2018-2019 AUCD Emerging Leaders Interns

Overview

There are over 3,000 trainees from every state and territory in the AUCD network, all with a commitment to collaborating and positively impacting the lives of people with disabilities. AUCD is seeking two current trainees to work as AUCD Emerging Leaders Interns to work together to passionately represent the trainee network. Ideal candidates will be big-picture thinkers who value building and enhancing a community among trainees and emerging leaders (e.g. early career professionals and trainee alumni) in meaningful and sustainable ways across all AUCD member sites (i.e., LENDs, UCEDDs, and IDDRCs). The AUCD Emerging Leaders Interns will act as connection points between the national network and each Program/Center by ensuring trainees receive relevant information and opportunities related to leadership, research, grants fellowships, emerging issues, and more.

The AUCD Emerging Leaders Interns will:

• Develop their leadership and communication skills to support their future careers
• Strengthen the community of emerging leaders through a range of projects
• Collaborate and plan events with diverse stakeholders

AUCD is committed to empowering both interns to lead the trainee network through the provision of a diverse range of tasks and opportunities. These can include but are not limited to: leadership, administration, and engagement. They will both serve as trainee representatives to the broader AUCD network, interacting with leaders at Board, Director, and Council meetings, and other gatherings of network members that may take place during the year.

Both AUCD Emerging Leaders Interns will receive direction and mentoring from the Senior Program Specialist for Maternal and Child Health, a full-time staff member at AUCD central office. AUCD will provide funding for both trainees to experience and perform duties at the AUCD Conference (typically in November) and the Disability Policy Seminar (typically in March); both events are held in Washington, D.C.

These positions were previously called the “Virtual Trainee” and “Assistant Virtual Trainee,” whose responsibilities were similar to those outlined in this announcement. Learn more about past Virtual Trainees and their work.

Specific Responsibilities, Time Commitment, and Stipend

Both positions span one full academic year (August through May). AUCD offers two different weekly time commitments and stipends.

One of the AUCD Emerging Leaders Intern will be a 2nd+ year long-term trainee for the upcoming academic year who will:

• Work 4-5 hours per week, with the exception of the time immediately around conference/events, in which time commitments may increase up to 5-10 hours per week
• Receive a $1,000 stipend each semester*
• Primarily focus on the following responsibilities: 
  • Organizing and coordinating efforts to orient trainees (e.g. "Welcome" webinar in September) and helping them leverage their experiences through the year (e.g. "End of the Year" webinar in April)
  • Assisting with the planning and execution of trainee-focused activities at AUCD in-person meetings, and attending other relevant events as appropriate
  • Showcasing the diversity of the network through the AUCD Emerging Leaders Map, including tasks related to participant recruitment, information dissemination, and ongoing effectiveness/relevance evaluation

The other AUCD Emerging Leaders Intern will be a long-term trainee at any level (those starting their first-year traineeship are welcome to apply!) for the upcoming academic year:

• Work 2-3 hours per week, with the exception of the time immediately around conference/events, in which time commitments may increase up to 3-6 hours per week
• Receive a $500 stipend each semester*
• Primarily focus on the following responsibilities:
  • Enhancing communication, collaboration, and dissemination of topical and relevant information among trainees nationwide through a variety of web-based platforms (e.g. social media, e-mail listservs, websites, webinars)
  • Recruiting, collaborating with, and following up with Trainee Liaisons (trainee representatives from each Program and Center) to enhance the reach and impact of communications through regular calls and emails
  • Collecting information from focus groups, surveys, etc. to assess the effectiveness of communications, outreach, and subsequently adapt strategies based on data trends

*Note: The stipend will be paid to the individual or to the Program/Center, based on Program/Center policies.

Requirements for both Interns:

• One-hour weekly check-in meetings with the AUCD Emerging Leaders team
• Attend the AUCD Conference (November 10-14, 2018) and the Disability Policy Seminar (April 7-9, 2019); both in Washington, D.C. (AUCD will provide funding)
• Exhibit foundational knowledge of the AUCD network and a desire to learn more
• Demonstrate an interest in national issues related to leadership and people with disabilities
• Utilize a variety of web-based platforms (e.g., social media, e-mail listservs, websites, webinars) to share important information and engage trainees
• Model cultural and linguistic competence in interactions with colleagues and professionals from around the country representing a wide range of abilities, racial/ethnic backgrounds, and cultural identities
• Use exceptional communication skills
• Work independently and with others as appropriate

Application Deadline

Please read all the required submitted materials carefully.

• Your resume or CV (brief: no more than 2 pages)
• A letter of interest describing your motivation to serve in this role, and how these specific tasks match your current skillset
• Application form (download word document of the application form. Note: different than the application portal field forms, and you can upload the application form to any of the fields where you add a letter of support)
• A statement of support from your LEND or UCEDD Director or Training Director.

• Interviews will occur in early July 2018.
• The two selected interns will be notified by August 2018.
• In August 2018, the AUCD Emerging Leaders team and the two trainees' Director and/or Training Director will participate in an orientation meeting to review all the responsibilities and workplan.

Questions

If you have any questions or need additional clarification, please contact Christine liao at [email protected] or 240-821-9462.

Directors and faculty are encouraged to recommend eligible trainees to apply for this leadership opportunity and to allow the selected trainee use the position as his/her leadership activity for the coming year.