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Government Affairs Intern

The Center on Budget and Policy Priorities (CBPP) is one of the nation’s leading nonprofits working on public policy issues affecting low-income families and individuals. It has a national reputation for conducting rigorous research and analysis, developing policy ideas and strategies, shaping a broad array of policy debates at the federal and state levels, and influencing policy outcomes. It works on budget and tax policy, health care, and a range of other policies and programs important to low- and moderate-income people. The Center’s funding comes from private foundations and individuals.  

Each semester, two interns play a collaborative role in supporting the Government Affairs team. Interns get a unique opportunity to contribute to the Center’s policy areas, primarily by tracking legislation affecting budget/tax policy and safety net programs. Interns will be responsible for:

  • Tracking current legislation and amendments moving through the congressional process
  • Attending congressional hearings/markups and other policy events; summarizing policy debates
  • Monitoring statements from policymakers and experts
  • Maintaining vote/policy stance/target grids
  • Preparing meeting, briefing, and presentation materials
  • Formulating responses to questions and requests for information from external partner organizations and individuals
  • Maintaining SharePoint database containing contacts for congressional staff and coalition partners

Qualifications:

  • Strong research, writing, communications skills
  • Effective problem-solving skills
  • Ability to multitask and juggle competing deadlines
  • Understanding of and passion for the Center’s policy areas and interest in low-income issues
  • Desire to learn more about the legislative policy process and advocacy coalitions
  • Comfort with Microsoft Excel, PowerPoint, and Word
  • Education: undergraduate student or recent graduates with coursework/major in policy, government/political science, or a related field

Successful interns will have a commitment to the Center’s mission to improve the well-being of low- and moderate-income people and advance racial equity as part of the Center’s work.

To expand the diversity of voices that speak with authority in federal and state policy debates, the Center’s internship program identifies highly motivated candidates — particularly candidates who have experience with communities that are underrepresented in policy debates — with a demonstrated interest in working on public policies that affect low-income and diverse communities and have implications for racial equity.

International students are welcome to apply. The Center does not provide financial sponsorship for visas or work permits. You must have documentation of work authorization for the United States AND a U.S. Social Security number to be employed by the Center. (Please indicate that you are an international student on the application form.)

Application Deadline: October 1, 2021, 11:59 p.m. EST    
Spring 2022 Internship Start Date: January 10, 2022 
Internship End Date: Mid-May 2022 

The spring 2022 internship will be remote. Intern work hours are generally expected to be during core Eastern time business hours.

Compensation:

  • Undergraduate students receive $15.20 per hour.
  • Students with a bachelor's degree receive $16.20 per hour.
  • Graduate students receive $17.20 per hour.
  • Students with a master’s or law degree receive $18.20 per hour.
  • Doctoral students may receive between $17.20 and $20.00 per hour, depending on progress toward completion of degree requirements, relevant coursework, and research.

Required application materials:

  • Cover letter (please include a discussion of what draws you to the mission of the Center)
  • Résumé
  • Transcript(s)
  • Contact information for two references

Only complete applications submitted electronically through our system will be considered. Once you submit your application, you will receive an electronic confirmation. Applications submitted by mail or email will not be accepted. Due to the volume of applications received, only candidates selected for interview will be contacted. We are unable to respond to individual inquiries about the status of an application. Visit https://www.cbpp.org/careers/intern for more information about the Center’s internship program. No phone calls, please.

If you have read all of the information on the website about internships at the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities and still have an inquiry about the application process, please email: [email protected].

Please submit your application here.

The Center on Budget and Policy Priorities is an Equal Opportunity Employer that values and welcomes diversity in the workplace and strongly encourages all qualified persons to apply regardless of race, color, age, sex, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, genetic information, credit information, pregnancy or parental status, family responsibilities, personal appearance, creed, military or veteran status, religion, ancestry or national origin, union activities, disability, or other status protected by applicable law.