Internship Stipend
$5500 total stipend (paid over the course of the internship)
Additional Information:
Hybrid/Remote is allowed.
Internal Number: 1057
Position Summary
The Government Affairs & Public Policy Intern will support AIA's advocacy mission across a broad portfolio of federal, state, and local issues over an eight-week summer placement. This is a role designed to provide flexible capacity across the department, with the intern contributing to active workstreams in communications and messaging, legislative and policy research, and event and program support.
The intern will work directly with GAPP leadership and staff, gaining exposure to how a leading national professional association executes advocacy strategy at every level of government. This is not a shadow internship. The intern will produce real deliverables for real audiences.
Areas of Opportunities
Communications & Messaging
Assist with drafting advocacy materials (talking points, one-pagers, newsletters, alerts)
Support messaging strategies for policy campaigns
Prepare materials for congressional and stakeholder outreach
Contribute to member-facing communications (e.g., newsletters)
Legislative & Policy Research
Help monitor and summarize legislative and regulatory activity
Participate in conducting research for policy briefs and issue analysis
Assist with maintaining legislative tracking systems and policy databases
Help identify and report on emerging policy trends
Event & Program Support
Assist with planning and logistics for advocacy events
Support webinars, meetings, and coalition calls
Help prepare materials and post-event communications
Operations & Cross-Departmental Support
Provide research and writing support across teams
Assist with data tracking and reporting
Coordinate with communications and membership teams
Qualifications
Currently enrolled in an undergraduate or graduate program in Political Science, Public Policy, Communications, Architecture, Urban Planning, or a related field
Strong written and verbal communication skills
Demonstrated interest in public policy, advocacy, or government affairs
Ability to manage multiple tasks and meet deadlines
Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite
Experience with legislative research or policy analysis
Familiarity with government processes
Interest in architecture, housing, or climate policy
Exposure to nonprofit or association environments
Learning Opportunities
Legislative research and policy analysis skills
Professional advocacy writing experience
Understanding of multi-level government advocacy
Stakeholder communication and engagement
Exposure to real-world policy work and networks
Internship Details
This is an 8-week, full-time, hybrid paid Summer internship scheduled from June 15, 2026, through August 7, 2026. The selected candidate will be required to report to the AIA Global Campus 1–2 days per week, with the remaining work performed remotely. Onsite location- 1735 New York Avenue NW; Washington, DC 20006.
Eligible applicants must be authorized to work in the United States. Visa sponsorship is not available for this position.
Application Instructions
Submit a resume and cover letter by May 13, 2026. Your cover letter should address why you want this internship. Applicants selected for an interview will be contacted with next steps.
