Government Affairs Internship

Government Affairs Internship

America’s Poison Center – Government Affairs

Summer 2026 | June 1 to August 7

America’s Poison Centers represent the nation’s 53 Poison Centers. Through the national Poison Help line (1-800-222-1222) and website, PoisonHelp.org, our mission is to provide the nation with expert clinical advice available 24/7/365, at no cost. 

We have established partnerships with federal agencies, non-profits, and private industry supporting national surveillance, public health initiatives, and poisoning prevention and education campaigns. Poison Centers handle more than 2 million cases annually and are on the front lines of responding to emerging public health threats, such as opioids and COVID-19.

We are looking for a collaborative, highly organized, proactive intern with knowledge and/or experience of the federal legislative process and building coalitions. You will join a group of highly skilled professionals focused on advancing public health in a collaborative and supportive work environment.

• Internship responsibilities:
  • Assist in researching key advocacy areas.
  • Assist in the development and writing of reports and policy materials.
  • Help draft and prepare materials for distribution.
  • Attend, take notes, and report back on congressional hearings and other Washington, DC policy events as assigned such as briefings. 
  • Monitor and report on pending and proposed legislation.
  • Participate in meetings or calls and produce summaries.
  • Assist in researching, forecasting, and evaluating the effects of public policy on our members.
  • Attend various Congressional meetings as assigned.
  • Participate in group meetings.
  • Other duties as assigned.

• Expectations:
  • Availability to work approximately 20 hours/week during business hours
  • Available to work from our Arlington, VA office, aligned with a mutually agreed upon schedule
  • Beginning June 1, 2026 – August 7, 2026 (10 weeks) 
  • This position is unpaid
  • America’s Poison Centers is willing to help interns obtain academic credit if available through their school 

• Resources, training, and feedback 
  • Intern will receive a comprehensive orientation, including an introduction to America’s Poison Centers, the individual poison centers, and various other departments. 
  • Intern will report to the National Director of Government Affairs
  • In addition to ongoing, real-time feedback, the intern will receive a formal evaluation at the end of their internship experience to highlight areas of strength and recommend any areas for future growth aligned with the intern’s professional ambitions.

• Qualifications
  • Rising junior, or senior in an undergraduate degree program or recent graduate in public policy, public administration, public health, or a related program
  • Strong writing, editing, analytical, and research skills with a focus on details
  • Excellent verbal and written communication skills
  • Demonstrably quick study and independent, inquisitive learner

Flexible work approach: must be able to work productively in a team environment, as well as under minimal supervision. Please submit your resume, and a writing sample to Employment3@PoisonCenters.org with “Government Affairs Internship” as the subject line. Applications are due by March 1, 2026.  

In accordance with the Virginia Human Rights Act and federal law, America’s Poison Centers® does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, pregnancy, marital status, disability, sexual orientation, or military/veteran status.