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Public Policy Intern Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Hitachi

Government Relations Intern

Santa Clara, CA · On-site

$17.50 - $23.50/hr

Yes Government Relations Intern - Public Policy & Advocacy Company: Hitachi Ltd. Location: Washington, DC (hybrid) Status: Part-Time Internship Duration: June - September 2026 About Hitachi America ...

Hitachi Careers

Government Relations Intern

Santa Clara, CA · On-site

$17.75 - $23.50/hr

Government Relations Intern - Public Policy & Advocacy Company: Hitachi Ltd. Location: Washington, DC (hybrid) Status: Part-Time Internship Duration: June - September 2026 About Hitachi America, Ltd.

Hitachi Careers

Government Relations Intern

Washington, DC · On-site

$17 - $22.50/hr

Government Relations Intern - Public Policy & Advocacy Company: Hitachi Ltd. Location: Washington, DC (hybrid) Status: Part-Time Internship Duration: June - September 2026 About Hitachi America, Ltd.

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How much do public policy intern jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 9, 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 assists organizations, government agencies, or advocacy groups in researching, analyzing, and developing policy proposals. Their responsibilities often include gathering data, preparing reports, attending meetings or legislative sessions, and supporting communication efforts. Interns gain hands-on experience in the policymaking process and learn how public policies are shaped and implemented. This role is ideal for students or recent graduates interested in careers related to government, law, or public affairs.

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.

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What cities are hiring for Public Policy Intern jobs? Cities with the most Public Policy Intern job openings:
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What states have the most Public Policy Intern jobs? States with the most job openings for Public Policy Intern jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Public Policy Intern jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Public Policy Intern jobs are:
Public Policy Intern jobs near you
Infographic showing various Public Policy Intern job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 36% Internship, 21% Full Time, 30% Part Time, 11% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 94% In-person, 2% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $35,436 per year, or $17 per hour.
Intern, Policy, U.S. Climate Alliance

Intern, Policy, U.S. Climate Alliance

United Nations Foundation

Washington, DC • On-site, Remote

$17.95 - $20/hr

Full-time

Posted 5 days ago

Job description

ORGANIZATION OVERVIEW
The U.S. Climate Alliance is a bipartisan coalition of governors securing America's net-zero future with state-led, high-impact climate action. The Alliance Secretariat helps its member states and territories accelerate climate action by providing a broad range of technical, analytical, policy, and capacity assistance and resources. It also coordinates engagement with the federal government and national partners to drive solutions across government in support of an ambitious, durable national climate framework. For more on the Alliance, visit www.usclimatealliance.org.
The U.S. Climate Alliance Secretariat is seeking an intern ready to contribute to its research, policy development, peer-to-peer learning, and coordination work. The intern will respond to specific project-level needs such as tracking policy progress and implementation, drafting policy briefing papers, and providing general coordination and program support. This role is an opportunity to gain a comprehensive and in-depth and understanding of the types of policies and actions U.S. states are advancing to drive down GHG emissions across the economy. The intern will be expected to work as part of a broader team that includes Alliance staff, consultants, external partners, and member states.
This is a paid opportunity from May 26, 2026 - August 18, 2026 and offers an hourly compensation rate range of $17.95-$20.00 per hour. This role is expected to work 20-29 hours per week on a fixed schedule.
INTERNSHIP OVERVIEW
The Policy Intern will support the U.S. Climate Alliance Secretariat's research, policy coordination, and sector-based work through structured, project-based assignments. Through this internship, the intern will gain practical experience supporting multistate climate initiatives, policy analysis, and coalition coordination efforts. The internship is designed to strengthen research, analytical, and communication skills while providing insight into how state and federal climate policies are developed, tracked, and implemented.
INTERNSHIP DESCRIPTION
As the Policy Intern, you will:
  • Support preparation of materials for major Alliance meetings, workshops, and policy workgroup convenings, including research, notetaking, and database updates
  • Assist with quantitative and qualitative research, data analysis, and policy tracking related to Alliance-wide initiatives and multistate commitments
  • Support rapid-response efforts related to federal and state government announcements, including updating trackers, newsletters, and internal documents
  • Assist sector leads with sector-specific policy projects, including identifying state policy examples, supporting working group design, conducting research, and contributing to draft communications materials
  • Provide coordination and project support for additional policy and research activities as needed
LEARNING OUTCOMES
By the end of this internship, the intern will have gained:
  • Hands-on experience supporting state and federal climate policy research, tracking, and implementation efforts
  • Strengthened research, analytical, and written communication skills through applied policy and data-focused projects
  • Exposure to sector-specific climate policy work and multistate collaboration through coalition-based initiatives
  • An understanding of how complex policy and data are synthesized and translated into tools, briefings, and resources for policymakers and stakeholders
EDUCATION/CERTIFICATION and/or EXPERIENCE
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required.
  • Currently enrolled in an undergraduate or graduate degree program. College graduates are invited to apply
  • Demonstrated academic, professional, or extracurricular interest in climate, environmental, or public policy issues
  • Exposure to or interest in state-level and federal climate policy is preferred
COMPETENCIES
  • Strong research and analytical skills, with the ability to synthesize information accurately and efficiently
  • Clear and concise written and verbal communication skills
  • Interest in coalition-based work and the ability to collaborate effectively with internal team members and external partners
  • Ability to communicate complex policy information in a clear and accessible manner
  • Strong organizational and time management skills, with the ability to meet deadlines and adapt to changing priorities
  • Professionalism, reliability, and a collaborative work style aligned with the mission of the U.S. Climate Alliance
  • Fluency in English and ability to meet regular attendance expectations

LOCATION
Remote
DISABILITY SPECIFICATIONS
The United National Foundation will make reasonable accommodations in compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990.
REQUIRED APPLICATION MATERIALS
It is required you upload your resume and a cover letter for this position. Your application will be considered incomplete without these items. Please note that we cannot consider your application without a resume and cover letter submission.
The United Nations Foundation is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer.
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.

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