Remote Research Intern Jobs in Reston, VA (NOW HIRING)

Description

About the Center for Climate and Energy Solutions (C2ES): Our mission is to secure a safe and stable climate by accelerating the transition to a thriving, just, and resilient low-carbon economy. We are widely recognized as an influential voice on climate issues, a trusted convener, and a credible source of expertise and analysis. We work closely with international climate negotiators; federal, state, and local policymakers; executives of Fortune 500 businesses; and a wide range of other stakeholders to advance strong policy and action to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, promote clean energy, and strengthen resilience to climate impacts. C2ES is an independent, nonpartisan, nonprofit organization.

Our organizational values: We are ambitious and practical, advancing effective solutions that push the boundaries of the achievable. We are open-minded and inclusive, seeking out and considering a wide range of voices, views, and approaches. We are people-focused, dedicated to improving human well-being and recognizing that respect and empathy are central to success. We are one team, working collaboratively, communicating openly, making ourselves accessible to each other, and treating one another with kindness and respect.

Job Description: 

C2ES seeks a highly qualified and committed individual to fill the position of Advocacy Intern. This internship provides the ideal candidate the opportunity to deepen their knowledge of the federal legislative process as well as climate and energy policy, and will support advocacy efforts focused on permitting reform, innovation policy, and scaling American manufacturing. This intern will report to the Director for Advocacy.  

Requirements

Major responsibilities: 

• Research and map priority Members of Congress and relevant constituencies to help advance advocacy efforts, particularly as it relates to permitting reform, bringing innovative technologies to commercial scale, and bolstering American manufacturing for the purpose of informing congressional and administrative advocacy. 
• Support and contribute to the development of policy advocacy-focused communications products to be shared with relevant colleagues on Capitol Hill and across the NGO community. 
• Develop and contribute to written material on climate policy developments, including blog posts, with a goal of having specific deliverables authored by the intern. 
• Monitor and report to the Advocacy team on developments in US domestic climate policy coming from Congress and the Administration. Key topics include but are not limited to, permitting reform, innovation policy, American manufacturing, industrial decarbonization, resiliency, and other forthcoming opportunities for bipartisan action. 
• Attend, represent C2ES, and summarize relevant events in Washington including congressional hearings, think tank events, NGO coalition calls, etc. 
• Support the advocacy team with broader congressional engagement, NGO collaboration, and agency outreach for the amplification of C2ES' policy work. 

Desired Qualifications: 

• Enrolled in, or completed a bachelor's degree or higher in one of the following fields: political science, environmental or energy policy, political communications, government, economics, or other related subject; 
• Strong interpersonal communication skills with an interest in stakeholder engagement and policy advocacy; 
• Experience researching and analyzing legislation and federal rulemaking; 
• Interest and willingness to learn about navigating the federal policy ecosystem on Capitol Hill, with the Administration, and in collaboration with non-governmental stakeholders; 
• Strong writing, editing, research, and analytic skills; 
• Ability to sort through dense and complicated information quickly; 
• Strong attention to detail; 
• Willingness to learn new skills, support the C2ES mission, and be a team player pitching in across teams. 

Internship type:  

• Preferences will be given to local applicants. Internship can be local at our office: 1400 K St NW # 1100Washington, DC 20005.  Or remote from the following States: CA, CT, DC, FL, GA, IL, OH, MA, MD, MI, MN, NC, NY, PA, TX, UT, VA, and WA  
• Full-time internship up to 37.5 hours per week (following C2ES HQ office hours) during Summer 2026. Part-time can also be considered.  
• Hourly Wage $20.00 
• Transportation stipend for interns working from the C2ES Office. 

To apply, please upload a cover letter, transcripts, resume, and writing sample to our website.  

We also are fully committed to promoting diversity, equity, inclusion, and justice. We believe we will only be effective in developing and advocating for climate solutions if we have a diverse range of voices and perspectives represented within C2ES, in our work, and among our partners. C2ES is committed to creating and growing a culture of diversity, equity, and inclusion within our organization and among the stakeholders we collaborate with and convene. By fostering this culture, we can enhance our work and amplify our impact. We encourage individuals of all races, ethnicities, socioeconomic backgrounds, genders, sexual identities, and abilities to apply for this position. For more on C2ES's DEIJ policy, visit: https://www.c2es.org/about/diversity-equity-inclusion-and-justice.