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Public Policy Intern Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Public Policy Intern

Arlington, VA ยท On-site

$17.25 - $23/hr

Working with the entire Public Policy team, as the Public Policy Intern you will work collaboratively with the team to ensure alignment between business priorities and public policy goals. This ...

DER Public Policy Intern

Austin, TX ยท On-site

$14.75 - $19.75/hr

The Public Policy Intern - will support research and analysis at the intersection of public policy and EPE's work in the electric power sector, with a focus on distributed energy resources (DER ...

Interest in education policy and/or public finance. Learning Opportunities * Manage and execute an independent research project aligned to the organization's mission and selected by the Intern in ...

Interest in education policy and/or public finance. Learning Opportunities * Manage and execute an independent research project aligned to the organization's mission and selected by the Intern in ...

Public Policy and Strategy Reports to: AVP, Policy & Advocacy Positions Reporting to this Position ... The intern will work closely with our dynamic team to contribute to systemic reforms that address ...

The intern will also assist with live, in-person AEI events on timely public policy issues. The ideal candidate will be an undergraduate with a demonstrated interest in economics and public policy.

Description The Public Policy department of The Greater Kansas City Chamber of Commerce is seeking self-motivated interns to assist in its legislative, government and community relations projects.

The Public Law & Policy Intern will be responsible for supporting the needs of the Public Law & Policy practice, as well as get the opportunity for exposure to clients with varied policy issues ...

The Health Policy Intern will work with all members of the McDermott+ team to support the ... Must be a candidate for a Masters of Public Health, Masters of Public Policy, or Masters in Health ...

The Health Policy Intern will work with all members of the McDermott+ team to support the ... Must be a candidate for a Masters of Public Health, Masters of Public Policy, or Masters in Health ...

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Public Policy Intern information

See salary details

$8

$17

$24

How much do public policy intern jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 7, 2026, the average hourly pay for public policy intern in the United States is $17.04, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.42 and $19.23 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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

To thrive as a Public Policy Intern, you need strong research, analytical, and written communication skills, typically supported by coursework in political science, public policy, or related fields. Familiarity with data analysis tools, policy databases, and Microsoft Office Suite is commonly required. Initiative, attention to detail, and the ability to work collaboratively help interns stand out in this role. These competencies are crucial for supporting policy development, crafting effective materials, and contributing meaningfully to team projects in a fast-paced policy environment.

What types of projects and responsibilities can a Public Policy Intern expect to work on during their internship?

As a Public Policy Intern, you can expect to engage in a variety of tasks such as conducting research on legislative issues, drafting policy briefs and memos, monitoring relevant policy developments, and assisting with stakeholder outreach. Interns often support team members by analyzing data, preparing presentations, and attending meetings or hearings. This role typically involves close collaboration with policy analysts, advocacy professionals, and communications teams, providing a comprehensive view of the policy-making process. The experience offers valuable exposure to both the strategic and operational aspects of public policy work, making it an excellent foundation for future careers in government, non-profits, or consulting.

What does a public policy intern do?

A public policy intern supports research, analysis, and development of policy proposals related to government or organizational goals. They often assist with drafting reports, attending meetings, and monitoring legislative activities, gaining experience in policy advocacy and stakeholder engagement. Strong communication skills and familiarity with policy research tools are typically required.

What careers can you get with public policy?

Public policy interns often pursue careers in government agencies, legislative offices, think tanks, non-profit organizations, and advocacy groups. These roles typically involve research, analysis, and policy development, and may require skills in communication, data analysis, and familiarity with policy tools. Many professionals also advance into roles such as policy analysts, government relations specialists, or public affairs managers.

What are the big 4 internships?

The 'Big 4' internships typically refer to summer internship programs offered by the four largest professional services firms: Deloitte, PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC), Ernst & Young (EY), and KPMG. These internships provide experience in auditing, consulting, tax, and advisory services and are highly competitive for students pursuing careers in accounting, finance, or consulting.

What is the difference between Public Policy Intern vs Policy Analyst?

AspectPublic Policy InternPolicy Analyst
Required CredentialsTypically pursuing or recent graduate in political science, public administration, or related fieldsBachelor's or master's degree in public policy, political science, or related fields
Work EnvironmentInternship programs, often in government agencies, think tanks, or NGOsFull-time roles in government, research organizations, or consulting firms
Employer & Industry UsageEntry-level position for gaining experience in public policyProfessional role involving policy research, analysis, and recommendations

Public Policy Interns typically are students or recent graduates gaining initial experience, while Policy Analysts are full-time professionals conducting in-depth policy research and analysis. Internships serve as a stepping stone to a career as a Policy Analyst, who holds more responsibility and requires more advanced credentials.

Is 22 too old for an internship?

Public Policy Internships are open to a range of ages, including 22-year-olds. Age is generally not a barrier, and internships often value skills, relevant experience, and enthusiasm over age. Many interns are in their early twenties and beyond, making 22 a common age for such roles.
More about Public Policy Intern jobs
What cities are hiring for Public Policy Intern jobs? Cities with the most Public Policy Intern job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Public Policy jobs? The most popular types of Public Policy jobs are:
What states have the most Public Policy Intern jobs? States with the most job openings for Public Policy Intern jobs include:
Infographic showing various Public Policy Intern job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $35,436 per year, or $17 per hour.

$17 - $22.75/hr

Part-time

Posted 21 days ago


Job description

Department: Public Policy
Position: Public Policy Internship
Reporting to: Policy & Grassroots Coordinator
A note to applicants: a resume, cover letter, and writing sample is required for your application. Please attach the following materials at: https://recruiting.ultipro.com/RAI1011RAINN/JobBoard/5655a08a-b6d8-465d-839c-7657a5fe1203/?q=&o=postedDateDesc
If you are applying through Indeed: Please complete the application there first and upload the document(s) you are able per the site. For any additional documents you need to include for your application to be considered, please reach out to talent@rainn.org and we will upload your documents to your submitted application on our end.
Public Policy Internship Overview:
Our Public Policy department advocates for an improved response to sexual violence, including through the criminal justice, legal, healthcare and social services systems, in order to ensure survivors receive the justice and care they deserve. We monitor policies, legislation and regulations which impact victims of sexual violence. In addition, we work with Congress and state legislatures to promote laws dedicated to helping survivors of sexual assault.
The Public Policy Intern provides essential research and fact gathering concerning a wide range of sexual violence issues. The Intern will also be expected to draft materials as needed, including memoranda and research papers, and may be asked to review policy documents. This internship will focus on federal and state legislative advocacy. In addition, the intern will assist RAINN's Public Policy Team in their general work with Congressional and state legislative offices. The Public Policy Internship can be a full or part time position, with the standard number of hours set between 20-40 hours per week.
This posting is for both Term Options below:
Fall: August - December
Spring: January - May
Each term is approximately 12 weeks, with flexible start and end dates to accommodate academic schedules.
Application reviews will begin 30 days after the posting date and continue until the internship is filled.
Internship Learning Objectives & Responsibilities
Under the supervision of the Policy and Grassroots Coordinator, the Public Policy Intern will:
  • Learn about and observe how the policy team engages with governmental agencies, Congressional offices, and state legislative offices, while providing support on select projects as appropriate.
  • Develop research skills by gathering and summarizing information related to sexual assault policy issues and emerging legislative trends.
  • Gain exposure to the policy development process by assisting with background research and contributing to draft memoranda, policy statements, briefing materials, and correspondence under staff guidance.
  • Build professional administrative and organizational skills through participation in data entry, document management, and departmental support activities.
  • Learn how policy resources are organized and shared by assisting with the maintenance and enhancement of databases, resource libraries, and dissemination tools.
  • Gain experience monitoring and tracking legislation across all 50 states and learn how legislative developments inform policy and advocacy strategies.
  • Participate in team meetings, discussions, and mentorship opportunities designed to enhance understanding of public policy, advocacy, and nonprofit operations.

Eligibility & Expectations
  • Current undergraduate or graduate student (preferred qualification).
  • Recent graduates are welcome to apply. A "recent graduate" means the internship will be complete within one year from the date of graduation.
  • Must be 18 years of age or older.
  • Strong writing, research, analytical and organizational skills.
  • Strong interest in policy work.
  • Demonstrated interest in the issue of sexual violence.
  • Proficiency in Google Workspace applications (Gmail, Calendar, Drive, Docs, Sheets, Slides, Forms) with demonstrated ability to effectively utilize these tools for communication, collaboration, organization, and data management.
  • Strong interpersonal skills, and a team-player attitude.
  • Must complete and pass a criminal background check administered by RAINN.

To Apply: Please attach the following materials at:
https://recruiting.ultipro.com/RAI1011RAINN/JobBoard/5655a08a-b6d8-465d-839
c-7657a5fe1203/?q=&o=postedDateDesc
  • Cover letter
  • Resume
  • Writing Sample

Only complete applications will be considered. Please, no phone calls.
RAINN Office Status
RAINN's headquarters are based in Washington, DC. This internship may be based regionally for someone whose residence is within the continental USA. This is a remote internship role.
Remote Requirements
RAINN interns are required to have a home office setup with a dependable high-speed internet connection. This must be sufficient to support all internship-related tasks, including accessing systems, and communicating with teams.
When you intern for RAINN, you're joining a team of experts and professionals who stand up for survivors of sexual violence every day. Your internship is important--and so are you. RAINN will not discriminate against any internship candidate or applicant because of race, color, creed, religion, national origin, sex, age, individual identity, genetic information, disability, or protected veteran status. RAINN encourages all qualified candidates to apply.
EOE/M/F/D/V
The above is intended to describe the general content of and requirements for the performance of this internship. It is not to be construed as an exhaustive statement of the essential functions, responsibilities and/or requirements.
Equal Opportunity Employer
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws.
For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.