About the role#
The Government Affairs team at Americans for the Arts works to advance arts and arts education at the federal, state, and local levels. This internship provides an opportunity to support advocacy and policy initiatives while learning about the legislative process and nonprofit operations. You will work directly with our team to contribute to the arts and culture field through research, administrative support, and direct advocacy efforts.
What you'll do#
- Prepare external materials for the FY 2028 annual federal appropriations process.
- Work with the Public Policy Manager to educate the field on submitting formal appropriations requests.
- Support the evaluation of our appropriations work.
- Assist in planning and preparing materials for Congressional visits.
- Use data and research to write briefs, Member of Congress profiles, and other team documents.
- Accompany the team to congressional offices to lobby on arts and advocacy issues.
- Engage with State and District Captains to advance shared goals.
- Support partnership and policy initiatives across internal teams.
- Update existing team resource documents and conduct original research on policy impacts.
- Provide administrative and research support for various projects.
- Collaborate on strategy and advocacy for the 120th Congress.
What you'll need#
- A commitment to the Americans for the Arts mission and to diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility.
- A passion for arts, public policy, and nonprofit advocacy.
- A desire to learn about the legislative process and government affairs.
- Strong written and oral communication skills.
- Experience in research and policy writing.
- Attention to detail and adaptability.
- A strong sense of ownership of your work.
- Eagerness to ask questions and learn team-specific programs.
- Ability to work as an independent self-starter who anticipates needs.
- Current enrollment or background in Political Science or a related field.
Location & details#
- This is a full-time, paid internship based in Washington, DC.
- You must be eligible to work in and reside within the United States.
- You must be located in the Washington, DC area.
- The program runs for 12 weeks during the Winter 2027 term.
- You must be available Monday through Friday, 9:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. ET.
- This is an on-site position.
About Americans for the Arts
Americans for the Arts is a non-profit organization focused on arts advocacy and education in the United States. It operates out of Washington, D.C. The organization supports local communities by creating opportunities for arts participation. It maintains a staff of 51 to 200 employees. Its work spans research, policy, and leadership development.
How to get in at Americans for the Arts
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