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 hearings/markups and other policy events; summarizing policy debates.

·      Monitoring statements from policymakers and experts.

·      Maintaining a SharePoint database containing contacts for congressional staff and coalition partners.

·      Maintaining vote/policy stance/target grids.

·      Formulating responses to questions and requests for information from external partner organizations and individuals. 

·      Preparing briefing and presentation materials.

·      Strong research, writing, communications skills.

·      Effective problem-solving skills.

·      An ability to multitask and juggle competing deadlines.

·      Understanding and passion for the Center’s policy areas of focus and interest in low-income issues.

·      Desire to learn more about the legislative policy process and advocacy coalitions

·      Comfort with MS Excel, PowerPoint, Word, and databases.

·      Education: Undergraduate student or recent graduates with coursework/major in policy, government/political science, or 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 — with particular attention to candidates having 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 U.S. 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 4, 2020 11:59PM EST 

Spring 2021 Internship Start Dates: January 11, 2021 and January 18, 2021 

Internship End Date: May 14, 2021

   

Compensation:   

·      Undergraduate students receive $15.00 per hour.  

·      Students with a bachelor's degree receive $16.00 per hour.  

·      Graduate students receive $17.00 per hour.  

·      Students with a master’s or law degree receive $18.00 per hour.   

·      Doctoral students may receive $17.00 - $20.00, depending on progress towards 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  

·      Transcripts  

·      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 your 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 this website about internships at the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities and still have an inquiry about the application process, please email: internship@cbpp.org.