Public Service Internship Program

The Public Service Internship Program is an opportunity for undergraduate and graduate students as well as recent graduates to contribute to the Partnership’s mission while developing valuable professional skills.

Interns work in a fast-paced, collaborative environment. Their responsibilities vary but often include event planning and execution, research, writing and outreach to external partners, including federal agencies and colleges and universities. Additionally, there is time allocated to support the organization by taking shifts to staff the front desk and assisting other teams as needed.

The program also incorporates opportunities for professional and personal growth through workshops and trainings specifically geared toward students and young professionals.

Who Should Apply

The Partnership strives to be an inclusive organization that fosters learning, collaboration and respect. We actively recruit for diversity in our workplace, believing that a range of backgrounds, perspectives and experiences contributes to our mission of revitalizing government.

We seek extraordinary undergraduate students, graduate students and recent graduates with:

  • A commitment to public service.
  • Strong written and oral communication.
  • Analytical thinking.
  • An ability to work well in teams.

There is no single academic major or background we prefer over another—if you share our passion and are committed to developing your skills while gaining valuable experience, we want to hear from you!

All internship positions are physically located in Washington, DC at the Partnership’s office. There are no current opportunities for interns to work remotely. Applicants must be willing to relocate to Washington, DC for the duration of the term. Please note that the Partnership does not provide housing or relocation assistance for interns.

How to Apply

To apply, follow the “Apply” link found below the internship position descriptions.

Before applying, carefully read the descriptions to determine which position(s) you are best qualified for and most interested in pursuing. While each position requires a commitment to public service, the descriptions detail the skills and competencies necessary for each particular position. You may only apply to one internship position per term but will have a chance to indicate your interest in other positions on the application form.

Selection Process

The applicant review and selection process depends on the number of applicants, though we strive to conduct interviews (including phone and video interviews) and have offers extended within a month after the application deadline. Applicants are encouraged to apply early, as we do review resumes on a rolling basis and reserve the right to fill positions before the application deadline.

Compensation

Interns receive the following compensation:

  • Full-time interns with an undergraduate or graduate degree will receive $1,000 per month.
  • Full-time interns who are currently undergraduate students will receive $800 per month.
  • Part-time intern compensation will be pro-rated accordingly.

Program Dates

Fall 2019: September-December*

Application Period:
April 1 through July 12
Notification:
Early August

Spring 2020: January-May*

Application Period:
September 1 through November 8
Notification:
Early December

Summer 2020: June-August*

Application Period:
January 6 through March 6
Notification:
Early April

* Please note that the exact start and end dates of internships may vary depending upon a team’s needs and an applicant’s availability within the given terms. We will work with individuals based on academic or work-related reasons.

Contact

For more information about the Public Service Internship program or for questions about your application, please contact:

Janira Garcia
jgarcia@ourpublicservice.org
(202) 464-2697

Internship Positions

Communications (1-2 positions)

The Partnership’s communication efforts are designed to change public perceptions, educate the public about the need for a high-performing government and help connect citizens to their government. In addition, the Communications team ensures that Partnership programs and activities are heard, understood and are actionable.

The Communications interns are an integral member of the Communications team and assist with writing, editing and brainstorming new ideas. These interns generate the Partnership’s daily electronic newsletter, help the team plan and execute events from start to finish, including the Partnership’s annual Samuel J. Heyman Service to America Medals, manage the Partnership’s social media outreach including Twitter and Facebook, and assist with our email marketing, event invitations and constituent database. This is a terrific opportunity for individuals who are interested or have experience in communications, marketing or event planning.

The ideal candidate is outgoing, detail-oriented, a team player and has excellent writing, organization and public speaking skills. You will have the opportunity to develop marketing experience by representing the Partnership to the public and also gain experience using CRM and email marketing systems, two highly marketable skills for communications professionals.

Fall 2019 Application Closed

Development (1 position)

The Partnership’s fundraising efforts extend across the organization and focus on ensuring long-term financial viability. The Development team identifies, cultivates and secures financial and in-kind support for the Partnership’s programs and activities.

The Development intern will learn the basics of nonprofit fundraising and relationship management, including how to conduct prospect research, cultivate new donors and work with our corporate sponsors and other existing supporters.

Specific responsibilities will include: identifying and researching prospective sponsorship and foundation grant opportunities; drafting correspondence related to Partnership programs; providing logistical support for a wide variety of corporate-sponsored events; preparing for and observing meetings; assisting with mailings; and tracking and acknowledging incoming donations using our customer management system (Salesforce). Exceptional written and spoken communication skills are essential.

Fall 2019 Application Closed

Government Affairs (2-3 positions)

The Government Affairs team is the Partnership’s voice on Capitol Hill, working to advance the organization’s good government agenda by building bridges of understanding between federal agencies and Congress, advocating for a renewal of America’s civil service system and more effective transitions between presidential administrations.

As a Government Affairs intern, you will support both the legislative team and the Center for Presidential Transition. On the legislative team, you will follow Hill activity related to our core initiatives of civil service modernization,while helping deliver content to congressional staff and agency employees with the goal of improving understanding between branches of government. With the Center for Presidential Transition, you will provide event support, conduct research on agency leadership and transition-related issues and assist with program administration. The Government Affairs team offers candidates the opportunity to become more informed about the legislative process and the policies and practices of the federal government. The ideal candidate will have strong written and oral communication, teamwork and time management skills, initiative to take on new projects and a commitment to public service.  

Fall 2019 Application Closed

Government Leadership and Management Programs (6-8 positions)

Programs team interns have the unique opportunity to develop leadership and management skills by helping our team deliver a variety of programs for federal employees. Our programs aim to develop strong leaders, engage employees, enhance management, encourage innovation and address workforce challenges, such as recruiting and hiring talent. Our audience includes agencies as varied as the Executive Office of the President, NASA and the Intelligence Community.

Interns’ work portfolios will align with our programmatic areas of federal workforce programs, government effectiveness, leadership development and federal executive networks. Interns’ specific responsibilities will include a combination of program administration, training and event planning and logistics, presentation development, data and information synthesis and analysis, note taking, and background research. Interns will support a variety of programs and projects and work closely with multiple people across the organization.

The ideal candidate will have strong time management and communication skills, attention to detail, adaptability, commitment to exceptional customer service, and a willingness to learn professional skills indispensable in any workplace.

During their internship, interns will learn more about project management, nonprofit management, data collection and analysis, relationship management, event planning and logistics, and customer service. At the end of their term, interns will walk away with a greater understanding of how the federal government and its agencies work.

Fall 2019 Application Closed

Research and Program Evaluation (2 positions)

The Partnership’s research advises government on topics such as customer experience, artificial intelligence, innovation, change management, recruiting and hiring talent, employee engagement and performance management.

Research and Evaluation interns will have the opportunity to shape research products that aim to make government more effective. Interns will help produce high-visibility reports, insightful issue briefs and innovative research projects, such as the Best Places to Work in the Federal Government® Rankings. Additionally, interns will aid in evaluating the short-and long-term outcomes of the Partnership’s leadership and management programs.

Interns’ specific responsibilities will include a combination of conducting background research, attending and writing summaries of interviews with federal leaders and private sector experts, analyzing program data and responding to information requests. Interns also assist in planning and carrying out the logistics of roundtable discussions and public-facing report release events.

The ideal candidate will have some social science research experience and possess strong writing skills, organization and time management skills and proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite. Candidates should be able to work independently and in a team setting.

Fall 2019 Application Closed

The Partnership for Public Service is an equal opportunity employer and will not discriminate against any application for employment on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, veteran status, disability; or on any other basis prohibited by law.