Careers in Public Policy

By Willy Franzen

Looking for an entry level job or internship in public policy? Here's an overview of how to approach the search and a list of companies that might have entry level and internship opportunities that will interest you.

See companies with public policy careers or search the latest public policy jobs and internships.

Photo Credit: Flickr user USDAgov

Public policy is a disciplined approach to analyzing and solving current issues involving many people, as well as how policy decisions are made. Many jobs in public policy can be divided into a few major areas: government, business, consulting, law, and the nonprofit sector.

Most jobs involving public policy require a bachelor’s degree, which can be in public policy or in another field of interest. More important are your writing, reading, and critical thinking skills, as well as turning theory into experience via internships or research.

Companies with Entry Level Jobs and Internships in Public Policy

Generation Citizen - Generation Citizen is a Boston, MA based non-profit that “teaches teenagers direct political action through an innovative in-class curriculum.”

See the complete Generation Citizen profile

Job Title	Location
UX Mobile Interaction Designer/Architect- Boston relo	Billerica, MA
UX Designer	Sunnyvale, CA
Proposal Engineer - Production Machinery	Mason, OH
premier client service banker	East Providence, RI
Country Manager/ Business Development Representative	Philadelphia, PA

See all 1,922 job postings

Small Business Majority - Small Business Majority is a San Francisco, CA based “national small business organization" that focuses "on solving the biggest problems facing small businesses today.”

See the complete Small Business Majority profile

Job Title	Location
Sales & Marketing - Business Brokers	New York, NY
Contact Center Technical Specialist	Hagerstown, MD
Account Manager – Federal Government	Vienna, VA
Advertising Account Executive	Norwalk, CT
Land Survey Project Manager	Denver, NC

See all 1,843 job postings

Local Initiatives Support Corporation - LISC is an NYC based non-profit that connects "local organizations and community leaders with resources to revitalize neighborhoods and improve quality of life.”

See the complete Local Initiatives Support Corporation profile

Job Title	Location
High Throughput Research Formulation Specialist	Midland, MI
Chief Financial Officer- LA	New Orleans, LA
Sr. Director, Medical Affairs Registries Job	Summit, NJ
Recruiter - (Logistics - Chicago/Franklin Park, IL)	Franklin Park, IL
Director, Medical Affairs Learning & Development Job	Berkeley Heights, NJ

See all 3,555 job postings

Justice Policy Institute - Justice Policy Institute is a D.C. non-profit that aims to "reframe the conversation around justice for all."

See the complete Justice Policy Institute profile

Job Title	Location
Research Assistant/Interviewer, Center for Ad	Fairfax, VA
Research Assistant/Interviewer, Center for Ad	Fairfax, VA
Research Associate II	Washington, DC
Research & Program Associate, Liberty & National Security Program - Washington, DC	Washington, DC
Research Associate II	Washington, DC

See all 2,235 job postings

FWD.us - FWD.us is a San Francisco, CA based lobbying organization that promotes "policies to keep the United States and its citizens competitive in a global economy."

See the complete FWD.us profile

Job Title	Location
Development Associate	San Francisco, CA
Fall Apprentice Internship	New York, NY
Copywriter	New York, NY
Research Fellow	Los Angeles, CA
Digital Advcoacy Fellowship	San Francisco, CA

See all 16 job postings

Stitcher - Stitcher is a San Francisco, CA based company that lets you access “over 20,000+ radio shows and podcasts on your iPhone, iPad, Android or PC–anytime, anywhere.”

See the complete Stitcher profile

Job Title	Location
Social + Content Media - Internship	San Francisco, CA
bindery production person / press feeder / on call truck driver	Canton, MA
Marketing Intern	Santa Monica, CA
Shoe Stitcher	Los Angeles, CA
Bindery Operator	Hackensack, NJ

See all 173 job postings

Targeted Victory - Targeted Victory is an Alexandria, VA based agency that has “anchored digital campaigns on the local, state, and presidential level.”

See the complete Targeted Victory profile

Job Title	Location
Intern, Fundraising	Alexandria, VA
Marriage Campaign Strategist-ACLUF Affiliate Support and Advocacy Department, NY	New York, NY
Intern, Advertising Operations	Alexandria, VA
Intern, Client Strategy	Alexandria, VA
Intern, Advertising Operations	Alexandria, VA

See all 39 job postings

Bipartisan Policy Center - The Bipartisan Policy Center is a Washington, DC based non-profit that encourages the two parties to work together on important issues.

See the complete Bipartisan Policy Center profile

Job Title	Location
Constituent Data and Systems Analyst	Washington, DC
Bipartisan Policy Center Internships	Washington, DC
Director, Global Business and Economics Program	Washington, DC
Policy Director, America Forward	Washington, DC
Assistant Director, Corporate Relations	Washington, DC

See all 6 job postings

Center on Budget and Policy Priorities - The Center on Budget and Policy Priorities is a DC based non-profit that “conducts research and analysis to help shape public debates over proposed budget and tax policies."

See the complete Center on Budget and Policy Priorities profile

Job Title	Location
Manager, Customer Order Center	Binghamton, NY
executive assistant	Mountain View, CA
Manager, Product Surveillance - Austin TX	Austin, TX
Sales Representative - CPD	Pittsburgh, PA
Mgr, Emergency Preparedness	Phoenix, AZ

See all 2,996 job postings

National Alliance to End Homelessness - The National Alliance to End Homelessness is a Washington, DC based non-profit that, as its name indicates, is working to end homelessness.

See the complete National Alliance to End Homelessness profile

Job Title	Location
MIS Project Manager II	Martinez, CA

See all 1 job postings

The National Center on Time & Learning - The National Center on Time & Learning is a Boston, MA non-profit that “is dedicated to expanding learning time to improve student achievement."

See the complete The National Center on Time & Learning profile

Job Title	Location
Occupational Therapist	Cedar Grove, NJ
RN Assistant Nurse Mgr G7W Collaborative Care FT days	Marietta, GA
Program Coordinator-Business Management Center	Spokane, WA
Business Analyst	Spokane, WA
Trainer-Medicare and Insurance Products	Tampa, FL

See all 7,700 job postings

Natural Resources Defense Council - NRDC is an NYC based non-profit that wants to "safeguard the Earth: its people, its plants and animals and the natural systems on which all life depends."

See the complete Natural Resources Defense Council profile

Job Title	Location
Executive Assistant and Special Project Associate to CFO	New York, NY
Development Assistant	New York, NY
Program Assistant - International	Washington, DC
HRIS Coordinator	New York, NY
Receptionist/Program Assistant	Chicago, IL

See all 29 job postings

Landesa - Landesa is a Seattle, WA based non-profit that “works to secure land rights for the world’s poorest people."

See the complete Landesa profile

Job Title	Location
Program Assistant, Program Partnerships	Seattle, WA
Chief Operating Officer	Seattle, WA
Chief Operating Officer / A Non-profit Organization	Seattle, WA

See all 2 job postings

American Council of Young Political Leaders - American Council of Young Political Leaders is a DC non-profit that introduces "rising political and policy professionals to international affairs and to each other.”

See the complete American Council of Young Political Leaders profile

Job Title	Location
CHILD CARE HEALTH PROGRAM CONSULTANT	Phoenix, AZ
SR DIRECTOR OF GOVERNMENT AFFAIRS	Phoenix, AZ
President & CEO	New Brunswick, NJ
Readiness Deputy National Director	Washington, DC
President & CEO, Arts Center	New Jersey

See all 5 job postings

Theodore Roosevelt Conservation Partnership - Theodore Roosevelt Conservation Partnership is a Washington, DC based non-profit that aims to “guarantee all Americans quality places to hunt and fish.”

See the complete Theodore Roosevelt Conservation Partnership profile

No current job openings.

Americas Society/Council of the Americas - Americas Society and Council of the Americas are two New York, NY based non-profits in one that aim to improve relations across the Americas.

See the complete Americas Society/Council of the Americas profile

No current job openings.

International Council on Clean Transportation - International Council on Clean Transportation is a Washington, DC based org that aims “to improve the energy efficiency of road, marine, and air transportation."

See the complete International Council on Clean Transportation profile

Job Title	Location
Organizational Development Leader-Clearwater, FL or	Minneapolis, MN
Business Development Manager	Miami, FL
Business Development Manager - Refuse	Portland, OR

See all 1 job postings

Institute for Educational Leadership - The Institute for Educational Leadership is a Washington, DC based non-profit that does research, leadership development, and policy work in the area of education.

See the complete Institute for Educational Leadership profile

Job Title	Location
VP Business Development	Amsterdam, NY
Clinical Manager Cardiovascular Ultrasound	Bel Air, MD
Stroke Program Coordinator, Full Time	San Jose, CA
Math Achievement Coach	New York, NY
General Education Instructors	Atlanta, GA

See all 1,355 job postings

Center for Clean Air Policy - The Center for Clean Air Policy is a Washington, DC based non-profit that is “a recognized world leader in climate and air quality policy."

See the complete Center for Clean Air Policy profile

Job Title	Location
Automotive TECHNICIAN	Louisville, KY
Inpatient Services RN\Acute Dialysis RN	Beckley, WV
Inpatient Services RN 3K Sign On Bonus for New Hires!	Phoenix, AZ
Inpatient Services RN	Denver, CO
Inpatient Services RN Per Diem	Anchorage, AK

See all 1,076 job postings

Defenders of Wildlife - Defenders of Wildlife is a Washington, DC based non-profit that aims to “protect and restore imperiled species throughout North America."

See the complete Defenders of Wildlife profile

Job Title	Location
Water Policy Advisor, California Program	Washington, DC
Financial Analyst - Non-Profit Conservation Organization	Washington, DC
Alaska Representative	Washington, DC
Director, Northwest Program	Washington, DC
Director, Finance	Washington, DC

See all 10 job postings

Marine Conservation Institute - Marine Conservation Institute is a Seattle, WA non-profit that uses the latest science to identify and advocate for important marine ecosystems around the world.

See the complete Marine Conservation Institute profile

Job Title	Location
Sea Lion Trainer II-III	New Orleans, LA
Director, Office of Management and Budget	Silver Spring, MD
GSIPM Adjunct Faculty - International Environmental Policy	Monterey, CA
Research Associate Intern	Boston, MA
Environmental Protection Specialist	Terre Haute, IN

See all 16 job postings

Group of Fifty - The Group of Fifty is a DC based non-profit made up of select “business leaders who head some of the most significant and forward-looking enterprises in Latin America."

See the complete Group of Fifty profile

Job Title	Location
Therapeutic Staff Support Opportunities Available in Cranberry Township, PA	Township of Cranberry, PA
RN Case Manager	Idaho Falls, ID
Outpatient Therapist Opportunites in NEW Franklin County, PA Clinic w/FBR!	Chambersburg, PA
Full Time LCSW Needed in Johnstown, PA Outpatient Clinic w/ FBR - SIGN-ON $	Johnstown, PA
Database Architect / Developer	New York, NY

See all 1,099 job postings

The Trust for Public Land - The Trust for Public Land is a San Francisco, CA based org that was “founded in 1972 with goals of protecting land in and around cities and pioneering."

See the complete The Trust for Public Land profile

Job Title	Location
Marketing Internship	San Francisco, CA
Drupal Developer	Washington, DC
Experienced Oilfield Sales - Offering competitive wages	Greeley, CO
Animal Care Outreach and Volunteer Coordinator	United States
Program Coordinator, Government Relations	Washington, DC

See all 247 job postings

Parent Revolution - Parent Revolution is a Los Angeles, CA based non-profit that is aiming to “transform public education based on what is good for children, not adults."

See the complete Parent Revolution profile

Job Title	Location
Receptionist	Laredo, TX
Receptionist	Houston, TX
PE Teacher/After-school Coordinator (part-time)	Oakland, CA
Project Associate	Chicago, IL
Kids Club Associate	Humble, TX

See all 28 job postings

Rails-to-Trails Conservancy - Rails-to-Trails is a Washington, DC based non-profit that is aiming “to create a nationwide network of trails from former rail lines."

See the complete Rails-to-Trails Conservancy profile

Job Title	Location
Intern, Development	Washington, DC
Trails and Greenways Program	Washington, DC
Transportation Policy	Washington, DC
Development/Fund Raising	Washington, DC
Policy/Administrative	Washington, DC

See all 6 job postings

National Academy for State Health Policy - The National Academy for State Health Policy is a non-profit that helps “states achieve excellence in health policy and practice” by working with each other.

See the complete National Academy for State Health Policy profile

Job Title	Location
Research Associate, Board on Health Sciences Policy	Washington, DC
Research Specialist - Division of Illinois Sustainable Technology Center (A1400380)	Urbana-Champaign, IL
Intermediate Clerk (academy Training Program)	Los Angeles, CA
Client Service Coordinator	Albuquerque, NM
Communications and Community Engagement Manager	Washington, DC

See all 496 job postings

City Hall Fellows - City Hall Fellows is a San Francisco, CA based non-profit that engages “diverse, talented young people in the work of cities.”

See the complete City Hall Fellows profile

Job Title	Location
University Relations & Employment Branding Specialist - Columbia, IL	Columbia, IL
Fellowship Program	United States
Communications Organizer - Fast Food Workers Campaign	Oakland, CA
Enterprise Integration Project Manager (MES / MOM) - Exton, PA	Exton, PA
Administrative Specialist - Futures Initiative & HASTAC @ CUNY	New York, NY

See all 18 job postings

Better Government Association - The Better Government Association, a Chicago, IL based non-profit that “works for integrity, transparency, and accountability in government."

See the complete Better Government Association profile

Job Title	Location
Business Development/Sales Lead	Arlington, VA
Financial Counseling and Customer Service Representative	Nashville, TN
Manager Safety & Security	San Francisco, CA
Manager, Product Marketing	Philadelphia, PA
Program Manager - Acquisition Internship School	Frederick, MD

See all 304 job postings

Inter-American Dialogue - Inter-American Dialogue is a DC based "leading U.S. center for policy analysis, exchange, and communication on issues in Western Hemisphere affairs.”

See the complete Inter-American Dialogue profile

Job Title	Location
IFD/ICS-HQ-Technical Support to Broadband Special Program-DTC	Washington, DC

See all 1 job postings

National Immigration Forum - The National Immigration Forum is a Washington, DC based non-profit organization that “advocates for the value of immigrants and immigration to our nation.”

See the complete National Immigration Forum profile

Job Title	Location
Director, Global Market Access Excellence Job	Summit, NJ
AVP/VP - Fair Lending/Consumer Compliance	New York, NY
Vice President, Worldwide Research & Development Communications	New York, NY
Immigration Intern	Oakland, CA
Chief Technology Officer	Philadelphia, PA

See all 60 job postings

Smart Growth America - Smart Growth America is a Washington, DC based non-profit organization that believes “smart growth solutions support thriving businesses and jobs."

See the complete Smart Growth America profile

Job Title	Location
Technical Sales Consultant, Americas	Remote
Kilimanjaro Sales Consultant (Entry Level)	Watertown, MA
Medical Billing Specialist	Scottsdale, AZ
Life Sciences US Consultant- Portuguese/Spanish Skills Required	Cambridge, MA
Sr. Leader, Customer Experience & Marketing (PC/IT Category)	New York, NY

See all 890 job postings

Center for the Study of the Presidency and Congress - The Center for the Study of the Presidency and Congress is a DC based nonpartisan non-profit "that systematically examines past successes and failures of the Presidency."

See the complete Center for the Study of the Presidency and Congress profile

No current job openings.

NORC at the University of Chicago - NORC at the University of Chicago is a non-profit organization that aims to “to conduct high-quality social science research in the public interest.”

See the complete NORC at the University of Chicago profile

Job Title	Location
Research Assistant	Chicago, IL
Research Assistant	Chicago, IL
Research Assistant	Chicago, IL
Administrative Assistant	Bethesda, MD
Research Scientist - Health Sciences (2014383)	Bethesda, MD

See all 71 job postings

Fantasy Politics - Fantasy Politics is based in Boston, MA and offers “a fun opportunity for you to build a team of national politicians and pundits and get points from their real life actions.”

See the complete Fantasy Politics profile

Job Title	Location
iOS Developer	New York, NY
VP of Marketing	Boston, MA

See all 1 job postings

Public Knowledge - Public Knowledge is a Washington, DC based non-profit that “preserves the openness of the Internet and the public’s access to knowledge."

See the complete Public Knowledge profile

Job Title	Location
Infection Control /Employee Health Nurse	Ridgecrest, CA
Senior Instructional Designer	Burlington, MA
Community Relations Manager, Ellsworth, KS	Ellsworth, KS
Client Relations Internship - Fall 2014	Pittsburgh, PA
Employee Health & Infection Control Nurse	Toppenish, WA

See all 109,343 job postings

Center for The National Interest - The Center for The National Interest is based in Washington, DC and was originally founded by former President Nixon as the Nixon Center for Peace and Freedom

See the complete Center for The National Interest profile

Job Title	Location
Speech Application Analyst	Rochester, NY
Senior Therapist PT/OT/SLP	Cedar Grove, NJ
Esthetician Wax Specialist	Sea Girt, NJ
Occupational Therapist	Cedar Grove, NJ
RN Assistant Nurse Mgr G7W Collaborative Care FT days	Marietta, GA

See all 9,835 job postings

The Can Kicks Back - The Can Kicks Back is a DC based non-profit that is organizing millennials to push for financial reform and debt reduction.

See the complete The Can Kicks Back profile

Job Title	Location
Nail Technicians and Cosmetologists	Lone Tree, CO
Residency Coordinator	Salina, KS
Sales Representative	San Jose, CA
Events Manager	San Francisco, CA
SEO Intern	New York, NY

See all 154 job postings

U.S. Association of Former Members of Congress - The U.S. Association of Former Members of Congress is a Washington, DC based non-profit that puts former members of Congress to work on important causes.

See the complete U.S. Association of Former Members of Congress profile

Job Title	Location
Assistant General Counsel	Washington, DC
Associate Solicitor - Indian Affairs	Washington, DC
Special Counsel (National Taxpayer Advocate Program)	Washington, DC
Associate Solicitor - Indian Affairs	Washington, DC
Special Counsel (National Taxpayer Advocate Program)	Washington, DC

See all 2 job postings

ONE - ONE is a Washington, DC based “grassroots advocacy and campaigning organization that fights extreme poverty and preventable disease."

See the complete ONE profile

Job Title	Location
Child Psychiatrist	Yakima, WA
Technical Architect	Alexandria, VA
Adult Psychiatrist	Phoenix, AZ
Bank Office Manager	Hayward, WI
New 4¢ per Mile Increase for Experienced Truck Drivers!	Virginia

See all 203,792 job postings

InterAction - InterAction, is a Washington, DC based non-profit that “seeks to shape important policy decisions on relief and long term development issues."

See the complete InterAction profile

Job Title	Location
Bilingual Psychiatrist	Washington, DC
Visual Designer	New York, NY
UX Mobile Interaction Designer/Architect- Boston relo	Billerica, MA
High Throughput Research Formulation Specialist	Midland, MI
Manager Controlled Substance	Norwich, NY

See all 130,201 job postings

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