ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Public Policy Intern Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Texas Public Policy Foundation

Internship Program

Austin, TX · On-site

$14.75 - $19.75/hr

The Journalism Intern will work at the intersection of public policy and media, gaining firsthand experience in investigative reporting and multimedia storytelling. As a TPPF intern paired with a ...

Akin Gump

Public Law & Policy Practice Manager

Washington, DC · Hybrid

$134K - $164K/yr

We are currently seeking a Public Law & Policy Practice Manager in our Client Value & Practice ... Lead the year-round intern program including recruiting, onboarding and integration. * Coordinate ...

NAACP LDF Unpaid

Intern, Policy

Manhattan, NY

$16.50 - $22/hr

LDF's litigation, public policy advocacy and public education programs in the substantive areas of ... requirements to intern with the policy department. This is not an exhaustive list of all ...

APCO Worldwide

Intern, Public Affairs

Albany, NY

$15 - $19.50/hr

Job Summary The Public Affairs Intern will support the Public Affairs team in delivering strategic ... This role provides hands-on exposure to government advisory, policy tracking, and integrated ...

Legal Defense Fund

Intern, Policy

Manhattan, NY · On-site

$16.50 - $22/hr

LDF's litigation, public policy advocacy and public education programs in the substantive areas of ... requirements to intern with the policy department. This is not an exhaustive list of all ...

Servier

Policy & Impact Quantification Intern

OR · On-site +1

$34/hr

Currently enrolled in a Master's program in Health Economics, Public Policy, Statistics, or a ... An intern's pay will be based on several factors including, but not limited to, relevant education ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

All JobsPublic Policy Intern Jobs

Public Policy Intern information

See salary details

$8

$17

$24

How much do public policy intern jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 13, 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.

Is 30 an hour good for an intern?

For a Public Policy Intern, $30 an hour is considered above average for internship pay, which typically ranges from minimum wage to around $20 per hour depending on location and organization. Interns often gain experience and skills rather than high pay, but this rate can reflect a competitive or specialized position. Factors such as the internship's responsibilities, location, and industry standards influence whether this pay is considered good.

What jobs can I do with a public policy degree?

A public policy degree prepares individuals for roles such as policy analyst, government affairs specialist, legislative assistant, or nonprofit program manager. These jobs often involve research, analysis, advocacy, and communication skills, and may require familiarity with data analysis tools and policy frameworks.

What does a public policy intern do?

A public policy intern assists with research, analysis, and development of policy proposals related to government or organizational priorities. They often support advocacy efforts, prepare reports, attend meetings, and gain experience in policy-making processes, typically working under the supervision of policy staff or government officials.

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, education, and interest in policy 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:
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 June 2026, with employment types broken down into 5% As Needed, 7% Full Time, 81% Part Time, 2% Temporary, and 5% Contract. Highlights an 95% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $35,436 per year, or $17 per hour.
Administrative Intern, Sanford School of Public Policy

Administrative Intern, Sanford School of Public Policy

Duke University

Durham, NC • On-site

$20/hr

Full-time, Part-time, Internship

Medical, Dental, Retirement

Posted 14 days ago

Duke University rating

6.5

Company rating: 6.5 out of 10

Based on 54 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

437th of 536 rated colleges and universities

Job description

Duke University:
Duke University was created in 1924 through an indenture of trust by James Buchanan Duke. Today, Duke is regarded as one of America's leading research universities. Located in Durham, North Carolina, Duke is positioned in the heart of the Research Triangle, which is ranked annually as one of the best places in the country to work and live. Duke has more than 15,000 students who study and conduct research in its 10 undergraduate, graduate and professional schools. With about 40,000 employees, Duke is the third largest private employer in North Carolina, and it now has international programs in more than 150 countries.
Be Bold.
The Duke Center for International Development (DCID) in the Sanford School of Public Policy seeks two administrative interns with strong data science skills to assist with a project tracking private climate investments in Southeast Asia.
What You'll Do:
  • The first administrative will help maintain a database related to climate investments in the region. It has been built through Large Language Models (LLM) by Duke MIDS students. Familiarity with advanced data sciences is a requirement.
  • The second administrative intern will collaborate with the first intern and Principal Investigator to create material that summarizes important research findings
  • The work can be conducted remotely. Bi-weekly meetings with the Research Manager will be conducted via Zoom. Strong time management and communication skills are critical. The project will pay the Sanford School rate for recent graduates ($20/hour). The time commitment is expected to be 20 hours per week.

Choose Duke.
  • Work with a leading policy research center within a top-tier university
  • Gain hands-on experience in applied research and policy analysis
  • Flexible, primarily remote work environment
  • Competitive hourly rate: $20.00/hour (Sanford School rate for recent graduates)
  • Part-time commitment: 20 hours per week
  • Build professional connections with experienced researchers and policy professionals

Ready to Make a Difference?
Apply now by sending your CV and a brief introductory cover letter. Join us in building a stronger, smarter, and more connected future.
Anticipated Pay Range: Duke University provides an annual base salary range for this position as USD $18.00 to USD $22.84. Duke University considers factors such as (but not limited to) scope and responsibilities of the position; candidate's work experience, education/training, and key skills; internal peer equity; as well as market and organizational considerations when extending an offer.
Your total compensation goes beyond the dollars on your paycheck. Duke provides comprehensive and competitive medical and dental care programs, generous retirement benefits, and a wide array of family-friendly and cultural programs to eligible team members. Learn more at: https://hr.duke.edu/benefits/
Equal Opportunity Employer: Duke is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to providing employment opportunity without regard to an individual's age, color, disability, gender, gender expression, gender identity, genetic information, national origin, race, religion, sex (including pregnancy and pregnancy- related conditions), sexual orientation, or military status.
Duke aspires to create a community built on collaboration, innovation, creativity, and belonging. Our collective success depends on the robust exchange of ideas-an exchange that is best when the rich diversity of our perspectives, backgrounds, and experiences flourishes. To achieve this exchange, it is essential that all members of the community feel secure and welcome, that the contributions of all individuals are respected, and that all voices are heard. All members of our community have a responsibility to uphold these values.
Essential Physical Job Functions:
Certain jobs at Duke University and Duke University Health System may include essential job functions that require specific physical and/or mental abilities. Additional information and reasonable accommodation(s) can be requested with Duke Access and Accommodations Services (email: DAAS@duke.edu; phone: 919-668-1267).

What Duke University employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom

Duke University logo

About Duke University

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Duke is regarded as one of America's leading research universities. Located in Durham, North Carolina, Duke is positioned in the heart of the Research Triangle, which is ranked annually as one of the best places in the country to work and live. Duke has more than 15,000 students who study and conduct research in its 10 undergraduate, graduate, and professional schools. With about 40,000 employees, Duke is the third largest private employer in North Carolina, and it now has international programs in more than 150 countries.

Industry

Colleges, universities, and professional schools and hospitals

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Durham, NC, US

View All Duke University Jobs

Apply