Summer Policy Internship

Summer 2026 Policy Intern 

Reports to: Senior Advisor for Economic Policy

Launched in 2018, Groundwork Collaborative is driven by the idea that We Are The Economy: when all of us are doing well, that is when our economy thrives. We fight for progressive economic policy and narrative change that builds accountable public power, breaks up concentrations of private power, and affirmatively centers people too long left out of prosperity. We understand that taken together, these actions will lead to a stronger and more resilient economy.  

Groundwork’s unique structure – part strategic communications, part think tank, and part issue advocacy organization – allows us to drive narrative and policy change with credibility, expertise, and impact. We work across four core audiences – the media, policymakers, economic experts, and grasstops leaders – and use targeted policy campaigns and timely research and messaging to advance a truly inclusive economic worldview. 

We’re savvy, strategic thinkers who know how to spot an opportunity to advance our worldview and influence national economic policy debates, identify new audiences for Groundwork’s resources, and support and amplify the great work our partners are already doing so we’re all better aligned to achieve our common goals. We’re fearless in our approach to narrative change and are focused more on how to make the right economic messages popular tomorrow than we are on the poll-tested messages of today.

Groundwork Collaborative is currently accepting applications for a paid policy internship position for Summer 2026. The intern will gain hands-on experience with a dynamic policy, research, and advocacy team working to advance progressive economic policies.

As a Policy Intern, you will: 

• Conduct research on key economic and policy issues, including housing, consumer protection and corporate power, labor, taxation, and public investment.
• Draft policy memos, briefing materials, and research summaries.
• Track relevant legislative and regulatory developments.
• Analyze data and compile findings into accessible formats for internal and external audiences, including charts and graphs
• Assist in researching and drafting for fact sheets, op-eds, reports, and policy briefs.
• Support policy-related event planning and coordination.
• Perform other duties as assigned. 

About you: 

• You’re a current student enrolled at a two- or four-year university studying economics, public policy, political science, or other relevant fields.
• You have strong research and writing skills, with the ability to translate complex policy issues into accessible language.
• You’re eager to learn about progressive economic policies, federal policymaking, and legislative advocacy.
• You’re detail-oriented and comfortable working with data, reports, and policy documents.
• You thrive in a fast-paced environment, managing multiple tasks under tight deadlines.
• You’re committed to a just, inclusive, and resilient economy that delivers opportunity and dignity for all.

The pay rate for this position is $22.00/hour. This is a part-time internship position with flexibility to accommodate student schedules, and is eligible for health leave accrued at a rate of 3.33 hours per pay period.

The ideal candidate would be able to work part-time (20 hours per week) or full-time. This is a hybrid internship, with Mondays and Wednesdays in person in our office near Dupont Circle.

To begin the application process, please submit your materials through our web portal. Please include a resume, a cover letter describing your interest in Groundwork, and a short writing sample. Your may compile all three documents into one file, as the platform only accepts a single file upload. Incomplete applications will not be considered. Selected candidates will be asked to submit a writing assessment and conduct an interview in late April, and final decisions will be communicated in early May.