Policy Think Tank Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

Here at Appian, our values of Intensity and Excellence define who we are. We set high standards and live up to them, ensuring that everything we do is done with care and quality. We approach every challenge with ambition and commitment, holding ourselves and each other accountable to achieve the best results. When you join Appian, you'll be part of a passionate team dedicated to accomplishing hard things, together.

Appian is looking for a Government Relations Intern who is ready to operate at the intersection of public policy and business value. You will support our Value Engineering efforts, helping us quantify and communicate the economic and operational impact of Appian's technology to government stakeholders. This is a high-visibility role on a growing team, with exposure to senior leaders, federal customers, and the policy community shaping the future of government technology.

This internship is based at our headquarters in McLean, Virginia, with periodic travel to Washington, DC and Capitol Hill to support meetings, hearings, and stakeholder engagements. Appian was built on a culture of in-person collaboration, which we believe is a key driver of our mission to be the best.

Interns in this program are expected to be in the office 5 days a week to fully experience our culture, learn directly from peers and mentors, and contribute to projects in a collaborative environment. Being in the office provides more opportunities to connect, learn, and celebrate with the exceptional people across Appian. Applicants considered for Summer 2026. Undergraduate only.

What You'll Do

Policy Analysis: Research and track legislative developments, procurement trends, and agency-specific initiatives that impact the federal technology industry, with particular focus on priority agencies including DoD, DHS, VA, and HHS.

Value Engineering Support: Assist in building business cases and ROI models that demonstrate the fiscal and mission value of Appian to government agencies, translating customer outcomes into compelling narratives for policymakers.

Strategic Communication: Help draft briefing materials, white papers, talking points, and presentations for internal leadership and external government stakeholders, including members of Congress and senior agency officials.

Market Intelligence: Monitor the competitive landscape and identify opportunities where policy shifts, appropriations cycles, and modernization mandates create a need for high-speed digital transformation. Capitol Hill and Agency Engagement: Support meeting preparation and follow-up for Congressional offices, committee staff, and agency stakeholders, with opportunities to attend select meetings in DC alongside the government relations team.

Basic Qualifications

Currently pursuing a Bachelor's degree in Political Science, Public Policy, Economics, International Relations, Government, or a related field. Strong academic standing and a demonstrated interest in the intersection of government and technology. Exceptional writing and presentation skills are a must. You should be able to tell a story with data. Must be able to work on-site at our McLean, VA headquarters for the duration of the Summer 2026 program. Must be available for periodic day travel to Washington, DC and Capitol Hill as needed.

Preferred Qualifications

Prior internship or coursework experience in a Congressional office, federal agency, trade association, think tank, campaign, or government affairs function. Familiarity with the federal budget and appropriations process, the NDAA cycle, or federal procurement. Interest in enterprise software, AI policy, or the modernization of legacy government systems. Experience with research tools such as Bloomberg Government, POLITICO Pro, or similar legislative tracking platforms.

About the Team Appian's Government Relations function works at the intersection of policy, procurement, and product, advancing the company's mission to deliver AI-powered process automation for missions that matter. Interns will work directly with the team building Appian's federal policy and stakeholder engagement strategy from the ground up. Tools and Resources Training and Development: During onboarding, we focus on equipping new hires with the skills and knowledge for success through department-specific training.

Continuous learning is a central focus at Appian, with dedicated mentorship and the First-Friend program being widely utilized resources for new hires. Growth Opportunities: Appian provides a diverse array of growth and development opportunities, including our leadership program tailored for new and aspiring managers, a comprehensive library of specialized department training through Appian University, skills based training, and tuition reimbursement for those aiming to advance their education.

This commitment ensures that employees have access to a holistic range of development opportunities. Community: We'll immerse you into our community rooted in respect starting on day one. Appian fosters inclusivity through our 8 employee-led affinity groups. These groups help employees build stronger internal and external networks by planning social, educational, and outreach activities to connect with Appianites and larger initiatives throughout the company.

Benefits

Appian offers a comprehensive benefits package designed to support your health, wellbeing, and financial future. Benefits may include health coverage, Employee Assistance Program (EAP) with free mental health support, life and disability insurance, an Employee Stock Purchase Program (ESPP), a retirement/pension plan, wellness dollars, tuition reimbursement, family-forming benefits and more.

Benefits vary by country—please ask your Talent Acquisition contact for details specific to the location you are applying to. Appian is an equal opportunity employer that strives to attract and retain the best talent. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to any characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law. Appian provides reasonable accommodations to applicants in accordance with all applicable laws.

If you need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the employment process, please contact us by email at ReasonableAccommodations@appian.com. Please note that only inquiries concerning a request for reasonable accommodation will be responded to from this email address. Appian's Applicant & Candidate Privacy Notice