Policy Internship – Economic Policy

Job Description

Policy Intern | Groundwork Collaborative

The Tone:
This is a paid hybrid internship at Groundwork Collaborative, located in Washington D.C., scheduled for Fall 2026 (September – December). Groundwork Collaborative, launched in 2018, is dedicated to progressive economic policy and narrative change, asserting that a thriving economy is one where all individuals prosper. The organization operates as a unique blend of strategic communications, a think tank, and an issue advocacy group, driving narrative and policy change with credibility and impact. This role is crucial for supporting Groundwork’s active policy, research, and advocacy team, directly contributing to their efforts to advance an inclusive economic worldview. The intern will gain hands-on experience by supporting targeted policy campaigns and timely research that informs media, policymakers, economic experts, and grasstops leaders on national economic policy debates.

The TL;DR
• Role: Internship
• Type: Part-time or Full-time Internship
• Location: Hybrid, Washington, DC
• Pay: $22 hourly
• Team: Reports to Senior Advisor for Economic Policy
• Mission: To advance progressive economic policies through research, analysis, and advocacy that centers people too long left out of prosperity, leading to a stronger and more resilient economy.

What You’ll Actually Do
• Research: Conduct comprehensive research on key economic and policy issues, spanning critical areas such as housing, consumer protection, corporate power, labor, taxation, and public investment.
• Drafting: Draft a variety of policy-related documents, including memos, briefing materials prepared for press interviews, and concise research summaries for both internal discussions and external communication.
• Tracking: Systematically track relevant legislative and regulatory developments at the federal level to ensure the team remains fully informed on evolving policy landscapes and opportunities.
• Analysis: Analyze complex data sets and compile findings into clear, accessible formats, such as charts and graphs, suitable for diverse internal team discussions and broader public dissemination.
• Content Development: Assist actively in the research, writing, and drafting of various public-facing materials, including fact sheets, op-eds, in-depth reports, and policy briefs.

The Must-Haves
• Background: Current student enrolled at a two- or four-year university, actively pursuing studies in economics, public policy, political science, or other fields directly relevant to economic policy.
• Experience: Demonstrated strong research and writing skills, with a proven ability to translate complex policy issues into clear and accessible language for diverse audiences. This includes practical comfort working with data, comprehensive reports, and intricate policy documents.
• Skills: Strong analytical capabilities for effective data interpretation and policy document review; keen detail-orientation in all tasks; and the ability to thrive in an active environment, managing multiple tasks efficiently under tight deadlines.
• Bonus: A genuine eagerness to learn about progressive economic policies, the federal policymaking process, and legislative advocacy, alongside a deep commitment to fostering a just, inclusive, and resilient economy that provides opportunity and dignity for all.