Spring 2027 sca public policy specialist co-op

The Office of Consumer Affairs and Business Regulation (OCABR) is a state agency within the Executive Office of Economic Development and is responsible for protecting consumers through advocacy and education. The Office of Consumer Affairs works to ensure that the businesses our agencies regulate treat all Massachusetts consumers fairly. The Division of Banks ("DOB"), Division of Insurance ("DOI"), Division of Occupational Licensure ("DOL"), Division of Standards ("DOS"), and Department of Telecommunications and Cable ("DTC") all fall under the OCABR umbrella and help us to fulfill our critical mission of building better businesses and smarter consumers.

OCABR as an regulatory agency also manages several statewide programs in accordance with applicable General Laws. These include the Home Improvement Contractor Programs, Lemon Law Arbitrator Program, Data Breach and the Massachusetts Do Not Call Program. OCABR is committed to creating and sustaining a work culture that is welcoming, inclusive, and mutually respectful to all its employees regardless of race, color, age, creed, religion, national origin, ethnicity, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, genetic information, veteran or disability status. We strive to reflect diversity in all facets and levels of our agency. OCABR values inclusiveness and diversity within their employee and management teams. Within our community we strive to create and maintain working and learning environments that are inclusive, equitable, and welcoming.

The OCABR is committed to ensuring a diverse and inclusive workplace where all employees feel respected, valued, and empowered to maximize their skills and talents to serve our citizens.

About the position:

The Public Policy Specialist Co-op (PPS) is responsible for conducting research regarding emerging public policy questions in the area of consumer protection and business regulation and offering recommended paths to decision makers. The PPS Co-op will become well versed in a wide range of topics in consumer protection and business regulation and with the composition, construction, and responsibilities of OCABR and its constituent agencies. This role may be assigned or delegated at the discretion of leadership to units within the Office of Consumer Affairs and Business Regulations, the Division of Occupational Licensure, Division of Insurance, Division of Banks, Division of Standards, or the Department of Telecommunications and Cable for varied special projects or tasks.

Specific duties include:

• Conduct research on public policy issues relevant to OCABR, constituent agencies, impacted industries, consumer protections, and priorities set by Administration, Office, and agency leadership.
• Draft policy briefs, memos, background materials, talking points, and stakeholder communications, identification, and mapping.
• Attend and participate in internal and external engagement events, including but not limited to consumer outreach events and special projects, as scheduled.
• Help prepare and maintain internal policy trackers, briefing materials, and other resources.
• Collaborate with colleagues across legal, communications, business, research, and other teams on policy-related projects.
• Support and perform additional relevant duties as assigned.

Preferred qualifications:

• Strong research, analytical, and written communication skills.
• Ability to synthesize complex policy issues into clear, concise written materials.
• Strong attention to detail and organizational skills.
• Ability to manage multiple assignments and work effectively in a fast-paced environment.
• Demonstrated interest in public policy, government, regulatory affairs, or civic engagement.
• Sound judgment, professionalism, and discretion when working with sensitive information.
• Ability to work both independently and collaboratively.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Programs.
• Interest in learning about consumer rights and business regulation and assisting businesses and consumers of the Commonwealth.

Benefits of this co-op:

We foster an environment of learning and empowerment. This is an opportunity to develop excellent communication skills, confidence and a professional demeanor through daily interaction with diverse industry stakeholders and consumers; acquisition of knowledge of consumer related rights and regulations in Massachusetts; and make a positive contribution to consumer education, enhance your research skills, and work in a collaborative, supportive, upbeat office environment where you are a valued member.

Pay: $19/hour

The expectation is that this position may be, but is not guaranteed to be, eligible for a hybrid work schedule following an initial period of training on office policies and processes which will be in-person.

The Public Policy Specialist Co-op will work Monday through Friday from 9am to 5pm with a 30-minute lunch break. All government holidays will be unpaid days off. This is 6-month co-op.

Office Location:

One Federal Street, Suite 720, Boston, MA 02110

Recent student feedback:

• "Working here was a great learning experience. It's a very fast paced job and you need to keep up with anything that happens in MA that might affect consumers. Everyone at the office was really helpful, and they all helped in any way possible if there was a question none of us at the phone could answer. This job was a surprisingly good one and I encourage anyone to apply for it."
• "I learned more about diversity of backgrounds of consumers and improved my communication skills drastically. The amount of information given to us about laws was very helpful, our training made us confident with the things we were informing consumers on. Many of the problems they faced were things we could face in the future either it could be paying bills, rent, buying a car or even getting a business license."
• "The relationship that I had with my supervisor was very pleasant. She was very warm and welcoming. She was very open to helping me with any problem I faced."
• "I really enjoyed the work I was doing at OCABR and felt like I was doing worthwhile work and actively helping the organization."
• "Customer service is applicable everywhere, and after spending 6 months speaking to the general public, I find that my communication skills have increased. Learning about how to compose oneself in an office setting should be applicable to my post-graduation experience as well, as I imagine that I'd be working in an office."

Job Function

Government – Policy and Legal

Location

Boston, Massachusetts United States

Workplace Type

Primarily on-site work, Hybrid

Compensation Currency Type

US Dollars (USD)

Compensation

$19/hour per hour

Hours Per Week

Full Time (32+ Hours Per Week)

Transportation

Accessible by public transportation

First consideration will be given to those applicants that apply within the first 14 days. Please see Preferred Qualifications.

An Equal Opportunity / Affirmative Action Employer. Females, minorities, veterans, and persons with disabilities are strongly encouraged to apply. The Commonwealth is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, age, disability, national origin, veteran status, or any other basis covered by appropriate law. Research suggests that qualified women, Black, Indigenous, and Persons of Color (BIPOC) may self-select out of opportunities if they don't meet 100% of the job requirements. We encourage individuals who believe they have the skills necessary to thrive to apply for this role.