Policy Intern Jobs in Reston, VA (NOW HIRING)

Election Protection Intern
Semester: Fall (September - December 2026)
Status: Part-time Temporary (up to 25 hours per week)
Reports to: Bárbara Bernal Monrroy, Policy Manager
Rate of Pay: $18.40 per hour
Location: Washington, DC Area Preferred (Remote Available-see note under location section)
ORGANIZATION
Issue One is a nonpartisan, nonprofit advocacy organization that unites Republicans, Democrats, and independents to win game-changing federal reforms to fix our broken political system and create an inclusive democracy that works for everyone. Issue One educates the public and Congress to pass legislation to increase transparency, strengthen government ethics and accountability, reduce the influence of big money in politics, protect free and fair elections, and strengthen U.S. elections.
POSITION
Issue One seeks a fall Election Protection intern interested in learning about how U.S. elections work and helping Issue One advance its election protection priorities, including protecting elections from partisan manipulation, supporting election officials, and advancing reforms that ensure elections are fair, representative, and trusted. The intern will work closely with our Policy team, as well as other teams across Issue One. We seek an intern who can be unflinching when assigned various responsibilities and remain open-minded, like the rest of our staff.
Our interns are integral members of Issue One. We are a growing office where you will gain hands-on experience in bipartisan outreach and advocacy, research, communications and messaging tactics, event planning, and much more. We also work closely with other reform organizations and will give you a comprehensive look at the vital work being done nationwide.
RESPONSIBILITIES

• Assist team with implementing plans to advance bipartisan democracy reform;
• Support the organization's efforts to defend free and fair elections while strengthening our election administration system;
• Assist the team with research and monitoring of state and federal election-related policy developments;
• Assist the team with research and policy development around election administration, redistricting, litigation related to the election space, and election processes and laws;
• Be trusted to lead important projects, all while providing regular updates about any adjustments or progress;
• Researched breaking news and investigated unfolding stories related to the election space
• Help expand organizational reach by assisting with outreach, list-building campaigns, and creating content that supports the organization's mission;

• Schedule and attend, as assigned, relevant meetings and public events and follow up with important stakeholders as needed;
• Support logistical coordination and keep colleagues aware of any planning concerns; and

• Collaborate with all other IO staff as needed to complete the objectives of the team.

Other Responsibilities TBD. Given the fluid and developing nature of our program, duties are subject to change, and new responsibilities might be added based on the program's needs. Therefore, the intern must be able to adapt to program needs and remain optimistic when changes take place.
REQUIREMENTS

• Must be enrolled in an undergraduate or a recent graduate
• Demonstrated interest in policy development and political advocacy
• Passion for Issue One issue areas, particularly election protection and administration
• Self-starter who can see projects through to completion
• Commitment to building a more inclusive and equitable political system
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Positive attitude and willingness to try new things
• Demonstrated ability to generate ideas and adapt to new projects
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail
• Ability to work independently, as well as with a team
• A passion for or interest in democracy reform issues

LOCATION
It's preferred that interns reside in the DMV area so they can join us on-site for a hybrid schedule, including working in our Washington, DC, office on Tuesdays or Wednesdays. If remote, they must reside in a state where Issue One is formally established. These states include California, Colorado, Louisiana, Maryland, Massachusetts, Missouri, New Jersey, North Carolina, Rhode Island, Utah, and Virginia. Remote opportunities outside of these states will not be available.
We anticipate this being a roughly 13-week internship, with a start date on or about Monday, September 14, through about Friday, December 18.
SALARY & BENEFITS
This intern will be expected to work between 15 - 25 hours per week and be compensated at $18.40 per hour.
Intern Selection Timeline

• July 6-17: Position is posted, and resumes are collected
• July 20-August 17: Resumes are screened and interviews are scheduled.
• August 17-21: Finalist selected and internship offered

Special Note: While Issue One will do its best to follow the above timeline, there are instances where the selection process is shortened or delayed due to circumstances beyond our control. The organization will do its best to update all selected candidates on any changes to the timeline. In addition, while resumes may be submitted after July 17, there's no guarantee they will be screened for a potential interview.
DEI Philosophy and Self-ID Questionnaire
Diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) drive everything we do at Issue One. We celebrate each individual's unique perspectives and experiences with our team. Your voice matters to us, and we're committed to creating an environment where everyone feels valued and respected.
As part of our ongoing DEI efforts, we invite all applicants to voluntarily complete our self-identification questionnaire when submitting their resume. Rest assured, your responses are confidential and have no impact on your job application. This survey helps us better understand our diverse community, ensuring that everyone has equal opportunities for success.
How to Apply
Interested applicants can apply by clicking here. Please include how you heard about the position.
I
ssue One is committed to the principles of equal employment. We are committed to complying with all federal, state, and local laws providing equal employment opportunities and all other employment laws and regulations. It is our intent to maintain a work environment that is free of harassment, discrimination, or retaliation because of age, race, color, national origin, ancestry, religion, sex, sexual orientation (including transgender status, gender identity or expression), pregnancy (including childbirth, lactation, and related medical conditions), reproductive health decisions, marital status, personal appearance, matriculation, political affiliation, credit information, employment status, physical or mental disability, genetic information (including testing and characteristics), veteran status, uniformed service member status, status as a victim or family member of a victim of domestic violence, a sexual offense, or stalking, homeless status, or any other status protected by federal, state, or local laws. The Company is dedicated to the fulfillment of this policy in regard to all aspects of employment, including, but not limited to, recruiting, hiring, placement, transfer, training, promotion, rates of pay, fringe benefits, and other compensation, the application of disability and/or temporary disability policies, termination, and all other terms, conditions, and privileges of employment.