External Affairs Intern
Reports to: Senior Director, Federal Affairs
Location: Washington, D.C. (3 days in office & 2 days remote each week)
Internship dates: 9/9/2026 - 12/4/2026
Status: Full-Time; Non-Exempt
Salary: $20/hour not to exceed 40 hours/week
Benefits: Health leave to accrue at a rate of 3.33 hours per pay period
About The Hub
Launched in 2016, The Hub Project is a nonprofit effort made up of a growing team of communications, research, and organizing experts with extensive experience in campaign strategy, digital, polling, and analytics. We believe in a country where everyone has the opportunity to succeed in order economy and participate in our democracy. We make that vision a reality by partnering with advocacy groups, bringing surge capacity and coordination to building innovative and effective campaigns.
Our Commitment to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
We value diversity and inclusion and are committed to creating an environment where people from all backgrounds can participate, grow, and succeed in our organization. We believe we have a duty to use our power and privilege to contribute to transformational change to ensure our government is working for everyone and that all families have a fair shot.
Position Summary
The Hub project is accepting applications for an internship on the External Affairs team, which supports our campaigns through three core functions: Federal Affairs, Strategic Communications, and Partnerships. The intern will help the team build and maintain relationships with congressional offices, develop messaging and rapid response materials, and coordinate with allied organizations and coalition partners. Our work leverages a mix of grassroots organizing, research, and paid media tactics to advance our goals and those of our allies. We work in a fast-paced environment, so the right person for this internship is comfortable managing shifting priorities and deadlines.
Job Duties
As an External Affairs intern, you will support work across Federal Affairs, Strategic Communications, and Partnerships to…
- Monitor the status and movement of federal, state, or local legislation using dedicated tracking software
- Research assigned policy topics, summarize findings, and draft clear memos or one-pagers for internal stakeholders
- Schedule and staff meetings with Congressional offices, committee staff, coalition partners, and federal agency officials
- Attend legislative hearings, write summary reports, and assist with the logistics of policy briefings or advocacy events
- Attend coalition calls, meetings, and events and provide internal report outs
- Maintain and update contact lists for elected officials, coalition partners, consultants, and other key stakeholders
- Assist with drafting external communications, including but not limited to press releases, newsletters, and coalition emails/communications
- Perform other duties as assigned.
About you
- You are a skilled researcher and writer with the ability to distill and explain complex policies for a broad audience
- You are organized and detail-oriented
- You are an effective multitasker with the ability to prioritize and meet deadlines
- You work well in a collaborative team environment
- You center people and relationships in your work, leading with empathy and compassion.
In addition, it would be a bonus if...
- You have professional or educational experience researching and tracking specific legislation
- You have experience working on progressive issue campaigns or at advocacy organizations.
Hiring Statement
The Hub Project is a project of New Venture Fund (NVF), a 501(c)(3) public charity that incubates new and innovative public-interest projects and grant-making programs. NVF is committed to attracting, developing and retaining exceptional people, and to creating a work environment that is dynamic, rewarding and enables each of us to realize our potential. NVF’s work environment is safe and open to all employees and partners, respecting the full spectrum of race, color, religious creed, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, political affiliation, ancestry, age, disability, genetic information, veteran status, and all other classifications protected by law in the locality and/or state in which you are working
E-Verify
NVF participates in E-Verify and will provide the federal government with employees’ Form I-9 information to confirm authorization to work in the United States. Job candidates and employees authorized to work may not be discriminated against on the basis of national origin or citizenship status.
How to Apply
This announcement will remain posted until the position is filled. Please note that only those individuals whose qualifications match the current needs of this position will be considered applicants and will receive responses from The Hub Project. Thank you for your interest.
Skills Required
- Skilled researcher and writer with ability to distill complex policy for broad audiences
- Organized and detail-oriented
- Effective multitasker with ability to prioritize and meet deadlines
- Ability to work well in a collaborative team environment
- Center people and relationships in work; lead with empathy and compassion
- Ability to be in Washington, D.C. office three days per week (hybrid schedule)
- Experience researching and tracking legislation
- Experience working on progressive issue campaigns or at advocacy organizations
What We Do
New Venture Fund is a nonprofit organization that works with change leaders to accelerate positive impact across various sectors by providing fiscal sponsorship, operational support, and administrative services.
