Fall 2026 Public Sector Workforce Programs Intern

Job Description

Job Description

Application Deadline is July 6.

For Fall 2026, 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

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.

ORGANIZATION

The Partnership for Public Service is a nonpartisan, nonprofit organization with a big mission: we're working to ensure the government is dynamic, innovative and that it effectively serves the American people. We've got a great team that helps make it happen.

Our work is strategic, fast-paced and guided by our values:    

• Passion for public service and our work toward a more effective government.   
• People who promote a culture of learning, leadership, collaboration 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. Are you ready to join our team?   

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 capital professionals at all government levels, developing processes and proposals to expand to state and local governments, designing and implementing new recruitment and retention strategies for agencies across the country, examining public sector customer experience trends and opportunities, and conducting data analysis and research for our external stakeholders.

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

At the end of their term, interns will walk away with a greater understanding of how public sector employers keep their staff engaged, retain young 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. For our Workforce interns basic skills with SQL, Python, or R & other statistical software packages will be helpful for their portfolio of work. Applicants with interests and background in social science research and proficiency in Microsoft Excel 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.