External Relations Intern:
Location: Arlington, VA (Hybrid)
Full-time internship (40 hours/week preferred – a minimum of 24 hours/week required) with an anticipated duration from mid-September through the end of November 2026. Compensation is $15/hour.
About the Role:
The intern will learn about federal and state external relations as well as the Mercatus Center’s mission and classical liberalism.
Specific Duties:
- External Relations administrative tasks and small research projects.
- Assist with preparation for meetings with legislators and coalition members as well as conferences.
- Draft emails sharing published research and analysis.
- Assist with preparing one pagers and other External Relations correspondence.
- Attend External Relations events as well as events held by coalition members.
- Assist with record keeping by taking notes on meetings with legislators and organizational partners and recording them in Salesforce.
- Tracking relevant legislation and hearings.
- Assist with media needs for the organization’s Strategic Engagement Team.
Qualifications
Qualifications:
- Must be a college student or recent college graduate.
- Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
- Ability to manage multiple projects and deadlines.
- Strong written and verbal communication skills.
- Ability to work independently while taking direction and incorporating feedback.
- Genuine interest in classical liberal ideas, free-market research, and the institutions that allow people and communities to thrive.
How to Apply
Please submit your cover letter and resume. Your cover letter should indicate your interest in the Mercatus Center’s mission.
About the Mercatus Center
The Mercatus Center at George Mason University is where top classical liberal scholars solve real-world challenges. Grounded in the tradition of market-oriented thinking and classical liberal ideas, we equip high-agency talent to apply bold ideas that shape institutions, inform policy, and help people flourish.
EEO Statement
The Mercatus Center is an equal employment opportunity employer. We welcome applications from all qualified individuals without regard to race, color, religion, gender, sex, age, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, marital status, or any other characteristic protected by law.
E-Verify
The Mercatus Center participates in E-Verify. Upon hire, Mercatus will provide the U.S. Social Security Administration and, if necessary, the Department of Homeland Security, with information from each new employee’s Form I-9 to confirm work authorization.
Skills Required
- Must be a college student or recent college graduate
- Available to work a minimum of 24 hours per week (40 hours/week preferred) from mid-September through end of November 2026
- Strong organizational skills and attention to detail
- Ability to manage multiple projects and deadlines
- Strong written and verbal communication skills
- Ability to work independently while taking direction and incorporating feedback
- Genuine interest in classical liberal ideas and free-market research
What We Do
The Mercatus Center at George Mason University is a university-based research center that bridges the gap between academic research and real-world problems. Its mission is to advance knowledge about how markets work to improve people's lives through education, talent development, research, and policymaker outreach. The center focuses on generating understanding of institutions that affect the freedom to prosper and finding sustainable solutions to society's most pressing challenges.
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