Policy Research

The Policy Research Intern produces the substantive material the organization's public work rests on: briefs, one-pagers, and background documents, sourced to primary documents. This is the role where an intern learns that in politics, being right is a discipline with a method — and that a single unsourced number can cost an organization its credibility.

Core Duties

• Research policy issues using primary sources: legislation, regulations, court filings, agency documents, and original data.
• Draft issue briefs, one-pagers, and background memos with full source citation.
• Verify every factual claim, statistic, quotation, and date against an original document.
• Read and interpret quantitative material including polling, crosstabs, budget figures, and government data.
• Maintain the research library and source files so any claim can be re-traced.
• Track legislative and regulatory developments on assigned issues.
• Fact-check materials produced by other departments on request.
• Flag claims that cannot be substantiated rather than softening them.

Role-Specific Qualifications

• Writing sample required, preferably analytical or research writing with citations.
• Coursework in political science, economics, law, history, or a related field.
• Demonstrated comfort reading legislation, regulations, or primary government documents.
• Numeracy sufficient to read a poll or a budget table correctly.

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.