Spring 2027 Workforce Programs Intern

Application Deadline is October 19.

This is a DC-based hybrid position. Interns must reside and have a permanent address in the Washington Metropolitan Region for the duration of their internship.

For Spring 2027, the Partnership will prioritize hiring interns from the following schools: 

• Florida International University 
• George Mason University
• Ohio State University – John Glenn College of Public Affairs and the Washington Academic Internship Program (WAIP)
• Syracuse University – Maxwell School of Public Affairs
• Trinity Washington University 
• University of California schools – UCDC Washington Center Program
• University of Maryland
• University of Michigan 
• University of Pennsylvania 
• University of Texas at Austin – LBJ School of Public Affairs

ORGANIZATION 

The Partnership for Public Service is a nonpartisan, nonprofit organization dedicated to building a better government and a stronger democracy. Central to this mission is our work to connect the government with those it serves by protecting it from harm and reimagining the way it works on behalf of the public.  

Building on our over 20 years of experience, we:

• Prepare civil servants to navigate an increasingly complex government environment
• Educate and engage the public about the value of government and how eroding its capacity hurts communities nationwide 
• Collaborate with a range of stakeholders to advance bold reforms that seek to make our government institutions more effective, responsive and accountable to the American people
• Equip and advise government leaders at the federal, state and local levels to develop critical skills for effective public service.

Our staff, diverse in experience and perspective, is mission-driven, creative, collaborative, optimistic and inclusive. Our work is strategic, fast-paced and guided by our values: 

• Passion for public service and our work toward more effective government 
• People who promote a culture of learning, leadership, collaboration, inclusion and respect 
• Persistence to drive change, take strategic risks and deliver results 
• Promise to be trustworthy, nonpartisan and fiscally responsible 

We hire smart and friendly people who are great at what they do and good to one another in the process.  

POSITION OVERVIEW

The Partnership’s Workforce team helps the public sector address critical talent gaps by administering internship and fellowship programs that inspire early career talent to public service, engaging human capitol professionals at all government levels, developing processes and proposals to expand to state and local governments, and designing and implementing new recruitment and retention strategies for agencies across the country. 

The Partnership’s Workforce Programs interns have the unique opportunity to develop leadership, project management and coordination skills by helping our team deliver a variety of programs. During their internship, interns will learn more about project management, event planning, data collection, relationship management, proposal development, marketing and customer service. Interns will also develop research skills through a variety of projects.  

Our interns will be placed in one of two portfolios: Early Career Talent and Employee Engagement. 

• Early Career Talent interns support programs designed to develop the next generation of public servants with a focus on higher-education related stakeholders. 

• Employee Engagement interns support human-capital focused programming, with an emphasis on program delivery and event planning. 

At the end of their term, interns will walk away with a greater understanding of how public sector employers keep their staff engaged, retain early career talent through government internships and understand the hiring process from an employer’s perspective. Our team is seeking candidates with an interest in learning about the public sector who are detail-oriented, have solid time management habits with strong written and verbal communications skills and are comfortable in a fast-paced environment with a willingness to pitch in. Applicants with interests and background in social science and public policy are highly encouraged to apply.

WORK ENVIRONMENT 

This job operates in a professional office environment in Washington, DC and occasionally at local external venues. This position requires consistent use of office equipment such as computer, telephone, printer and scanner. The Partnership adheres to all federal, state and local employment laws.

COMPENSATION

Full-time interns will receive $2,000 per month. Part-time intern compensation will be pro-rated accordingly.

LOCATION

This is a DC-based hybrid position. Interns must reside and have a permanent address in the Washington Metropolitan Region for the duration of their internship.  This is a hybrid internship, with an expectation of on-site work approximately two days per week once office space is available. One on-site day is Wednesday. 

EXPECTED HOURS OF WORK   

Business hours are Monday-Friday, 9 am to 6 pm, though exact work hours may vary depending on availability and need. Academic schedules will be accommodated; a part-time schedule may be considered. There may be occasional early morning or evening activities required.

TRAVEL 

If travel occurs, it is usually during the business day.   

RECRUITMENT PROCESS

The timeline for applicant review and selection may vary depending on the size of the applicant pool. Priority consideration will be given to applications received by Oct. 19. Applications may remain open after that date based on hiring needs. Applications are not reviewed on a rolling basis. We will begin reviewing applications on Oct. 19 and strive to complete virtual interviews and extend offers within approximately one month of that date.