Public Programs Intern Jobs in Boston, MA (NOW HIRING)

EOED INTERNSHIP JOB DESCRIPTION - Community Programs and Resources Office 

OVERVIEW:

The Executive Office of Economic Development (EOED) is focused on promoting economic opportunities for residents, collaborative leadership in communities, and an environment that supports housing, job creation and business growth in all regions of the state. Through this internship program, EOED is offering exciting professional work experience for enthusiastic and motivated undergraduate and graduate students who are Massachusetts residents and/or enrolled in an institution of higher learning in Massachusetts.

Specifically, the program seeks students from diverse backgrounds that are interested in an opportunity to gain real-world experience in public service and directly contribute to advancing the economic development goals of the Commonwealth. Participants will have a chance to develop, practice, and enhance their skills in areas such as teamwork, organizational development, problem-solving, and grants management. As an EOED intern, you will be involved in a high-profile, fast-paced, and dynamic government work environment.

EOED's community development programs team, internally referred to as the Community Programs and Resources Office (CPRO), manages 10 state grant programs that support local economic opportunity, community development, and equity in Massachusetts' 351 cities and towns. The team works with municipal governments and other public entities, nonprofit organizations, and certain Cannabis businesses.  

The CPRO team is responsible for awarding about $150 million in new grants and managing hundreds of grant contracts annually. The team administers well-known statewide programs, such as the MassWorks Infrastructure Program, Cannabis Social Equity Grant Program, and Community Workforce Partnerships Grant Program, among others. 

The ideal candidate is an individual who is passionate about public service, eager to learn, and to build experience in a professional setting. You must be ready and willing to commit to a regular, hybrid work schedule (Minimum 30 hours for Summer / 10 -15 hours for Fall). The experience is within EOED's administrative offices, working in the following focus area: Community Development Programs and Grants. 

Community Development Programs and Grants Role: 

Conduct research, gather and scrub data, and prepare presentations for incorporating outcome metrics into various EOED grant programs. 

Utilize software such as Excel, Adobe, and ArcGIS to manipulate data and create visualizations to present the distribution and impact of various EOED programs. 

Organize files and databases of existing EOED programs. Develop standard methods for updating and displaying EOED program info for webpages.  

Edit and develop Grantee Handbooks for our various grant programs, outlining the processes for administering grant awards, such as contracting, requesting payment, reporting, etc. 

Participate in review of grant proposals utilizing standard scoring methods and making funding recommendations to program managers. 

Represent EOED at community events such as ground breakings, ribbon cuttings, program outreach and announcement events, and program information sessions.  

Review programmatic and financial reporting by existing grantees, verify financial transactions in accordance with team practices and standards 

You Will Have the Opportunity To: 

Gain hands-on experience at the Executive Office of Economic Development

Participate in our intern orientation, technical training and development program designed to provide the tools needed to contribute to client engagements. 

Experience on-the-job training through real work engagements, showcasing how your academic experience translates to the professional environment. 

Learn directly from experienced associates, senior managers and partners with specialized experience and technical knowledge across numerous industries and services. 

Build friendships and strong work relationships while gaining valuable experience. 

Demonstrate your performance and ability to join a government agency. 

Preferred Skills & Expertise 

Strong written and verbal communication skills. 

Strong time management and priority setting skills. 

Ability to maintain a high degree of professionalism and practice judicious decision-making. 

Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite. 

Must have legal work authorization in the U.S. 

Additional Information: 

Interested applicants must apply via MassCareers: https://massanf.taleo.net/careersection/ex/jobsearch.ftl. For additional information about EOED, please visit: Executive Office of Economic Development | Mass.gov. The internship program will run from approximately June 1, 2026, through end of August 2026.  Interviews will be held both in-person and virtually. Must be currently enrolled in an accredited degree program. Successful applicants will be placed in the department as per their background, interest, and business needs. 

First consideration will be given to those applicants that apply within the first 14 days.

Please see Preferred Qualifications.

An Equal Opportunity / Affirmative Action Employer.  Females, minorities, veterans, and persons with disabilities are strongly encouraged to apply.

The Commonwealth is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, age, disability, national origin, veteran status, or any other basis covered by appropriate law.  Research suggests that qualified women, Black, Indigenous, and Persons of Color (BIPOC) may self-select out of opportunities if they don't meet 100% of the job requirements.  We encourage individuals who believe they have the skills necessary to thrive to apply for this role.