Background

BPC’s Democracy Program strengthens the foundations that sustain free, fair, and representative democracy in our diverse nation. Our team of world-class researchers and thought leaders develop policy recommendations grounded in research and realism, promote the free exchange of ideas among civic-minded leaders, and learn from our past to build a better future. We work in three fields: Elections, Core Institutions, and Civic Leadership.

The Democracy Program is seeking one intern to support the following project areas:

Elections

The Elections Project develops innovative, bipartisan policy solutions to the most pressing challenges in election administration. Its goal is to foster public trust in our core democratic institutions by strengthening election infrastructure at the state and federal level.

The Structural Democracy Project

The Structural Democracy Project develops and champions bipartisan, systemic reforms that rebuild our government’s ability to put country over party and build consensus. Its goal is to rebuild governing institutions that solve problems and electoral systems that reflect our diverse nation.

The Presidential Leadership Initiative

The Presidential Leadership Initiative shines a light on the changes to the American presidency and how these changes impact the advancement of freedom and democracy. Its goal is to restore credibility to the American presidency so that it remains a vital institution for advancing freedom and democracy.

Governing and Civics Project

The American Congressional Exchange (ACE) enable members of Congress from opposite parties to visit each other’s districts and build the trust essential for bipartisan collaboration. Its goal is to facilitate collaborative, bipartisan problem-solving in our highly partisan and polarized political environment.

Responsibilities

The intern will work with project staff on writing and research, event planning, tracking news, and congressional activity, blogging, and communications activities. Specific responsibilities will be determined based on the successful candidate’s interests and the needs of the projects.

Applicants are encouraged to review the four project areas within the Democracy Program prior to applying.

Qualifications

Must be enrolled in an undergraduate or graduate school
Strong research and writing skills
Ability to communicate clearly and effectively
An interest in government and institutional reform
Strong organizational skills and the ability to prioritize and manage multiple tasks

SPRING PROGRAM

During the fall and spring semesters, internships are part-time and paid. Interns will receive a stipend of $3,000. Applicants must currently be enrolled in an undergraduate, graduate program or a recent graduate. Fall and spring internship hours are flexible, allowing students to gain valuable experience while maintaining their regular class schedules. Interns will provide functional support, conduct research, and work directly with project analysts and staff in various capacities. *Please note that our Spring internship will be hybrid with an option to be virtual.*

APPLICATION PROCESS

Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis until a qualified candidate has been identified. Please apply early as applications will be reviewed on a first come first served basis. Please do not send multiple submissions. Incomplete applications and applications submitted after the deadline will not be considered. Due to the number of applications received, we are unable to contact those who have not been selected for an internship. No phone calls, please. Non-U.S. citizens are eligible to apply but must have a valid work permit or visa verifying eligibility to work in the United States. We do not offer visa sponsorship.

Required materials (in one PDF File):

Cover letter tailored to the team(s) you are applying for
Resume
College or university transcript (unofficial is acceptable)
Phone and email contact information for two professional references, including a professor or other individual familiar with your work. 
Brief response to the prompt "What does bipartisanship mean to you" (5-8 sentences)
2-3 page writing sample

APPLICATION DEADLINE

Spring Internships: November 22nd

BPC Diversity Statement

The Bipartisan Policy Center defines diversity as the range of human qualities that make us unique as individuals, including—but not limited to—age, disability, ethnicity, gender expression, geographic location, nationality, political philosophy, race, religion, sexual orientation, and socioeconomic status.

To celebrate diversity and ensure equity and inclusivity, BPC is committed to:

Recruiting and retaining a diverse workforce with insights and solutions for our increasingly divided society.
Creating a workplace culture where all employees feel valued and their perspectives are heard.
Developing policy solutions and undertaking research that reflect a diversity of thought and experience.

Submit Your Application

Apply With Required Materials *

First Name*

Middle Name

Last Name*

Email*

Mobile

Street*

City / Country*

State*

Zipcode*

EEO Ethnicity*

EEO Gender

EEO Veteran

EEO Disabled*

How did you hear about BPC?*

Please list at least 2 references with their title and their contact information*

Please confirm that you are a rising junior, in graduate school or a recent graduate.*

Please confirm that you have submiited all the application materials in one document*

BPC is proud to be an equal opportunity workplace dedicated to pursuing and hiring a diverse workforce. We value and encourage the contributions of our employees and strive to create an environment where everyone can reach their full potential and drive outstanding results. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, national origin, age, sex, religion, disability, sexual orientation, marital status, veteran status, gender identity or expression, or any other basis protected by local, state, or federal law.

Spring Internship 2025 - Democracy Program

Submit Your Application