Policy and Campaigns Intern

Communities thrive when nonprofits succeed. For more than 30 years, the National Council of Nonprofits (NCN) has mobilized the nation’s largest sector-wide network of nonprofits to achieve transformative results. Working with and through state and regional associations of nonprofits across the country, NCN advances policies, practices, and partnerships that strengthen the nonprofit sector and the communities it serves.

About our internship program

NCN’s internship program offers emerging professionals meaningful, hand-on experience in the nonprofit sector. Interns are seen as integral members of the NCN team. They contribute to real projects, receive coaching from their supervisors, and connect with colleagues across the organization. Throughout the internship, participants will have opportunities to build professional skills, explore careers in the nonprofit sector, and see firsthand how a national network supports local impact.

About the Policy and Campaigns team

NCN’s Policy and Campaigns team works to advance the organization’s Public Policy Agenda, and mobilize nonprofits through NCN’s network to score big wins for nonprofits and the communities they serve. Our team uses a combination of policy research and analysis, advocacy, network support, and communications activities to champion the public good.

What you’ll do

• Research and draft content for newsletters, blog posts, and social media
• Monitor, track, and report on congressional hearings, legislation, and other policy developments impacting nonprofits
• Assist with planning and logistics for policy webinars and policy events
• Support outreach to our members
• Other duties as assigned

What you’ll gain

• Practical experience working on policy and advocacy projects that support nonprofits nationwide
• Mentorship and regular feedback from an experienced supervisor
• Exposure to the work of teams across NCN
• Opportunities to build your professional network within the nonprofit sector

What we’re looking for

• Genuine interest in the nonprofit sector, advocacy, or public service
• Strong written and verbal communication skills
• Curiosity, initiative, and a willingness to ask questions
• Reliability, attention to detail, and the ability to manage multiple tasks
• Comfort working both independently and as part of a team
• A commitment to NCN’s Core Values

Qualifications

Required

• Undergraduate student, preferably in policy, communications, political science, pre-law, or a related field.
• Deep and steadfast commitment to earning, maintaining, and building trust with people within and outside the organization.
• Commitment to equity as a personal and professional value. 
• An enthusiastic team player who enjoys being part of a collaborative, collegial environment of dedicated and talented staff committed to shared success.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, especially speaking and listening, with great attention to detail.
• Excellent research and writing skills.
• Dedicated interest in advocacy and civic engagement.

Essential details:

• Term: Spring 2027 semester 
• Application Deadline: November 15, 2026
• Compensation: $21/hour, expecting approximately 10-15 hours/week
• Reports to: SVP of Public Policy and Campaigns 
• Location: Our office is in downtown Washington, D.C. At least one day in-office each week is expected to gain the most from this opportunity.

What else you should know

The National Council of Nonprofits is committed to advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion, both though our work and within our workforce. We believe that celebrating and actively welcoming diverse voices and perspectives is essential to solving longstanding social and economic problems, and we aim to diversify the voices of our staff to best reflect the people and communities that nonprofits serve.

The National Council of Nonprofits is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. Women, people of color, Indigenous people, LGBTQ individuals, veterans, people experiencing disabilities, and members of other minority or marginalized groups are strongly encouraged to apply. 

Learn more about the National Council of Nonprofits at www.councilofnonprofits.org.

Application process

To be considered for this position, please submit the following via NCN’s website: 

• A resume
• A brief cover letter explaining your interest in NCN and this internship
• A short (2-3 paragraph) compelling narrative regarding the value of nonprofits in communities. Do not use AI.
• Three references