Interns in the finance operation will assist in all aspects of political fundraising. This is an excellent opportunity to learn how campaigns raise and manage their budgets. Finance staff tend to spend the most amount of time working directly with the candidate and high-level staff due to the critical nature of this function.This is an excellent opportunity for those looking to break into electoral politics. Campaign finance operatives are often the first staffers hired on campaigns and those that learn the fundamentals of fundraising and compliance will find the experience very helpful in finding future employment on a campaign. Campaign staff will work with interns to see that they develop the skills necessary to work as a paid finance staffer.
Percentage of Time (apprx) Duties
60% Research. One of the most important aspects of political fundraising is the formation and maintenance of good data. In this capacity, interns will work directly with finance consultants and staff members to develop good prospects and maintain a robust database of potential donors for the candidate. These skills are also useful for college students in general.
25% Administration. In addition to research, interns will assist with preparing mailing, entering financial information, and ensuring that all payments and expenditures are properly entered in a timely manner.
15% Fundraising. Interns will occassionally assist the candidate directly with call-time and may also be asked to help staff the candidate at fundraisers or other events where potential donors may be present.
