Who we are
The Iowa Senate Democratic Research Staff supports the work of the 32 Democratic members of the Iowa Senate. We are a team of 14 professionals who research various policy areas in support of the goals and interests of our Senators; communicate with constituents and the media; and offer administrative support.

What we do
Our staff members help draft new legislation, track the movement of bills, provide constituent services and help Senators stay in touch with citizens in their districts. We can be found at press conferences and committee meetings, working on the floor of the Senate Chamber, attending closed-door meetings of the Democratic Caucus, or working at our offices in the Statehouse.

What you do
Interns work closely with our staff's communications team and with Democratic Senators from across the state. Previous interns have attended Drake, Grinnell, Simpson, Grand View, and and Iowa's three Regents Universities.  Interns often come from majors in political science, public administration, journalism and communications.

Duties include:

• Taking photos of Senators and their constituents
• Drafting and e-mailing media releases
• Updating our Web site
• Helping with media and constituent events
• Updating press and organization lists
• Preparing mailings
• Preparing and distributing digital audio and video materials

Internship benefits include:

• Firsthand experience with the legislative process
• Making connections for future employment
• Working on exciting issues such as education, 
  health care, and environmental protection
• Innovative use of computer technology 
  and the Internet
• Excellent work environment in the newly restored, 
  historic Iowa Statehouse

A few past interns have joined our staff.  Others have gone on to: 

• manage political campaigns
• work in our Governor's office
• employment in state government departments
• public policy work
• become lawyers and journalists

Requirements:
All interns must be computer literate, organized and work well with others. 

How do  I apply?
Internships are available throughout the year.  Our lone paid position is during the legislative session (January through April or May) and that is also when we have the most unpaid positions.  The more time interns can spend at our offices, the more responsibility they get.

The one paid full-time internship during the legislative session is a demanding position which will fill your time from Monday through Friday.  (2010 paid internship has been cut)

Unpaid interns must be at the Capitol a minimum of  14 hours between Monday and Thursday each week during the legislative session.

We have also had successful interns who have worked with us only during the January portion of winter break or during spring break.  If you have a question about whether your time fits our needs, please ask.

The application deadline for a paid internship for the spring session is November 1. Please either complete the on-line form or send a resume and cover letter with dates and times available for work to:

Rusty Martin
Iowa Senate Democratic Staff
Iowa Statehouse
Des Moines, IA 50319

515-281-5269
rusty.martin@legis.state.ia.us