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NABCA

Public Policy Research Intern

Arlington, VA · On-site

$15 - $18/hr

Prior internships or employment in public health, public safety, or public policy roles in non-profit or government settings is strongly preferred. An understanding of the research and data needs of ...

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How much do internship public policy research jobs pay per month?

As of Aug 24, 2026, the average monthly pay for internship public policy research in the United States is $6,439.50, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $4,416.67 and $7,666.67 per month, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is an internship in public policy research?

An Internship in Public Policy Research is a temporary position for students or recent graduates to gain hands-on experience in analyzing, developing, and evaluating public policies. Interns typically work with think tanks, government agencies, or advocacy organizations to assist with data collection, policy analysis, report writing, and event organization. This role helps individuals build skills in research, critical thinking, and communication, while learning about the policymaking process and current public issues. Such internships are valuable stepping stones for careers in government, non-profits, or academia.

What types of projects and responsibilities can I expect during an internship in public policy research?

As a Public Policy Research intern, you will typically assist with collecting and analyzing data, preparing policy briefs, and supporting the development of reports on current legislative issues. You may also participate in stakeholder meetings, contribute to literature reviews, and help organize outreach or advocacy events. Interns often work under the guidance of senior policy analysts or researchers, giving you the opportunity to learn about real-world policy processes and gain experience collaborating with diverse teams in a fast-paced environment.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an internship public policy researcher, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Internship Public Policy Researcher, you need strong analytical abilities, research skills, and a background in political science, public policy, or a related field. Familiarity with data analysis tools, policy databases, and presentation software such as Excel, SPSS, or Tableau is typically required. Attention to detail, written communication, and initiative are standout soft skills in this role. These competencies are crucial for producing accurate policy analysis, clear reports, and impactful recommendations to inform decision-making.

What is the difference between Internship Public Policy Research vs Public Policy Analyst?

AspectInternship Public Policy ResearchPublic Policy Analyst
Required CredentialsTypically pursuing or recent graduate, some knowledge of policy or research methodsBachelor's or master's degree in public policy, political science, or related field
Work EnvironmentInternship setting, often in government, think tanks, or NGOsFull-time role in government agencies, think tanks, or consulting firms
Employer & Industry UsageInternship programs for students or entry-level candidatesProfessional role for those analyzing and developing policies

Internship Public Policy Research positions are entry-level, often held by students or recent graduates gaining experience. Public Policy Analysts are full-time professionals responsible for analyzing, developing, and evaluating policies. While internships focus on learning and supporting research, analysts take on more responsibility in policy formulation and decision-making.

What cities are hiring for Internship Public Policy Research jobs?

Cities with the most Internship Public Policy Research job openings:

What are the most commonly searched types of Public Policy Research jobs?

The most popular types of Public Policy Research jobs are:

What states have the most Internship Public Policy Research jobs?

States with the most job openings for Internship Public Policy Research jobs include:

Internship Public Policy Research jobs near you
Infographic showing various Internship Public Policy Research job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 82% Full Time, 16% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 94% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $77,274 per year, or $37.2 per hour.

Public Policy Research Intern

Arlington, VA

National Alcohol Beverage Control Association
11 - 50 employees
Learn more about National Alcohol Beverage Control Associationexternal

Internship

Posted 5 days ago

Job description

Job Announcement

Public Policy Research Intern

National Alcohol Beverage Control Association (NABCA), located in Arlington, VA, was founded in 1938 and is the national trade association representing the jurisdictions that control the distribution and sale of beverage alcohol within their borders. The mission of NABCA is to support member jurisdictions in their efforts to protect public health and safety and ensure responsible and efficient systems for beverage alcohol distribution and sales.

NABCA has an immediate vacancy for a temporary Public Policy Research Intern. The Public Policy team is responsible for policy research and analysis on public policy, public health and public safety issues that are foundational to NABCA's mission. The intern will perform research, data mining, data cleaning, visualization, and other assigned tasks to support the Public Policy data analysis. The intern will assist the Public Policy Team's work to promote public health and safety with control jurisdictions, nonprofit organizations, members, and communities. The Public Policy Research Intern reports to the Director, Public Policy.

NABCA is a Great Place to Work Certified Workplace for 2024/25! Click Here to Learn More! NABCA offers complimentary parking, and offices in a beautiful building conveniently located in the Shirlington area, one block from popular shops and restaurants. The individual selected for this role will have opportunities to meet exceptionally talented managers and colleagues throughout the organization.

Duties: The Public Policy Intern performs the following duties:

  • Completes assignments to support the department's accomplishment of NABCA's strategic public policy and research goals.
  • Assists in identifying meaningful data sources that expand the department's existing portfolio of policy datasets.
  • Performs research and data mining tasks to support statistical reporting projects; collects, transforms, cleans, and validates data from multiple sources as assigned.
  • Prepares basic syntheses and regular updates of research, data and statistical analyses.
  • Uses data and statistical tools and apps to develop basic data models and statistical reports to provide insights for the Public Policy Team as requested; assists with updating public policy dashboards and impact reports as assigned.
  • Participates in meetings; perform special projects as assigned.

Qualifications:

  • Pursuit of a bachelor's or master's degree in public policy, public health, or related discipline at an accredited college or university is required. Data science, analytics, statistics, economics, or directly related coursework are highly preferred.
  • Prior internships or employment in public health, public safety, or public policy roles in non-profit or government settings is strongly preferred.
  • An understanding of the research and data needs of the public health, safety or policy fields is a plus.
  • Strong written and verbal communications skills are required.
  • Recent experience using statistical or analytical tools and apps to analyze data is required. Recent experience using Power BI, Tableau, SPSS, SAS, R, etc.is essential.
  • Strong analytical skills and recent experience with data mining, cleaning, and visualization tools are required.
  • Recent experience conducting data mining tasks, to include collecting, transforming, cleaning, and validating data from multiple sources, etc.-is essential.
  • An intermediate level of proficiency with Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, MS Teams, and Outlook is required.
  • Strong attention to detail and the ability to identify and resolve data errors are essential.
  • Must possess initiative and be a fast learner who can produce work that is accurate and complete. Strong organizational and time management skills and the ability to meet assignment deadlines is essential.
  • Must be a reliable, professional, flexible, team player with a positive attitude,
  • A strong desire to understand how research and data intersect to advance the public policy, public health or public safety fields is essential.

FLSA Status: Non-Exempt

EOE/M/F/D

Please note that this is a temporary 10-12-week Intern assignment.

The Public Policy Research Intern selected for this role will generally work 16-24 hours per week.

To Apply: Interested individuals should send resume and cover letter to hradmin@nabca.org by August 25, 2026. Learn more about NABCA at www.nabca.org.

NABCA is a Great Place to Work Certified Workplace for 2024/25! Click Here to Learn More!

NO PHONE CALLS, PLEASE!

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