Fall 2026 - Policy Intern, Redefining Public Safety

About the role#

The Redefining Public Safety (RPS) Initiative works to shift how public safety is achieved in the United States by building community-centered solutions and moving away from enforcement-centered systems. As a Policy Intern, you will support the team in executing high-level strategies, conducting research, and developing legislative solutions to improve public safety infrastructure.

What you'll do#

• Conduct qualitative and quantitative research and synthesize findings into actionable insights.
• Translate complex research and strategy materials into digestible formats, including fact sheets, policy briefs, and presentations.
• Monitor news, legislative actions, and political developments to keep the team informed on field progress.
• Draft materials such as talking points, written testimonies, and messaging guidance for government and community partners.
• Attend meetings with stakeholders and coalitions, providing meeting debriefs and administrative support.
• Assist in the planning and analysis of community-engaged research activities.

What you'll need#

• Currently pursuing a Master's Degree in Political Science, Public Policy, Public Administration, or a related field, or a Juris Doctorate.
• Demonstrated commitment to strategy building for social, political, or policy change.
• Experience working in government, law offices, think tanks, or related professional environments.
• Strong interpersonal communication skills and the ability to summarize technical information for diverse audiences.
• A strong understanding of the political landscape and legislative affairs.
• Preferred: Lived experience in the criminal legal system and experience tracking legislation and news.

Location & details#

• Location: Brooklyn, New York.
• Modality: Hybrid (generally 10 days per month in-office).
• Term: Fall 2026.
• Compensation: $17.00 - $25.00 per hour.
• Employment Type: Full-time.