Please keep your writing sample to two pages. If needed, further samples may be requested from short-listed candidates.

Note: CFIB will be reviewing applications as they are submitted. We encourage you to apply early. All applications will be acknowledged; however, please note that only those applicants that meet the criteria will be contacted for an interview.

Please ensure to apply for the job posted in the location of your choice and indicate in your cover letter, which city you are applying for.

CFIB is committed to providing accommodations for people with disabilities through the interview process and while employed. If you require an accommodation, we will work with you to meet your needs.