Spring 2026 Government Affairs Internship, Communications (Job ID 2026-3919)

Thinking about a career in public policy? Committed to improving the world we live in? Think Brookings - one of the most influential, most quoted and most trusted think tanks!  

Interns spend approximately 12 weeks working alongside leading experts in government and academia from all over the world. Brookings also offers students the opportunity to intern in departments such as communications, human resources and central operations management. The mission of the Internship Program is to provide students with a pre-professional learning experience that offers meaningful, practical work experience related to their field of study or career interest. Students engage in career exploration and development as well as learn new skills.   

Interns will have the opportunity to attend meetings, think tank events, professional development workshops, and public Brookings events.  In addition, interns will have the opportunity to network with other interns throughout the Institution.  

This internship is an opportunity for undergraduate students in their junior or senior year and graduate students with an interest in government affairs, public policy, stakeholder engagement, and policy communications to apply principles and theory learned in the classroom in a professional environment. PhD students are not eligible for internships; please visit our Careers page for current open positions. This internship pays an hourly rate of $18.40. Applicants must be willing to commit to a minimum of 30 hours per week, including at least 10 hours in the office during regular business hours, with some flexibility around academic course schedules. 

The Government Affairs team works across Brookings to connect scholars and research with policymakers, practitioners, and other influential audiences. The team supports engagement with Congress, federal agencies, state and local government leaders, associations, coalitions, and other stakeholders to help ensure Brookings research informs policy discussions and decision-making. Join the Government Affairs team for approximately 12 weeks and gain hands-on experience supporting policy engagement, stakeholder outreach, events, and communications initiatives that extend the reach and impact of Brookings research.

To learn more about Brookings research programs, click here. 

Position Location: This internship requires you to be located in the U.S. for the duration of the internship. This is a hybrid opportunity. Hybrid positions combine regular in-person presence at our Washington, DC, office with the option of remote work. Work location cannot be in any of the following states: Alaska, California, Colorado, Hawaii, Illinois, Maine, Michigan, Oregon, Rhode Island, and Washington.  Please only apply if you can live and work in states other than those listed above for the duration of the internship.  

Responsibilities include supporting the Government Affairs team in its efforts to connect Brookings scholars and research with policymakers and key stakeholders, helping to prepare for meetings, briefings, hearings, and events, and contributing to audience research and engagement activities. 

Specifically, the intern will: 

• Monitor and track federal, state, and local policy developments and key policymakers. 

• Research stakeholders, audiences, and organizations relevant to Brookings' policy priorities. 

• Support the planning and execution of events, briefings, convenings, and other engagement activities. 

• Assist in preparing background materials, briefing documents, and meeting summaries. 

• Work across the Communications department to help tailor and promote Brookings research to targeted audiences. 

• Support stakeholder mapping, outreach efforts, and other special projects as assigned. 

The intern will have opportunities to attend internal meetings, public Brookings events, professional development sessions, and relevant external events, as available.

Please be advised that Brookings is currently implementing a multi-year strategic plan that includes changes to our organizational structure. As this work continues, the program associated with this internship may change between the time of application and the internship start date. While the program may change, the work/research area described in this posting and the team associated with that work are expected to remain the same. Candidates will be informed of any relevant updates during the recruitment process and prior to the start of the internship.

Education/Experience: 

College students pursuing degrees in political science, public policy, public administration, international affairs, communications, or related fields are encouraged to apply. Recent college graduates are also eligible. 

We are looking for applicants who demonstrate: 

• Interest in government affairs, public policy, and public engagement. 

• Strong writing, research, and analytical skills. 

• Excellent organization and attention to detail. 

• The ability to manage multiple assignments in a fast-paced environment. 

• Initiative, curiosity, and a willingness to learn. 

• Strong interpersonal and communication skills. 

Additional Information:   

This internship requires you to be located in the U.S. for the duration of the internship. 

Successful completion of a background investigation is required for interning at Brookings. 

Brookings requires that all applicants submit a cover letter and resume. Please submit your resume as instructed and add your cover letter as an attachment when you apply. You are required to submit/attach a separate cover letter for each internship application. Your cover letter should highlight your educational experience and skills, along with an explanation of how this internship will contribute to your professional goals.  Please address your cover letter to Hiring Manager. 

If selected as a finalist for the internship, you will be required to submit two letters of recommendation or provide two professional references.   

Applications will be accepted until November 14, 2026. Applications not completed and submitted by the application deadline date will not be considered. Your application is considered complete when you receive an email confirming that your application was successfully submitted. 

As you are applying, please be sure to click here to learn more about the Brookings Internship Program, deadlines, and directions on how to successfully submit your internship application(s).  

Brookings welcomes and celebrates diversity in all its forms.  We welcome applications that reflect a variety of backgrounds based on ideology, race, ethnicity, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, disability, veteran status, first generation college goers, and other factors protected by law. Brookings is proud to be an equal-opportunity employer that is committed to promoting a diverse and inclusive workplace.