Federal Affairs Legislative Intern

Environmental Defense Fund; Washington (District of Columbia); Remote; USD 20,000 - 29,000; Part time

Job summary

Environmental Defense Fund, Inc. (EDF) seeks an internship in its Federal Affairs team to support research on Congress and policy development.

You will help prepare educational materials, briefings, and memos, and assist with meetings and information gathering for Hill offices. The role offers exposure to environmental policy, climate change priorities, and EDF’s advocacy work, with mentorship from senior staff and opportunities to develop professional writing and research skills during Fall

Qualifications

• Enrolled in/or recent graduate of an undergraduate degree program.
• Demonstrated interest in public policy, climate change or environmental advocacy.
• Coursework in political science, government, or environmental studies recommended.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills.
• Relevant experience, knowledge, or strong interest in government/congressional affairs preferred.
• Basic proficiency in Canva and Asana preferred but not required.
• Must be well organized, motivated, and detail-oriented.
• Ability to multi-task, prioritize, and meet deadlines.
• Ability to work in a team setting and have the ability to work independently when projects are due.
• Demonstrate self-awareness, cultural competency and inclusivity, and ability to work with colleagues and stakeholders across all cultures and backgrounds.
• Demonstrate initiative and problem-solving skills.

Responsibilities

• Support members of the Federal Affairs team in their work to advance emission reduction and other pro-environment legislation in Congress.
• Researching key members of Congress, candidates, and existing legislation.
• Prepare fact sheets, backgrounders and member briefs.
• Contribute to writing and editing scenario planning materials.
• Provide support for meetings, including gathering and assembling information and notetaking.
• Participate in advancing EDF’s organizational effectiveness and culture goals, so people from all backgrounds and experiences feel connected, included and empowered to address environmental and organizational challenges in ways that align with EDF values.

Skills

Policy interest

Research

Written communication

Oral communication

Organization

Education

Undergraduate degree enrolled/recent graduate

Tools

Canva

Asana

Job description

EDF internships provide high-quality experiences (including relevant projects and opportunities for networking) that form the foundation for any individual who is serious about pursuing an environmental career.

EDF internships provide high-quality experiences (including relevant projects and opportunities for networking) that form the foundation for any individual who is serious about pursuing an environmental career.

Location

U.S. Remote with option to be hybrid out of an EDF office in Washington, D.C. Intern supervisor is in Washington, D.C. and many team members are in Washington, D.C.

Term

Fall 2026

Hours

Part-time (15-20 hrs/week)

Application Materials

Interested applicants should attach their cover letter and resume to the EDF application.

Program/Department Overview

EDF’s Political Affairs team is working to create political will and bold policiestodeliver the greenhouse gas emissions reductions that scientists say are necessary to avoid the worst consequences of climate change. Specifically, the Federal Affairs team works to build relationships with Congressional offices and support for federal policies to advance EDF’s policy priorities on climate change, clean energy, environmental justice, agriculture, resiliency, transportation, and more.

Overall Function

This position will be a part of the Federal Affairs team under Political Affairs.Theintern willassisttheFederalAffairs team with research projects relevant to EDF’s federal advocacy work. Particularly, this position will be focused on projects related to the incoming Congress. This includes researching candidates and members of Congress, preparing educational materials for Hill offices, tracking policy and committee actions, and writing memos. By the end of the internship, the intern will have a robust understanding of federal advocacy practices and the functions of Congress and will have cultivated strong research and writing skills. The intern will report to the Senior Legislative Analyst.

Key Responsibilities

Tasks will include but are not limited to:

• Support members of the Federal Affairs team in their work to advance emission reduction and other pro-environment legislation in Congress.
• Researching key members of Congress, candidates, and existing legislation.
• Prepare fact sheets, backgrounders and member briefs.
• Contribute to writing and editing scenario planning materials.
• Provide support for meetings, including gathering and assembling information and notetaking.
• Participate in advancing EDF’s organizational effectiveness and culture goals, so people from all backgrounds and experiences feel connected, included and empowered to address environmental and organizational challenges in ways that align with EDF values.

Qualifications

• Enrolled in/or recent graduate of an undergraduate degree program.
• Demonstrated interest in public policy, climate change or environmental advocacy.
• Coursework in political science, government, or environmental studies recommended.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills.
• Relevant experience, knowledge, or strong interest in government/congressional affairs preferred.
• Basic proficiency in Canva and Asana preferred but not required.
• Must be well organized, motivated, and detail-oriented.
• Ability to multi-task, prioritize, and meet deadlines.
• Ability to work in a team setting and have the ability to work independently when projects are due.
• Demonstrate self-awareness, cultural competency and inclusivity, and ability to work with colleagues and stakeholders across all cultures and backgrounds.
• Demonstrate initiative and problem-solving skills.

Compensation

This internship would involve compensation for work paid at a rate competitive with leading non-profits at $18/hour or the local minimum wage if it exceeds $18/hour.

Learn more about internships at EDF - http://www.edf.org/environmental-careers/internships