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Paid Political Internship Jobs in Iowa (NOW HIRING)

Food & Water Watch

$16/hr

This is a 9 week, 29-hr per week internship, working from June 8th to August 7th. Salary: $16/hour ... either paid or volunteer. This could include campus organizing, volunteering with a political ...

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How much do paid political internship jobs pay per hour?

As of May 28, 2026, the average hourly pay for paid political internship in Iowa is $16.32, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.13 and $18.61 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Paid Political Intern, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Paid Political Intern, you generally need strong research, writing, and organizational skills, often supported by coursework or experience in political science, communications, or related fields. Familiarity with office productivity software, social media platforms, and constituent management systems like NGP VAN is commonly required. Excellent interpersonal skills, adaptability, and a proactive attitude make candidates stand out in this fast-paced environment. These skills are crucial for effectively supporting campaign operations, communicating with stakeholders, and handling dynamic political tasks.

What types of projects and tasks can I expect to work on during a Paid Political Internship?

As a Paid Political Intern, you can expect to work on a variety of projects that may include assisting with campaign research, supporting event planning, conducting voter outreach, and helping with social media or communications initiatives. Interns often collaborate with both campaign staff and volunteers, gaining exposure to different aspects of political operations. The pace can be fast, especially close to election cycles, and you’ll have the opportunity to build valuable skills like public speaking, data analysis, and constituent engagement. This hands-on experience is ideal for those interested in political careers or public service.

What is a paid political internship?

A paid political internship is a temporary position, typically for students or recent graduates, that provides hands-on experience working in a political office, campaign, or organization. Unlike unpaid internships, paid political internships offer financial compensation for the work performed. Interns may assist with research, communications, event planning, constituent services, or campaign activities, gaining valuable insight into the political process and building professional networks. These internships can be stepping stones to future careers in politics, government, or public policy.

What is the difference between Paid Political Internship vs Paid Campaign Staff?

AspectPaid Political InternshipPaid Campaign Staff
CredentialsOften students or recent graduates, some experience preferredVaries; experience in campaigns or political work beneficial
Work EnvironmentOffice settings, campaign events, fieldworkIntensive campaign offices, field operations, events
Employer & IndustryPolitical organizations, government offices, advocacy groupsPolitical campaigns, party committees, advocacy groups

Paid Political Internships typically serve as entry-level opportunities for students or recent graduates to gain political experience, often with flexible hours. Paid Campaign Staff roles are full-time positions focused on executing campaign strategies, requiring more experience and responsibility. Both roles are essential in political campaigns but differ mainly in experience level, responsibilities, and duration.

What are popular job titles related to Paid Political Internship jobs in Iowa? For Paid Political Internship jobs in Iowa, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Paid Political Internship jobs in Iowa look for? The top searched job categories for Paid Political Internship jobs in Iowa are:
Paid Political Internship jobs near you
Des Moines Summer Intern

Des Moines Summer Intern

Food & Water Watch

$16/hr

Full-time, Part-time, Temporary, Internship

Posted 8 days ago

Job description

Des Moines Summer Intern
Food amp; Water Watch is looking for a Des Moines Intern to join our Iowa organizing team and support our grassroots campaigns to protect our food, water, and climate. The Des Moines Intern will work closely with the volunteers, community partners, and other staff at Food amp; Water Watch. This position must be based in Des Moines, Iowa.
About Food amp; Water Watch
Food amp; Water Watch is working to create a healthy future for all people and generations to come - a world where everyone has food they can trust, clean drinking water and a livable climate. Making this happen requires involving people in the pressing issues of our time at the local, state, and federal level, building on one win after another, as we develop a larger movement that has the political power to make our democratic process work.
About the position
The Des Moines Intern will report to the Rural Organizing Director and will work with other staff on the organizing, policy, digital and communications teams to support Food amp; Water Watch’s work. The intern will assist in volunteer activities, petitioning and able to help grow our list, and engage in overall campaign activities. The intern will primarily work on campaigns to address factory farms and drinking water issues in Iowa. This is a 9 week, 29-hr per week internship, working from June 8th to August 7th.
Salary: $16/hour
Location: Des Moines, Iowa
Responsibilities:
  1. Recruit volunteers and allies. Build a strong base of volunteers and organizations in support of our local, state, and national campaigns.
  2. Develop campaign plans. Work with other staff to establish long and short term goals, strategies, and tactics to win our campaigns.
  3. Organize campaign tactics. Plan and execute strategic tactics to meet the needs of our campaigns, including educational events, base-building drives, and actions directed at elected officials.
  4. Build capacity. Develop the leadership of volunteers and grassroots organizations by offering training and organizing support.
  5. Represent Food amp; Water Watch. Attend and speak at public events on behalf of Food amp; Water Watch.
  6. Build Food amp; Water Watch for the long haul. Participate in member recruitment and fundraising activities for Food amp; Water Watch.
  7. Regularly report on work to your supervisor.
  8. Carry out other projects as assigned.
Qualifications:
  • Organizing or advocacy experience, either paid or volunteer. This could include campus organizing, volunteering with a political campaign, or an organizing or advocacy non-profit.
  • Familiarity with Iowa politics and Iowa communities.
  • Commitment to Food amp; Water Watch’s core values of justice, human dignity, fair treatment, and equity.
  • Ability to work effectively with people of diverse racial, ethnic, class, age, gender, and sexual orientation backgrounds.
  • Excellent writing and verbal communication skills.
  • Excellent time management amp; organizational skills and ability to balance multiple projects.
  • Ability to work remotely using basic online programs, including email, Slack, and Google docs.
Compensation: $16/hour
This is a temporary, part-time internship and is not eligible for other benefits. If necessary, mileage, meals, and supplies will be reimbursed.
Click here to apply. Please include as one combined document your resume, cover letter, and three professional references to be considered. Position open until filled. Incomplete applications will not be considered.
We will review your application and if we feel that your knowledge, skills and abilities are potentially a good match for our organization, we will be in contact with you.
Food and Water Watch is an equal opportunity employer who encourages applications from women, people of color, LGBTQ individuals, individuals with disabilities, and other members of underrepresented groups. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of this role.
Food amp; Water Watch (FWW) is committed to the health and safety of its staff members. Moreover, FWW, as an organization, promotes science-based policy. Science clearly shows that unvaccinated populations drive the spread of the coronavirus and the emergence of new variants, and that unvaccinated people are more likely to contract COVID and experience severe symptoms. Effective immediately, it is strongly recommended that prospective new staff members provide proof of vaccination.

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