Policy Intern

Groundwork Collaborative; Washington; Hybrid; USD 25,000 - 36,000; Part time

Job summary

Groundwork Collaborative is seeking a paid policy internship for fall 2026 (Sept-Dec). The hybrid role combines research, policy writing, data visualization, and event planning in Washington, DC.

You will draft memos, track policy developments, and help prepare policy briefs while supporting outreach and communications efforts. The internship emphasizes rigorous research, clear writing, and collaboration with a dynamic team focused on progressive economic policy and narrative change.

Qualifications

• You are a current student enrolled at a two- or four-year university studying economics, public policy, political science, or other relevant fields.
• You have strong research and writing skills, with the ability to translate complex policy issues into accessible language.
• You’re eager to learn about progressive economic policies, federal policymaking, and legislative advocacy.
• You’re detail-oriented and comfortable working with data, reports, and policy documents.
• You thrive in a fast-paced environment, managing multiple tasks under tight deadlines.
• You’re committed to a just, inclusive, and resilient economy that delivers opportunity and dignity for all.

Responsibilities

• Conduct research on housing, consumer protection, corporate power, labor, taxation, and public investment.
• Draft policy memos, briefing materials for press interviews, and research summaries.
• Track relevant legislative and regulatory developments.
• Analyze data and compile findings into charts and graphs for internal and external audiences.
• Assist in researching and drafting for fact sheets, op-eds, reports, and policy briefs.
• Support policy-related event planning and coordination.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Skills

Research skills

Strong writing

Policy translation

Attention to detail

Time management

Team collaboration

Education

Pursuing economics/public policy/political science degree

Job description

Reports to: Senior Advisor for Economic Policy

Status: Hourly Non-Exempt.

Location: Washington D.C. This is a hybrid workplace, with Mondays and Wednesdays in the office and three days remote, as well as the occasional need to work in person for events and special projects

Salary: $22/hr

About Groundwork Collaborative

Launched in 2018, Groundwork Collaborative is driven by the idea that We Are The Economy: when all of us are doing well, that is when our economy thrives. We fight for progressive economic policy and narrative change that builds accountable public power, breaks up concentrations of private power, and affirmatively centers people too long left out of prosperity. We understand that taken together, these actions will lead to a stronger and more resilient economy.

Groundwork’s unique structure - part strategic communications, part think tank, and part issue advocacy organization - allows us to drive narrative and policy change with credibility, expertise, and impact. We work across four core audiences - the media, policymakers, economic experts, and grasstops leaders - and use targeted policy campaigns and timely research and messaging to advance a truly inclusive economic worldview.

We’re savvy, strategic thinkers who know how to spot an opportunity to advance our worldview and influence national economic policy debates, identify new audiences for Groundwork’s resources, and support and amplify the great work our partners are already doing so we’re all better aligned to achieve our common goals. We’re fearless in our approach to narrative change and are focused more on how to make the right economic messages popular tomorrow than we are on the poll-tested messages of today.

Groundwork Collaborative is currently accepting applications for a paid policy internship position for fall 2026 (September - December). The intern will gain hands-on experience with a dynamic policy, research, and advocacy team working to advance progressive economic policies.

Position Summary:

• Conduct research on key economic and policy issues, including housing, consumer protection and corporate power, labor, taxation, and public investment.
• Draft policy memos, briefing materials for press interviews, and research summaries.
• Track relevant legislative and regulatory developments.
• Analyze data and compile findings into accessible formats for internal and external audiences, including charts and graphs.
• Assist in researching and drafting for fact sheets, op-eds, reports, and policy briefs.
• Support policy-related event planning and coordination.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

About you:

• You’re a current student enrolled at a two- or four-year university studying economics, public policy, political science, or other relevant fields.
• You have strong research and writing skills, with the ability to translate complex policy issues into accessible language.
• You’re eager to learn about progressive economic policies, federal policymaking, and legislative advocacy.
• You’re detail-oriented and comfortable working with data, reports, and policy documents.
• You thrive in a fast-paced environment, managing multiple tasks under tight deadlines.
• You’re committed to a just, inclusive, and resilient economy that delivers opportunity and dignity for all.

The pay rate for this position is $22.00/hour. This is a part-time internship position with flexibility to accommodate student schedules.

The ideal candidate would be able to work part-time (20+ hours per week) or full-time. This is a hybrid internship, with Mondays and Wednesdays in person in our office near Dupont Circle.

Research shows that candidates from underrepresented backgrounds often hesitate to apply unless they meet every qualification. If this role excites you and you meet most - but not all - we encourage you to apply.

Please note: At this time, we are unable to sponsor or support work visas for this internship. All applicants must be authorized to work in the United States and must be 18 years of age or older. Additionally, we can only consider candidates who reside in DC, Virginia, or Maryland and are able to regularly work in person at our offices near Dupont Circle.