Spring 2026 - Public Affairs & Policy Externship

Job Description

BBB National Programs

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BBB National Programs is where businesses turn to enhance consumer trust and consumers are heard.

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Public Affairs and Policy Extern

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WHO WE ARE

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We are a non-profit organization dedicated to fostering a more accountable and trustworthy marketplace. As the foremost thought leader on industry self-regulation, we are shaping the way that businesses and consumers interact with one another. As the home of U.S. independent industry self-regulation, we are currently operating more than twenty globally recognized programs that have been helping enhance consumer trust in business for more than 50 years. Our programs provide third-party accountability and dispute resolution services that address existing and emerging industry issues, create a fairer playing field for businesses, and a better experience for consumers. We continue to evolve our work and grow our impact by providing business guidance and fostering best practices in areas such as advertising, child-and-teen-directed marketing, data privacy, dispute resolution, automobile warranty, technology, and emerging areas.

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ABOUT BBB NATIONAL PROGRAMS’ PUBLIC AFFAIRS AND POLICY TEAM

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The Public Affairs & Policy team at BBB National Programs leads the organization’s engagement with policymakers, regulators, and industry stakeholders at the state and federal levels. We monitor legislative and regulatory developments, advocate for responsible business practices, and work to raise awareness of BBB National Programs’ mission and impact. Our work is cross-cutting and strategic—supporting all of the organization’s self-regulatory and accountability programs through research, policy positioning, coalition-building, and thought leadership.

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The Public Affairs & Policy team supports a wide array of BBB National Programs departments—from advertising self‑regulation (e.g., National Advertising Division, Children’s Advertising Review Unit) to privacy accountability (e.g., Cross Border Privacy Rules, TeenAge Privacy) and consumer dispute resolution (e.g., BBB AUTO LINE). We monitor policy developments that could affect advertising transparency, data privacy frameworks, and dispute resolution protocols. By maintaining communication with program committees and regulatory stakeholders, our team helps ensure that BBB National Programs educates policy makers on the benefits of industry self‑regulation and maintains its leadership in consumer protection and industry accountability.

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YOUR IMPACT

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As an extern with our department, you will help support the team by tracking relevant policy issues, draft insights into legislative bills, attend congressional hearings, prepare meeting materials, and contribute to the strategic development of the department.

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Essential Duties and Responsibilities

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• Track state and federal legislation relevant to BBB National Programs’ mission and programs; prepare issue briefs on policy topics; monitor and summarize congressional hearings, agency announcements, and policy-related news.
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• Assist in preparing policy briefings, reports, and presentations for senior personnel or external stakeholders.
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• Participate in internal meetings and contribute to team strategy discussions.
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• Assist with outreach to legislative offices, coalitions, and industry partners.
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• Maintain databases or trackers of contacts, legislative priorities, and meeting outcomes.
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WHAT YOU WILL BRING

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Must have:

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• Interest in nonprofit engagement strategies, particularly in privacy, data security, advertising, and/or consumer protection policy
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• Strong research, writing, and organizational skills
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• Willingness to collaborate across programs and provide feedback
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• Experience with policy research
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• Interest in working with corporate brands, law firms, and trade associations
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Hours: Flexible; ideally 9-5PM between 3-5 days a week.

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This externship is unpaid, but may be considered eligible for school credit