Policy & Advocacy Intern

Federation of Protestant Welfare Agencies • New York, NY

8d • $20 - $25 • Hybrid

About The Position

FPWA is a leading anti-poverty, social policy and advocacy organization dedicated to strengthening human services organizations and faith institutions, and advancing economic opportunity and justice for New Yorkers with low incomes. Since 1922, FPWA has driven groundbreaking policy reforms to better serve those in need. We work to dismantle the structural and systemic barriers that impede economic security and well-being, and strengthen the capacity of human services agencies and faith organizations so New Yorkers with lower incomes can thrive and live with dignity.

The Policy & Advocacy Intern will work closely with the Policy, Advocacy, & Research (PAR) Team to advance FPWA’s mission under the guidance of the Director of Policy & Advocacy. The Policy & Advocacy Intern will provide policy and research support and will support the team’s advocacy work during the Fall of 2026 into the Spring of 2027.

This position offers the opportunity to engage in social justice-focused policy and advocacy work at the city and state level, analyzing policies that shape economic outcomes for New Yorkers and identifying the solutions that are needed to create systemic change. The Policy & Advocacy intern will build skills in community and stakeholder engagement, coalition building, equity-driven policy analysis, and translating policy research into actionable advocacy that centers individuals and families impacted by poverty, racism, and other forms of inequality.

Requirements

• Currently enrolled or recently completed a graduate program in social work, public policy, law, public health, economics, or related field.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Introductory understanding of policy and advocacy landscape on key economic security issues, preferably at the state and city level.
• Strong interest in public policy, economic and social justice, and civil rights.
• Creative and adaptive problem solver.
• Strong organizational and time-management skills.
• Ability to work independently and in a team environment.
• Flexibility and willingness to learn.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and Google Suite.

Nice To Haves

• Experience working in policy and/or advocacy preferred.
• Experience with data analysis and visualization preferred.
• Candidates who have firsthand experience of the social welfare and/or justice system are encouraged to apply.
• AmeriCorps, Peace Corps, and other national service alumni are encouraged.

Responsibilities

• Assist in quantitative and qualitative research and data analysis on a range of anti-poverty issue areas.
• Conduct research on policy initiatives related to economic security for New Yorkers, primarily at the state and local level.
• Support implementation of advocacy campaigns, including managing campaign timelines, engaging with stakeholders, and conducting outreach to external coalition partners.
• Draft one-pagers, memos of support, policy briefs, sign-on letters, and other external campaign materials.
• Tracking relevant legislative and budget priorities at the state and city level
• Provide general support for all members of the policy team.
• Opportunities to participate in advocacy activities in NYC and Albany, if desired.
• Other duties as assigned.

Benefits

• $20 - $25 per hour, commensurate experience
• This internship is eligible for course credit for MSW programs requiring field placement.
• The supervisors for this internship also have their SIFI (Seminar in Field Instruction) certification for MSW students.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Part-time
• Career Level: Intern