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Government Affairs Intern

The Education Trust
Internship
On-site
Washington, District of Columbia, United States
$19 - $24 USD hourly

 

ABOUT THE ORGANIZATION AND THE OPPORTUNITY

  

The Education Trust (EdTrust) seeks a Government Affairs (GA) Intern to join the organization’s GA team for Spring & Summer 2026. The GA Intern will assist the GA team in the development and execution of effective legislative strategies to advance EdTrust’s federal policy goals across early childhood, P-12, and higher education. The GA Intern will accompany the GA team in meetings with partner organizations, Congress, the Department of Education, the White House, and other federal actors, and will be expected to stay abreast of activity in the federal education space.  

 

EdTrust is committed to advancing policies and practices to dismantle the racial and economic barriers embedded in the U.S. education system. Through our research and advocacy, EdTrust improves equity in education from preschool through college, engages diverse communities dedicated to equity and justice, and increases political and public will to build an education system where all students will thrive.  

 

This role, beginning in February 2026, is based in our Washington, DC office, and may be eligible for some telework. The GA Intern will report to the Government Affairs Manager. This role is budgeted for 25-30 hours per week for approximately 6 months. Exact hours are negotiable.

 

ABOUT THE GOVERNMENT AFFAIRS INTERNSHIP

 

The responsibilities and objectives for the role may include, but are not limited to, the following:


  • Assist the Director of Government Affairs, Assistant Director of Government Affairs, and the Government Affairs Manager in the development and execution of effective legislative and regulatory strategies to advance early childhood, P-12, and higher education policy priorities
  • Monitor and organize governmental actions, procedures, and opportunities for EdTrust to educate and  influence policy professionals working in Congress, the executive branch, other organizations, state-level advocates, and the general public
  • Collaborate with the Director of Government Affairs, Assistant Director of Government Affairs, and the Government Affairs Manager to help develop appropriate responses to legislative and regulatory proposals
  • Stay current and knowledgeable on organizational priorities and recent research from EdTrust and our partners
  • Help track and monitor federal government news and developments, especially related to education 

 

IDEAL SKILLS AND CHARACTERISTICS

  • Shared belief in EdTrust’s mission and a commitment to improving educational equity, with a focus on racial equity
  • Willingness to receive and act upon constructive feedback
  • Ability to organize, prioritize tasks, work collaboratively, and meet deadlines 
  • Strong communication skills, with a focus on writing
  • Attention to detail and ability to multitask 
  • Ability to take initiative and be self-directed

 

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE

 

The ideal candidate will possess the following qualifications and experience:

    • At least a high school diploma or GED, and enrolled in or completed a higher education degree program[AB1] [BW2] [JJ3] [BW4]  
    • Experience using MS Office software such as Word, Excel, and Outlook
    • General knowledge of education policy and the legislative process
    • Previous public policy experience preferred, including, but not limited to, previous internships on Capitol Hill; state/local government; or with other education policy organizations 

 

COMPENSATION

 

The pay for this role ranges from $19/hr for undergraduate students and recent grads to $21-24/hr for graduate students and $25-30 for doctoral students. To maintain equity within our intern pay scale, we do not negotiate on intern pay rates; pay rates for internships are primarily determined based on level of education. Sick leave is accrued in this role. 

 

VACCINATION FOR COVID-19

 

At EdTrust, the health and safety of our employees is of the utmost importance. As such, all EdTrust employees are required to be fully vaccinated and remain up to date on their vaccinations for COVID-19. Any new interns should be fully vaccinated and up to date on their COVID-19 vaccinations prior to their first day of work. Requests for accommodation due to medical or religious reasons will be reviewed by Human Resources. 


QUALIFIED CANDIDATES, PLEASE APPLY 

To apply: Please provide an updated resume and complete the application, including the short answer questions, in ADP.

The Education Trust is an equal opportunity employer and welcomes candidates from diverse backgrounds.