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

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, Software Engineer (Data Platforms)	Alexandria, VA
Intern, Data Science and Research	Alexandria, VA
Intern, Client Strategy	Alexandria, VA
Intern, Web Development	Alexandria, VA
Intern, Email Marketing	Alexandria, VA

See all 25 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
Summer 2014 Internship	Washington, DC
NGA Scholar Education Division (Paid Summer Internship)	Washington, DC
Intern Health Policy (Paid)	Washington, DC
Manager of Foundation Relations	Washington, DC
Manager of Corporate Relations	Washington, DC

See all 14 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
Associate Vice-President, Information Technology/Chief Technology Officer	Fremont, CA
Technical Account Sr. Manager (Enterprise Data Center) remote NYC\NJ	New York, NY
Operations Coordinator	Washington, DC
GENERAL COUNSEL	Upper Marlboro, MD
Chief Financial Officer	Dayton, OH

See all 2,747 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
Manager, Systems Integration	Chicago, IL

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
Early Childhood Teacher at Newton Community Service Center	Massachusetts
SVP Communications	Schaumburg, IL
IT Security Specialist	Reston, VA
Associate Vice-President, Information Technology/Chief Technology Officer	Fremont, CA
Organizational Development Specialist	Greenville, NC

See all 5,745 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
Research Assistant	Washington, DC
Program Assistant	Santa Monica, CA
2014 Legal Internship	Washington, DC
Oceans and Water Program Assistant	New York, NY
Legal Intern	Chicago, IL

See all 37 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

No current job openings.

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
GENERAL COUNSEL	Upper Marlboro, MD

See all 1 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

Job Title	Location
Associate, Membership and Programs, AS/COA Miami	Miami, FL

See all 1 job postings

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
Deskside Support Technician	Council Bluffs, IA

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
Marketing Coordinator	Canton, OH
Client Account Leader	Colorado
Assistant Program Coordinator	Orange Park, FL
Patient Financial Services Manager	Richland, WA
High School Coordinator	Miami, FL

See all 1,327 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
Environmental Health and Safety Coordinator - Local Candidates	Ligonier, IN
CNC Machinist	Stillwater, OK
Houseperson	Stowe, VT
Runway Sweeper Operator {FARNWSOPR} (UNION / PART-TIME / SITE SPECIFIC)	Fallon, NV
Work From Home Customer Service Rep Fa	Fayetteville, NC

See all 1,049 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
Accounting Clerk	Washington, DC
Senior Representative, Southwest Program	Washington, DC
Director of Accounting Operations	Washington, DC
Human Resource Manager II	Cheyenne, WY
U.S. v. Curtiss-Wright Export Corp	United States

See all 7 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
Biodiversity and Protected Areas Legal Intern, The Access Initiative	Washington, DC
Marine Biologist	Puerto Rico
Officer, Global Ocean Legacy	Washington, DC
Research Associate	Austin, TX
Research Associate - Tern and Plover/Applied Animal Ecology - San Diego Zoo Institute for Conservation Research	San Diego, CA

See all 18 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
Facilities Coordinator	Sacramento, CA
FBR Licensed Credential Outpatient Therapist, Johnstown PA Clinic	Johnstown, PA
FBR Licensed Credential Outpatient Therapist, Indiana PA Clinic	Indiana, PA
FBR Therapeutic Staff Support (TSS), North Huntingdon PA	North Huntingdon, PA
FBR Therapeutic Staff Support (TSS), Robinson PA	Pittsburgh, PA

See all 1,140 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
Park Ranger (Off-Highway-Vehicle)	Monticello, UT
Recreation Aid/Recreation Assistant (Off-Highway-Vehicles)	Gunnison, CO
Recreation Aid/Recreation Assistant (River)	Baker City, OR
Sr. Director of Development, East Coast	Washington, DC
Administrative Assistant, Philanthropic Partnerships	Washington, DC

See all 246 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
Dental Assistant (Chemeketa Externship)	Salem, OR
Dental Assistant (PCC Externship)	Salem, OR
EFDA Certified Dental Assistant - OR - General Applicant Pool -	Salem, OR
EFDA Certified Dental Assistant - OR - On-Call	Clackamas, OR
Marketing & New Account Development Rockstar	Redwood City, CA

See all 31 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

No current job openings.

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
Sales & Marketing Representative	Mishawaka, IN
NP/PA - Oncology (Tunnell Cancer Center) (FT)	Lewes, DE
Forensic Photographer	Dover AFB, DE
Faculty/Coordinator - Southwest Law Enforcement Academy -	Mancos, CO
Director, Education	Denver, CO

See all 589 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
VIP Model Marketing Host	Atlantic City, NJ
Community Affairs Fellow And Summer Interns	New York, NY
Fellowship Program	United States
Financial Analyst	Las Vegas, NV
Become an Environment America Fellow	United States

See all 50 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
Associate, Investment Research – New York	New York, NY
Industry Solutions Specialist - Hospitals and Health Systems	Redlands, CA
Process and Plant Safety Engineer	Kansas City, MO
94R Avionics and Survivability Equipment Repairer	Eastover, SC
Logistics Internship (4071304)	Los Angeles, CA

See all 295 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
Country Department for Belize, Central America, Dominican Republic, Mexico and Panama-Summer Internship	Washington, DC
Integration and Trade Sector of the Vice Presidency-Summer Internship	Washington, DC
Office of Outreach and Partnerships-Summer Internship	Washington, DC
Capital Markets and Financial Institutions Division-Summer Internship	Washington, DC
Investments Senior Associate (Staff Retirement Plan)	Washington, DC

See all 7 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
Payments Policy Officer - Risk	New York, NY
Information Technology Specialist- Operational Risk, Financial Institution Supervision	New York, NY
Immigration Specialist	Sunnyvale, CA
Information Technology Specialist- Operational Risk, Financial Institution Supervision	New York, NY
Software Design / User Experience (UX) Lead	United States

See all 47 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
Sales Executive - Brazil	Arlington, VA
Communications Consultant	Springfield, MA
Medical Billing Specialist	Scottsdale, AZ
Sales Representative	Orange, CA
Purchasing - Category Commodity Manager	Hillsboro, OR

See all 855 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

Job Title	Location
Assistant Editor	College Station, TX

See all 1 job postings

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 Analyst	Bethesda, MD
Research Assistant	Chicago, IL
Research Assistant	Chicago, IL
Research Analyst	Bethesda, MD
Field Interviewers: LHS - Trenton, NJ	Trenton, NJ

See all 187 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
Software Engineer for Awesome Fantasy Football for Politics Company	United States

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
College Intern-Data Investigation Analyst	Chelmsford, MA
Staff – State and Local Tax Consultant	Indianapolis, IN
College Intern - Data Collection	Chelmsford, MA
College Intern for Data Collection Team	Chelmsford, MA
Core Technology Intern	Chelmsford, MA

See all 98,073 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
Information Technology Consultant - Extended	Bakersfield, CA
Esthetician Wax Specialist	Sea Girt, NJ
Specialist Technical Assistance	Greenwood Village, CO
Account Executive	Pennsylvania
Mental Health Counselor	Laramie, WY

See all 7,450 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
Sales Representative/Manager	Opelika, AL
Loyalty Marketing Analyst I, II, III	Pleasanton, CA
Loyalty Marketing Program Manager	Pleasanton, CA
Loyalty Marketing Data Analyst III	Pleasanton, CA
Payroll Administrator	San Francisco, CA

See all 156 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
Executive Director, U.S. Health Policy & Reimbursement Job	Washington, DC
Deputy Director, Office of Superfund Remediation and Technology Innovation (0340)	Arlington, VA
DEAN OF THE SCHOOL OF LAW	Washington, DC

See all 3 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
Model Maker	Kalamazoo, MI
Associate Degree Nursing Professor - PSYCH-Mental Health	Pasadena, TX
Vulnerability Research & Exploit Development Lead	Arlington, VA
Regional Digital Coordinator	Arlington, VA
College Business/Public Health Internship	Irvine, CA

See all 170,979 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
Principal Chemist, Residue Chemistry & Field Programs	Columbia, MO
Video Editor Intern	Raleigh, NC
UI/UX Designer	Washington, DC
User Experience Designer	Omaha, NE
Outside Sales - Base + Comm	Newark, DE

See all 119,202 job postings

Congressional Sportsmen’s Foundation - If you love the sporting life and its intersection with politics, you should consider a job with the Congressional Sportsmen’s Foundation in Washington, DC.

See the complete Congressional Sportsmen’s Foundation profile

No current job openings.

International Food Policy Research Institute - International Food Policy Research Institute is a Washington, DC based non-profit that aims to end hunger and poverty, and they're hiring.

See the complete International Food Policy Research Institute profile

Job Title	Location
Aqueduct Communications and Research Intern	Washington, DC
Research Intern, Forest and Landscape Restoration	Washington, DC
Housekeeping Aide - SpringHill Suites Raleigh-Durham Airport/Research Triangle Park (14000DQY)	Durham, NC
Clinical Research Associate II 603564 (Nci) Job	Frederick, MD
Institute for Health Policy Grad Internship ( Job Number: 231513 )	Oakland, CA

See all 59 job postings

50CAN - Great Schools Can Change Everything. That's what 50CAN believes, and that's why they're hiring people to help them advocate for education reform.

See the complete 50CAN profile

Job Title	Location
Operations Manager	New York, NY
Operations Manager	Washington, DC

See all 2 job postings

Constitutional Rights Foundation - Constitutional Rights Foundation is an LA based non-profit that helps educate youth about civic participation and democracy, and they're hiring.

See the complete Constitutional Rights Foundation profile

Job Title	Location
2014 Summer Internship	United States
Summer 2014 Internships/Externships	United States
Summer 2014 Undergraduate Internship	United States
2014 Summer Legal Internship	United States
Development Internship	Washington, DC

See all 27 job postings

National Marine Sanctuary Foundation - The National Marine Sanctuary Foundation works with NOAA to protect and support the U.S. national marine sanctuaries, and they're hiring.

See the complete National Marine Sanctuary Foundation profile

Job Title	Location
Associate, Global Penguin Conservation Campaign	Washington, DC
Manager, Global Shark Conservation	Washington, DC
Senior Associate, Ending Illegal Fishing Project	Washington, DC
Senior Associate, Ending Illegal Fishing Programme	Washington, DC

See all 2 job postings

League of Conservation Voters - The League of Conservation Voters is a Washington, DC based non-profit organization that “works to turn environmental values into national priorities.”

See the complete League of Conservation Voters profile

Job Title	Location
Development Director	Trenton, NJ
Call Center / Fundraising	Cambridge, MA
Call Center Supervisor	Worcester, MA
Fundraising Call Center Supervisor	Cambridge, MA
Assitant Canvass Director	New York, NY

See all 95 job postings

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