Government Affairs & Public Policy Intern

The American Institute of Architects • Washington, DC

15h • Hybrid

About The Position

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.

Requirements

• 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

Responsibilities

• Draft 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)
• Monitor and summarize legislative and regulatory activity
• Conduct research for policy briefs and issue analysis
• Maintain legislative tracking systems and policy databases
• Identify and report on emerging policy trends
• Assist with planning and logistics for advocacy events
• Support webinars, meetings, and coalition calls
• Prepare materials and post-event communications
• Provide research and writing support across teams
• Assist with data tracking and reporting
• Coordinate with communications and membership teams

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Intern
• Education Level: No Education Listed
• Number of Employees: 501-1,000 employees