Policy Centers
Ideal For
A student who reads primary sources before the summaries, keeps meticulous citations, and wants to learn how policy research becomes a published product.
The Policy Centers Intern supports the research and publication work of the organization's policy centers — tracking legislation, assembling briefing materials, and keeping the research files that center scholars draw on current and defensible.
Core Duties
- Track federal and state legislation, hearings, and regulatory actions relevant to each policy center's portfolio.
- Draft research memos, one-pagers, and background briefs under scholar direction.
- Maintain source files, citations, and version history for center publications.
- Assemble briefing books and prep materials for center events, panels, and testimony.
- Monitor policy news and produce a weekly clips digest for center staff.
- Fact-check drafts against primary sources before publication.
- Support policy center panels and programming during events.
- Maintain the centers' contact lists of scholars, staff, and allied organizations.
Role-Specific Qualifications
- Strong research and writing skills; comfort with primary sources and citation discipline.
- Coursework or demonstrated interest in public policy, government, economics, or law.
- Ability to summarize complex material accurately and briefly.
- Careful, detail-oriented work habits under publication deadlines.
Standard Qualifications — All Internships
- Current enrollment in an accredited college or university; eligible for the Federal Work Study Program where applicable.
- Senior in high school, recent high school graduate, or GED equivalent.
- Strong organizational skills with attention to detail and accuracy.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) and general computer literacy.
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
- Ability to work independently and as part of a team in a fast-paced environment.
- Reliable, punctual, and professional demeanor.
- Discretion with confidential and pre-release information; adherence to all organizational policies, including confidentiality, data handling, and workplace safety standards.
- Prior office or customer service experience is a plus but not required.
Internship: minimum 16 hours per week, in person, Alexandria, VA. You are allowed to work up to 40 hours a week with limited overtime opportunities.
Every intern completes the program's five core competencies and attends the annual conference. Expect a written midpoint review, weekly one-on-one supervision, and a documented portfolio of completed work.
For current openings please visit CPAC.org/ApplyNow
Please note this role is open during one of the cohorts each year and may not be open for each cohort or semester depending on needs.
CPAC.org/ApplyNow will redirect you to our application portal where you can apply for open positions and is a system operated by our HR partner TriNet via app.trinethire.com