Summer Intern, Political

About the role#

The Political team at Emerson Collective works to expand democracy protections at federal, state, and local levels. As a Summer Intern, you will support the execution of integrated political and electoral strategies across core issue areas, including immigration, education, the environment, and health equity. You will contribute to the team's ongoing research and advocacy efforts while gaining exposure to campaign and grant work.

What you'll do#

• Assist with political, grant, and campaign research.
• Draft memos, briefings, and research papers for internal leaders.
• Provide research, input, and guidance related to strategic advocacy and political campaigns.
• Support the development of grant proposals for prospective grantees.
• Attend partner meetings, briefings, and convenings, providing in-office meeting support.
• Use internal tools to support operational efficiency and track success metrics to improve outreach results.

What you'll need#

• Status as a rising undergraduate junior or senior, preferably pursuing a degree in Political Science, International Relations, Public Health, Sociology, or Communications.
• Demonstrated awareness of current events, political developments, and media narratives, with comfort navigating traditional and social media.
• Ability to manage multiple projects and adapt to shifting priorities.
• High level of confidentiality, professional judgment, and maturity.
• Strong interpersonal communication skills and the ability to collaborate effectively with colleagues and partners.
• A proactive work style and strong organizational skills.

Location & details#

• Location: Washington, D.C. (On-site)
• Term: Summer 2026 (June 15 – August 7, 2026)
• Schedule: Full-time, 40 hours per week
• Compensation: Paid position ($25 per hour)
• Onboarding: Mandatory virtual orientation from June 10–12, 2026