Policy Intern

About the New York State Executive Chamber

The New York State Executive Chamber works to meet the needs of all New Yorkers by advancing the Governor’s policy initiatives and agenda, as well as overseeing government operations. We coordinate with state agencies, federal and local governments, and community stakeholders to address issues and develop strategies to serve the people of New York State. Career opportunities range from policy, legal counsel, legislative affairs, communications, operations, appointments, and more. Working in the Executive Chamber is an exciting opportunity to help shape the future of New York and make a significant difference in the lives of millions of New Yorkers. Employees can feel proud of being a part of something bigger and ultimately making changes for the better as part of that work.

About the Position

The New York State Executive Chamber is seeking a motivated Undergraduate or Graduate Policy Intern to join our Policy Team for the 2026-2027 Academic Year. This internship offers hands-on exposure to policy development including research and analysis, policy proposal development, and the development of the annual State of the State policy agenda and address. The Policy Intern will have the opportunity to participate in a Policy Innovation Capstone project, as well as support multiple other projects within the Policy Department.

This position requires 100% on-site attendance in our office in New York City, NY.

Duties

• State of the State Support: Support the Policy team across policy proposal development, memo drafting, book writing, and operations management for the State of the State. This includes contributing to the development and refinement of new policy proposals, and designing and implementing organizational systems to streamline the State of the State process, ensuring high-quality policy proposals and write-ups, and efficient tracking of submissions and important deadlines. The intern will be present for the most dynamic months of the State of the State process, which will be a wonderful opportunity to learn about and experience the most demanding and rewarding aspects of the Policy team’s responsibilities.
• Hands-on Exposure: Shadow Policy team staff, sit in on meetings, and contribute to policy development across the Chamber’s portfolios.
• Policy Research and Analysis: Conduct in-depth research on emerging state issues, performing comparative analyses of policy proposals from other states and countries to inform policy generation.
• Proposal Drafting: Draft policy proposals and briefing memos that translate multidisciplinary data, research, and insights into actionable recommendations for senior leadership.
• Discrete Project Ownership: In addition to supporting the team, the Policy Intern will be responsible for 2-3 discrete projects, including a Policy Innovation Capstone, as well as supporting a larger Policy team priority project. Through the Policy Innovation Capstone, the intern will have the opportunity to develop and pitch an original policy idea.

Knowledge & Skills

• Excellent Written and Communication Skills: Ability to synthesize complex information into concise, professional memos and communicate with senior staff across the Chamber.
• Project and Process Management: Proficiency and experience in creating and managing project plans, organizational systems and/or databases.
• Policy Literacy: A foundational understanding of how to use policy levers to drive change.
• Exceptional Time Management And Ability To Juggle Multiple Priorities.
• Highly Organized And Detail-Oriented.

Minimum Qualifications

*Currently enrolled as an active student, in good academic standing, in an undergraduate or graduate degree program. Must remain enrolled as an active student in good academic standing in an undergraduate or graduate degree program through the duration of the internship.

*Either a NYS resident, or attending a college or university located in NYS.

Employment with the New York State Executive Chamber is contingent upon the successful completion of a comprehensive background investigation.

Pay & Benefits

$21.85-$23.89/hr

The NYS Executive Chamber offers a comprehensive benefits package, including generous annual leave with additional personal and sick time, paid holidays, NYS pension plan, affordable health insurance options such as The Empire Plan and several regional HMO options, no-cost Dental and Vision Care insurance, optional Life Insurance up to $500,000 or 5x salary, Flex Spending Account, Deferred Compensation Plan, Employee Assistance Program, and Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF).

Application Deadline

Applications are accepted on a rolling basis until the position is filled.

How to Apply

A résumé, cover letter and writing sample are required in order to be considered for this position.

Please combine your résumé, cover letter, and writing sample into one file, and submit via the LinkedIn Apply button.

Agency Contact Information

The NYS Executive Chamber hiring team can be reached via email: recruitment@exec.ny.gov.

For reasonable and religious accommodations during the hiring process, please send your request to EmployeeRelations@exec.ny.gov.

Equal Opportunity Statement

NYS Executive Chamber is an equal opportunity employer. We encourage women, people of color, LGBTQ individuals, people with disabilities, members of ethnic groups, foreign-born residents, and veterans to apply. We celebrate diversity and do not discriminate based on race, religion, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression, age, veteran status, disability status, arrest record or criminal conviction history, or any other category protected by law.