2027 Spring Legislative Affairs Internship

Center for Science in the Public Interest; Washington (District of Columbia); On-site; USD 21,000 - 30,000; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

Paid internship wage

Part-time, 10 weeks

$18.40/hour pay

Job summary

The Center For Science In The Public Interest invites students from undergraduate, graduate, law and medical schools to join a paid internship program. The intern will work with the legislative affairs team to support CSPI’s federal policy goals, gaining hands-on research, policy analysis, and outreach experience.

The 10-week spring internship is part-time (10 hours per week), in the DC metro area with in-person meetings. Pay is $18.40 per hour.

Qualifications

• Currently enrolled in a public health, nutrition, public policy or related degree program.
• Based in the DC metro area and available for in-person meetings with Congressional offices.
• Excellent research and writing skills with ability to read, analyze, interpret, and summarize public health and nutrition research.
• Demonstrated ability to work independently and manage tasks appropriately to achieve project goals.

Responsibilities

• Provide technical and research assistance to support federal policy work.
• Help identify and cultivate relationships with newly elected members of Congress.
• Assist the team in developing well-written, persuasive materials to advance CSPI’s policy goals.
• Identify and track new bills within CSPI’s priority areas.

Skills

Research skills

Writing skills

Independent work

Policy advocacy

Education

Public health/public policy degree

Job description

The Center For Science In The Public Interest (CSPI) Offers a Paid Internship Program For Students In Undergraduate, Graduate, Law And Medical Schools, And We Also Consider Postgraduates. These Paid Internships Offer Structured Work Experiences And An Opportunity To

• Gain substantial knowledge of the policy-making process and the role science plays.
• Participate in group meetings and strategy brainstorming sessions.
• Obtain general research and communication skills by working closely with science, policy, legislative, and outreach experts.
• Meet with staff at all levels of the organization to discuss career roles and paths.
• Assess your own interests and skills.

About CSPI

CSPI is one of the nation’s leading public health advocacy organizations with a 50-year record of fighting for science in the public interest and working to improve the food environment for all. We’ve led efforts to win passage of many state and local policies to improve school foods, put calories on chain restaurant menus and menu boards, and remove sugary drinks from children’s menus. National policy successes include the Nutrition Labeling and Education Act; Healthy, Hunger-Free Kids Act; Food Safety Modernization Act; and Food Allergen Labeling and Consumer Protection Act.

About The Internship Opportunity

The intern will work with the legislative affairs team to support the advancement of CSPI’s federal legislative goals. During Spring of 2027 this will focus on outreach to incoming members of Congress to conduct education and build relationships with their offices. The intern will also have the opportunity to conduct research, policy analysis, and participate in coalition activities with CSPI Legislative Affairs staff.

Essential Duties And Responsibilities

• Provide technical and research assistance to support our work on federal policy
• Help to identify and cultivate relationships with newly elected members of Congress
• Assisting the team in developing well-written, persuasive materials to advance CSPI’s policy goals
• Identify and track new bills within CSPI’s priority areas

Qualifications

• Currently enrolled in a public health, nutrition, public policy or related degree program
• Based in the DC metro area and available for in-person meetings with Congressional offices
• Excellent research and writing skills with ability to read, analyze, interpret, and summarize public health and nutrition research
• Exceptional attention to detail
• Demonstrated ability to work independently and manage tasks appropriately to achieve project goals
• Interest in federal policy advocacy

What Else You Should Know

CSPI pays interns $18.40 per hour. Our 10-week spring intern program is part-time (10 hours per week). The ideal start date is late January/early February, but we will work with applicants if there’s a schedule conflict.

CSPI on Diversity, Equity and Inclusion

CSPI Is Committed To Including And Valuing Diverse Voices And Fostering a Culture That Ensures All Staff Feel a Sense Of Belonging And Are Encouraged To Be Their Best Selves. In That Spirit, Each Of Us Is Committed To Putting In Constant Work To Live Up To Our Organization’s Core Values

• We are inclusive. We seek to foster an environment where all staff feel a sense of belonging and are affirmed. We are not looking for everyone to think and look the same. We actively welcome and value staff with different experiences, backgrounds, attributes, abilities, and perspectives.
• We are open. We are honest and direct in how we communicate with each other in order to build trust and integrity within our organization.
• We are accountable. We acknowledge and assume responsibility for our actions.
• We are kind. We communicate and treat one another in a respectful, generous, considerate, and compassionate way.
• We are collaborative. We work together for the common good and shared success.

CSPI is committed to building a team that represents a variety of backgrounds, perspectives, and skills and encourages people of diverse ages, sexual orientations, gender identities and expressions, disabilities, religions, races, ethnicities, socioeconomic statuses, work, and life experiences to apply.