Internship Details Job Type:

Internship / Campaign Role / Part-time /

Temporary Term:

Now through November 2026

Location:

Hybrid — field work across Sumter County and The Villages, plus remote work.

Sanctuary HQ:

6127 SE 122nd Blvd, Webster, FL 33597 Ability to commute: Required. Reliable transportation within Sumter County is a must.

Compensation:

Internship with a $75/week stipend. Academic credit available where your program allows.

Typical Hours:

Part-time, flexible scheduling around class commitments

Schedule Note:

Includes evenings and weekends (civic meetings, community events, tabling). Hours increase in the final weeks before the November 3 vote. About the Campaign On November 3, Sumter County voters decide whether to reinstate a 2% Tourist Development Tax on short-term lodging — hotels, campgrounds, RV parks and rentals of six months or less. The county repealed the tax in 2020. Restoring it is projected to generate roughly $1 million a year, dedicated by state law to tourism promotion and tourism-related projects. Residents do not pay it. It is paid by visitors staying overnight in the county, and it funds the attractions, events and infrastructure that bring those visitors here — including work by local nonprofits like Chase Sanctuary in animal welfare, conservation and education. This is a real countywide ballot campaign with a hard deadline, and the intern in this role owns its public-facing side. About Chase Sanctuary Chase Sanctuary & Wildlife Conservancy is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to rescuing exotic animals and advancing conservation through education, habitat development, and species preservation. We currently care for 250+ animals across 70+ species, including a large population of critically endangered primates such as Ruffed Lemurs and Cotton-top Tamarins, plus a diverse collection of mammals, birds, and reptiles. Many of our animals are rescued from the exotic pet trade. The sanctuary is a working example of the kind of local institution tourism dollars support. Key Responsibilities Community Organizing & Public Speaking (Major Component) Build a target list of civic groups, HOAs, business associations, chambers, clubs and faith communities across Sumter County and The Villages. Book and schedule speaking slots and tabling opportunities with those groups. Present the campaign in person to rooms of 10 to 100+ people. Represent the sanctuary and the campaign at community events. Media & Communications Pitch local media: newspapers, radio, community newsletters and Facebook groups. Pursue op-eds and interview placements. Write the campaign talking points, FAQ and one-pager. Keep messaging consistent, accurate and non-partisan across every channel. Direct Voter Outreach Run direct outreach to our existing base of roughly 1,000 Sumter County residents who have visited the sanctuary. Contact them by email, phone and text. Execute a get-out-the-vote push in the final weeks before November 3. Tracking & Reporting Log every contact, commitment and follow-up in a shared CRM. Report weekly on groups reached, events held, media placements and voter contacts. Flag what's working and what isn't so the campaign can adjust quickly. Who This Is For Pursuing or completed a degree in Political Science, Public Policy, Communications, Public Administration, Nonprofit Management or a related field — or simply someone who wants campaign experience. Able to talk to a room of strangers without flinching. Organized, with the discipline to track hundreds of contacts without losing any of them. Comfortable on the phone. Able to explain a tax policy in one clear sentence. Reliable transportation in Sumter County — required. Prior campaign, canvassing or student government experience is a plus. Work Environment This is an active, public-facing role, not a desk internship: field work across Sumter County and The Villages; evening and weekend meetings and events; outdoor tabling in Florida weather; fast-paced, deadline-driven, team-oriented. Professional expectations include representing Chase Sanctuary with a positive, respectful attitude at all times, maintaining accuracy in every public statement about the ballot measure, and adhering to dress code and conduct standards at community events. What You Will Gain Real ownership of a countywide ballot campaign from start to Election Day. A portfolio of earned media and community organizing work. Public speaking and stakeholder management experience. Academic credit where your program allows. A reference from our leadership team. Behind-the-scenes access to a 250+ animal sanctuary. This internship is designed to prepare candidates for careers in: political and issue advocacy campaigns; government and public affairs; nonprofit development and community relations; communications and public relations. Time Off Policy All time off must be requested and approved in advance. Given the fixed November 3 deadline, availability in the final four weeks of the campaign is essential. Unapproved absences may result in dismissal from the internship program. How to Apply Submit your resume through our application link: chasesanctuary.org/internship

Pay:

$75.00 per week

Work Location:

Hybrid remote in Webster, FL 33597