Advocacy Intern

An internship with the National Multiple Sclerosis Society is a form of experiential learning that integrates knowledge and theory learned in the classroom with practical application and skills development in a professional setting.

The Society’s Advocacy Team serves as the public policy and government relations office for the national organization, overseeing advocacy work being done at the federal, state and local levels.

This is a hybrid/remote paid internship and is available for Spring 2026.

We would prefer this Intern be based in the Washington, DC area, and will be expected to attend an in-person Public Policy Conference March 22-24, 2026. Availability to attend some Hill briefings preferred. Schedule may not permit attendance at full PPC.

Key Responsibilities:

• Legislative and regulatory research and tracking of issues (such as MS research funding, access to healthcare and long-term services and supports) at the federal and state levels.
• Regular maintenance of legislative trackers and voting records for members of congress.
• Research and work around building the Society’s capacity and advocacy effectiveness including through the engagement of volunteer activists.
• Support planning around and work for Society advocacy events including its annual Public Policy Conference and State Action Days.
• Attend advocacy strategy meetings, as well as represent the Society at disability and health coalition meetings.
• Assistance in preparing materials for, attending and summarizing legislative briefings and congressional hearings.
• Support advocacy written materials including issue summaries and congressional testimony.
• Some support of the Society’s advocacy social media channels.
• Administrative assistance.
  
  

What You Will Bring:

• Currently pursuing a degree as a Junior or Senior in College or any year in graduate school
• Open to all majors with a preference for the following: political science, public policy, government, law
• Ability to work 16 weeks, 12-14 hours per week for a maximum of 200 hours during the internship
• Access to reliable internet (required for remote or hybrid positions)
• Familiarity with Microsoft Office Suite or similar software for e-mail, document, and spreadsheet creation/management – specific training will be provided.
  
  

What We Will Offer:

We are dedicated to your personal and professional growth while you work with us and beyond. Here are some of the things you can expect as an intern with our organization.

• Weekly networking and professional development sessions with other interns across the organization
• Mentoring from Society staff dedicated to the internship program
• The opportunity to uncover and leverage your strengths through CliftonStrengths assessment & evaluation
• We are committed to creating an inclusive environment that brings the power of diversity to life through our Employee Resource Groups “ERGs”, Inclusive Voices, Society Pride and Workability. Our ERGs are dedicated to supporting the continued development of your professional and leadership skills
• Continued networking and engagement opportunities via our LinkedIn group for Past and Present interns
• Opportunity to learn about multiple sclerosis and work with the leading national organization supporting people impacted by MS
  
  

What We Will Offer:

We are dedicated to your personal and professional growth while you work with us and beyond. Here are some of the things you can expect as an intern with our organization.

• Networking and professional development sessions with other interns across the organization
• Mentoring from Society staff dedicated to the internship program.
• The opportunity to uncover and leverage your strengths through Clifton Strengths assessment & evaluation.
• We are committed to creating an inclusive environment that brings the power of diversity to life through our Employee Resource Groups “ERGs”, Inclusive Voices, Society Pride, Workability and Military Community Network . Our ERGs are dedicated to supporting the continued development of your professional and leadership skills.
• Continued networking and engagement opportunities via our LinkedIn group for Past and Present interns
• Opportunity to learn about multiple sclerosis and work with the leading national organization supporting people impacted by MS.
  
  

The hourly rate for internships is $15, except when noted differently above OR where local minimum wage exceeds that figure, in which case the hourly rate will be the higher of the two.  If you are unable to be paid for this internship due to outside funding or other directives from your educational institution – please let your hiring manager know AFTER you have been identified as the final candidate. 

About The National MS Society

The National Multiple Sclerosis Society is a national Non-Profit that exists because there are people with MS. Our vision is a world free of MS. Everything we do is focused so that people affected by MS can live their best lives as we stop MS in its tracks, restore what has been lost and end MS forever.

The National Multiple Sclerosis Society is committed to building a diverse and inclusive workforce. We strive to create a workforce that reflects the communities we serve and where everyone feels empowered to bring their authentic selves to work. We need you and your unique talents and perspectives to help us write the last chapter on MS.