Intern, Public Policy

ABOUT UNITED WAY

United Way mobilizes communities around the world to close gaps and open opportunities so everyone can thrive. Through our global network spanning 37 countries and 1,100 communities, United Way connects partners, donors, volunteers, and community leaders to tackle the root causes of the world’s most complex challenges while making a positive impact in the lives of millions of people. Learn more at unitedway.org. 

INTERN EXPERIENCE AT UNITED WAY WORLDWIDE

Interns at United Way Worldwide gain valuable learning and working experience at a leading nonprofit organization. Our goal is to make every intern who works with us learn about the area of work they believe they plan to pursue after graduation.  We want each intern to feel included, valuable, and productive in the department in which they are assigned.   In addition to the hands-on experience, you’ll receive working at the largest nonprofit in the world, you will be provided with weekly meetings led by subject matter experts and professional development workshops when available. 

APPLICANT REQUIREMENTS

The internship opportunities are open to current students attending a college or university. Applicants must be eligible to work within the United States and have all documentation at the time of their application. Internship schedules will generally be Mondays through Thursdays, off on Fridays. 

POSITION DEPARTMENT

Public Policy team; Strategy and Innovation

POSITION SUMMARY

The United Way Public Policy Internship is available to students interested in advancing public policy initiatives within the nonprofit sector. To be considered for this internship, you should have some knowledge of the federal legislative process and possess strong communication, organizational, research, analysis, and relationship-building skills. Preference will be given to applicants with experience interning or working for government entities (local/state/federal), community organizing, or supporting political offices. You will work closely with Public Policy team members to assess government activities of importance to United Way Worldwide and will develop materials and research  to assist in our advocacy efforts, outreach programs, and key initiatives. As an intern, you will conduct important analysis to better inform the work of the team, build key relationships across the United Way network and nonprofit sector partners, and help the team execute high-impact policy events and engagements that support United Way’s work around our four impact areas of Healthy Community, Community Resiliency, Youth Opportunity and Financial Security.

PRIMARY PROJECTS

• Support the gathering of intelligence and information about political and policy issues
• Track, monitor and analyze legislation
• Interact with United Way staff at all levels and with external congressional staff, fellow United Way network partners, and local community groups
• Support annual United Way Advocacy Forum & Capitol Hill Day planning and execution
• Participate in  meetings with various stakeholders

REQUIRED SKILLS

• Currently enrolled in an accredited undergraduate or graduate school program
• Experience maintaining professional relationships 
• Highly proficient writing, analysis, and research skills
• Proficient in MS Office

PREFERRED SKILLS

• Educational background in Political Science, Government/Public Policy, Economics, Social Work, Education, or Public Health preferred
• Successful candidates are organized, detail-oriented, and effective communicators
• General knowledge of legislative process

HELPFUL INFORMATION

• Weekly meetings and supplemental professional development workshops provided onsite
• Complete a learning plan according to school’s requirements for those receiving a grade
• Chance to meet and work with nonprofit subject matter experts and leaders at UWW
• Free coffee & tea onsite
• Free parking at United Way Worldwide’s parking garage
• Near Blue/Yellow Metro line (Braddock Metro Station) and then board Alexandria Free Dash bus that has stops directly across from our building

LOCATION

This internship takes place at the United Way Worldwide office at 701 N. Fairfax St., Alexandria, VA 22314.

TIME FRAME

Summer – June 2, 2025 to July 31, 2025

Pay Rate: $21.00 - $25.00 / hour

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

United Way Worldwide is an equal opportunity employer. We evaluate qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, creed, disability, veteran status, marital status, age, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, national origin or ancestry, genetic information, and other legally protected characteristics, in accordance with applicable laws. If you need a reasonable accommodation because of a disability for any part of the employment process, please e-mail recruitment@uww.unitedway.org or call 703-836-7100 and provide the nature of your request and your contact information.

DIVERSITY & INCLUSION STATEMENT OF PRINCIPLE

United Way Worldwide opposes discrimination of any form as evident in our Diversity and Inclusion Statement of Principle.  We take the broadest possible view of diversity.

We value the visible and invisible qualities that make you who you are.

We welcome that every person brings a unique perspective and experience to advance our mission and progress our fight for the health, education, and financial stability of every person in every community.

We believe that each United Way community member, donor, volunteer, advocate, and employee must have equal access to solving community problems.

We strive to include diversity, equity, and inclusion practices at the center of our daily work.

We commit to using these practices for our business and our communities.

Join us in embracing diversity, equity and inclusion for every person in every community.

Thank you for your interest in an internship opportunity with United Way Worldwide. You will be contacted if your qualifications are a good match, and you are selected for an interview.