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2026 Summer Leadership and Innovation Internship

Partnership for Public Service
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Application Deadline is March 6, 2026

For Summer 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
  • Wellesley College – Wellesley in Washington Program (WIW)


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 Programs team hosts and delivers programs, convenings and training sessions that aim to develop strong leaders, engage employees, encourage innovation and build participants’ government networks. The Programs team is looking for interns to help support our leadership development, business development or AI policy work. Interns are assigned to one primary focus area, with limited exposure to other team activities. 

 

Programs interns have the unique opportunity to develop leadership and project management skills by assisting in the delivery of programs for government employees. They will also have the opportunity to listen to senior leaders discuss the implementation of policy changes, including efforts to enhance government efficiency, the use of artificial intelligence, and other initiatives. 

 

Additional responsibilities may include researching leadership and innovation topics; assisting with event agendas, timelines and speaker preparation; drafting event recaps and social media content; supporting the rollout of eLearning courses through the organization’s LMS platform; and contributing to marketing and outreach efforts, including LinkedIn. Interns may also gain exposure to business development activities that support PSLI and related leadership programs. 

 

Interns selected for the Artificial Intelligence team will research and compile public sector AI use cases and conduct background research on AI and emerging technologies to inform program themes, event content, and potential speakers and participants. 

 

Through this internship, participants develop skills in project management, event planning, research, communication, customer service and professional conduct. At the end of their term, interns will walk away with a greater understanding of how the government works and how government employees can lead at every level. The ideal candidate must possess strong written and verbal communication skills, effective time management skills, attention to detail, proven customer service experience, and proficiency in using the Microsoft Office Suite. Experience with Canva, content creation or project management tools is a plus. Interest in public service, leadership development and the applied, nontechnical use of AI in government is preferred.  


 

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 at 40 hours a week will receive $1,500 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 typically Wednesday. Due to an upcoming office relocation, the internship may be a modified hybrid arrangement. On-site expectations will be communicated in advance once schedules are finalized.


 

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.