Job Description

Spring Semester 2026 Policy Intern 

Reports to: Managing Director of Policy and Advocacy

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 Spring semester, 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 $21.50/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 15-20 hours per week. Groundwork is a hybrid workplace, with an office near Dupont Circle. Priority may be given to applicants who are able to work in the office on Mondays and Wednesdays. 

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. Incomplete applications will not be considered. We will review applications on a rolling basis.

New Venture Fund Careers

Groundwork Collaborative is a project of the New Venture Fund, a 501(c)(3) public charity that incubates new and innovative public-interest projects and grant-making programs. The New Venture Fund is committed to attracting, developing and retaining exceptional people, and to creating a work environment that is dynamic, rewarding, and enables each of us to realize our potential. The New Venture Fund’s work environment is safe and open to all employees and partners, respecting the full spectrum of race, color, religious creed, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, political affiliation, ancestry, age, disability, genetic information, veteran status, and all other classifications protected by law in the locality and/or state in which you are working.

E-Verify

NVF participates in E-Verify and will provide the federal government with employees’ Form I-9 information to confirm authorization to work in the United States. Job candidates and employees authorized to work may not be discriminated against on the basis of national origin or citizenship status.

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