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Public Policy Internship Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Public Policy Intern

Washington, DC ยท On-site +1

$23/hr

Position Summary The Public Policy Intern position is responsible for performing research and ... Prospective interns are not required to have any prior accounting experience or knowledge.

Intern, Advocacy & Public Policy

Washington, DC ยท On-site

$17 - $22.75/hr

INTERNSHIP DETAILS FALL INTERNSHIP APPLICATION DEADLINE FOR STUDENTS: 7/31/2026 FALL INTERNSHIP ... WHO WE'RE LOOKING FOR The Recording Academy Advocacy & Public Policy team is seeking a "rock star ...

... and public policy reporter to cover impactful issues in Lubbock and the South Plains-Panhandle ... internships, and college publication work. * Adept at taking photos and video and will file quickly ...

... and public policy reporter to cover impactful issues in Lubbock and the South Plains-Panhandle ... internships, and college publication work. * Adept at taking photos and video and will file quickly ...

$13.50 - $18.25/hr

We're looking for motivated college students who want hands-on experience in campaigns, public policy, political communications, and grassroots organizing. This is a flexible, part-time internship ...

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Public Policy Internship information

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How much do public policy internship jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 6, 2026, the average hourly pay for public policy internship in the United States is $17.60, 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 is a public policy internship?

A Public Policy Internship is a temporary position, often for students or recent graduates, that provides hands-on experience in policy research, analysis, and advocacy within government agencies, non-profits, think tanks, or private organizations. Interns typically work on tasks such as researching policy issues, drafting reports, attending legislative meetings, and assisting with outreach campaigns. These internships help individuals gain insights into the policymaking process and develop skills relevant to careers in public policy, government affairs, or political science. The experience also allows interns to build professional networks and better understand how policy decisions impact society.

What types of projects and tasks can I expect to work on during a public policy internship?

As a Public Policy Intern, you can expect to assist with policy research, draft memos and reports, attend legislative hearings or stakeholder meetings, and help monitor relevant policy developments. You may also contribute to advocacy campaigns, analyze proposed legislation, and support communications with government officials or partner organizations. The role typically involves collaborating closely with policy analysts, researchers, and advocacy teams, providing valuable exposure to the policymaking process and opportunities for professional growth.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a public policy intern, and why are they important?

To excel as a Public Policy Intern, strong research, analytical, and written communication skills are essential, often supported by coursework in political science, public administration, or related fields. Familiarity with policy analysis tools, legislative tracking systems, and proficiency in Microsoft Office or data visualization software is typically expected. Outstanding organization, attention to detail, and the ability to collaborate effectively help interns stand out. These skills are crucial for producing accurate policy recommendations, supporting legislative efforts, and contributing meaningfully to a team-driven environment.

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

AspectPublic Policy InternshipPolicy Analyst
Required CredentialsTypically students or recent graduates, some internships may require relevant courseworkBachelor's or master's degree in public policy, political science, or related field
Work EnvironmentTemporary, entry-level, often in government agencies, think tanks, or NGOsFull-time, professional role in government, consulting firms, or advocacy organizations
Employer & Industry UsageUsed by government agencies, nonprofits, and research institutions for training and talent pipelineEmployers seek policy analysts for research, policy development, and strategic planning

Public Policy Internships are entry-level, temporary positions aimed at gaining experience, often held by students or recent graduates. Policy Analysts are full-time professionals responsible for analyzing and developing policies. While internships focus on learning and support tasks, policy analysts lead research and decision-making processes.

What jobs can I get with a public policy internship?

A public policy internship can lead to jobs such as policy analyst, government affairs coordinator, legislative assistant, advocacy coordinator, or research associate. These roles often require strong research, communication, and analytical skills, and may involve working for government agencies, non-profit organizations, think tanks, or lobbying firms.
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Infographic showing various Public Policy Internship job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 50% Internship, and 50% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $36,603 per year, or $17.6 per hour.

Internship: Public Policy (Winter 2027)

National Center on Sexual Exploitation

Washington, DC โ€ข On-site

Other

Re-posted 10 days ago


Job description

ABOUT NCOSE & INTERNSHIP PROGRAM:

The National Center on Sexual Exploitation (NCOSE) exists because people should be free to live and love without sexual abuse and exploitation! If you share this vision and want to help create a culture where all individuals can thrive, then we invite you to join us!  

The Exploitation Prevention & Advocacy Internship program enables you to participate in the ongoing work of defending human dignity. Internships offer a unique opportunity to combat sexual abuse and exploitation while gaining new skills through hands-on opportunities that seek to prevent exploitation before it begins. Interns also enjoy abundant opportunities to meet nationally recognized leaders in the field of anti-sexual exploitation and attend education briefings. The program also offers interns an opportunity to investigate their individual strengths and develop new skills.
NCOSE is focused on mass-scale prevention of sexual abuse and exploitation and deploys the tactics of corporate advocacy, public policy, civil litigation, and grassroots mobilization to reach this.  Read about some of our recent victories here.


ABOUT THIS POSITION:

NCOSE’s legislative policy efforts aim to defend dignity and combat sexploitation through political advocacy at the national and state levels with bi-partisan support of all legislative solutions. We believe this task is both offensive and defensive in that we must prevent bad legislation from being enacted while working to proactively educate Congress and state legislatures so that policymakers instead produce good legislation that will help protect victims of sexual exploitation as well as prevent sexual exploitation. Interns play an important role in this collaborative work. 


*We are typically inundated with applications. We greatly appreciate your patience as we carefully review each candidate and ask that you hold your questions until contacted for an interview.


TERM: January 6- April 16, 2027; possible extension: six months or 1 year


RESPONSIBILITIES WILL INCLUDE*:

  • Perform work on special projects as assigned by the Public Policy Department or the CEO. Such work may include:
    • Research state and federal legislation, stakeholders, and assist with legislative policy efforts.
    • Help conduct advocacy campaigns to advance legislative efforts.·
    • Write blogs on sexual exploitation issues and NCOSE legislative priorities.
    • Assist in writing letters and emails to state legislators, members of Congress, and key stakeholders as needed.
    • Assist with grassroots roots mobilization, strategic planning, and other aspects of legislative advocacy.
    • Draft memos, fact sheets, and/or PowerPoint presentations.
    • Help organize NCOSE events.
  • Represent NCOSE (as an observer) and report on events at coalition meetings, as well as congressional hearings as directed.
  • Keep abreast of current developments in state legislation and conducts research (as directed) using various media outlets.
  • Assist NCOSE at conferences, meetings, events, and/or committees as directed.
  • Assist as needed with office management including answering telephones, responding to email or other written requests, drafting correspondence, and filing.

*Tasks may shift based on the organization’s current need and opportunities.

QUALIFICATIONS:

  • Passionate about opposing sexual exploitation, as well as a passion for NCOSE’s mission, vision and values.
  • Strong organizational skills.
  • Ability to handle multiple tasks and projects.·
  • Independent worker: must be able to complete tasks without constant management from staff.
  • Proficiency with basic Microsoft Office applications; mail merge, formatting letters, data management in Excel, etc.
  • Excellent writing and communication skills.
  • Can provide their own working laptop and charger.


BENEFITS:

  • Hands-on work with passionate, talented team members
  • Mentorship from some of the movement’s kindest and most passionate leaders and in-depth 10-week training on various exploitation issues
  • Incredible networking opportunities with movement leaders
  • A creative, collaborative, and inclusive company culture
  • Opportunities to develop professionally and uncover skills you didn’t know you had
  • Real-life experiences that will provide you with the confidence to delve into your next adventure


COMPENSATION:

NCOSE internships are unpaid. 


SCHEDULE:

This position requires 20-40 hours per week. Candidates must be mostly available during NCOSE’s office hours of Monday through Friday 9:00am to 5:00pm EST in order to coordinate with the team. Our team is in the office on M, W, & Th and remote on T & F. Evenings and weekends are typically not eligible for a NCOSE internship. 


LOCATION:

This internship is at NCOSE’s office headquarters in Washington, DC. 

TO APPLY:

To apply, submit the checklist items and complete the questionnaire.

· Cover Letter describing your interest in a NCOSE Internship

· Resume

· Two Letters of Reference

· Unofficial Transcript

· Writing Sample 


Incomplete applications, including those without reference letters, will not be considered. 

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About the National Center on Sexual Exploitation

Please visit our About Page to learn more.

You can find impact reports from previous years here.