Spring Intern, Congressional & Government Affairs

Center for Strategic and International Studies; Washington (District of Columbia); On-site; USD 25,000 - 28,000; Full time

Job summary

The Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS) invites motivated undergraduates or recent graduates to join our Congressional and Government Affairs Internship in Washington, DC from January to May 2026. This paid, full-time internship offers hands-on policy research, briefings, and support to Capitol Hill teams.

Compensation is hourly, with rates tiered by level of degree. The intern will engage in drafting letters, event support, and data gathering while gaining exposure to

Qualifications

• Excellent research, writing, and copy-editing skills with clear, concise communication.
• Ability to prioritize, track, and accomplish multiple tasks in a fast-paced environment.
• Strong interpersonal skills and teamwork to support a busy congressional affairs team.
• Experience with Excel, databases, and email marketing platforms is desired.

Responsibilities

• Draft and copyedit official correspondence.
• Assist with event preparation and staffing for public and private events.
• Support research and analysis of congressional activities.
• Track relevant congressional actions and legislation.
• Contribute to long-term projects, including background research and data gathering.
• Draft and format program mailings and maintain mailing lists accuracy.
• Provide general administrative support to the Congressional Affairs and Government Affairs team.

Skills

Research skills

Writing

Copy-editing

Attention to detail

Team collaboration

Education

Pursuing Bachelor's degree or recent graduate in a relevant field

Tools

Excel

Database management

Email marketing platform

Job description

JOB SUMMARY

The Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS) is a non-profit, bipartisan public policy organization established in 1962 to provide strategic insights and practical policy solutions to decision makers concerned with global security and prosperity. Over the years, it has grown to be one of the largest organizations of its kind, with a staff of some 275 employees, including more than 120 analysts working to address the changing dynamics of international security across the globe.

CSIS Congressional and Government Affairs seeks highly motivated candidates for a full-time, paid internship to join our dynamic and fast-paced team from January - May 2026. The Congressional Affairs and Government Affairs Intern will serve as an integral part of the team, helping to strengthen CSIS's relationships with Congress, support briefings, and promote CSIS research to Capitol Hill. They will advance CSIS's mission of providing targeted, useful, and timely support to help inform the decision-making of key policymakers. This is a fast-paced work environment, so interns should be self-starters with strong attention to detail who enjoy a wide variety of analytic and logistical tasks.

The hired candidate will be paid hourly, commensurate with experience ($18.40/hour for current undergraduate hires, $19.40/hour for hires with a bachelor's degree, and $20.40/hour for hires with a master's degree).

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Essential functions include but are not limited to the following:

• Drafting and copyediting official correspondence;
• Assist with event preparation and staffing for both public and private events;
• Support program research and analysis of congressional activities;
• Tracking relevant congressional actions and legislation;
• Support various long term projects (background research, proposal writing, data gathering); for the Congressional and Government Affairs team;
• Draft and format program mailings, and support accuracy of mailing lists;
• Provide general administrative support to the full Congressional Affairs and Government Affairs team.

KNOWLEDGE, EDUCATION, AND EXPERIENCE

• Pursuing a Bachelors' degree or recent graduate in a relevant field;
• Excellent research, writing, and copy-editing skills with the ability to communicate clearly and concisely, both in written and verbal communication.
• Strong interpersonal skills and attention to detail and the ability to prioritize, track, and accomplish multiple tasks simultaneously in a dynamic and fast-paced environment;
• Excellent interpersonal skills, with the ability and willingness to work in a team environment
• General knowledge and interest in the Hill and international affairs
• Able to exercise effective professional judgment, sensitivity, and creativity to changing needs and situations
• Previous Hill experience is required
• Strong background in Excel, database management, and/or email marketing platform desirable.

Salary Range: $18.40 — $20.40 USD

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS AND WORK CONDITIONS

The physical demands are representative of those that must be met by an employee working in an office environment. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential job functions. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.

Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability or protected veteran status.

Equal Opportunity Employer.