What are the responsibilities and job description for the Government Affairs & Public Policy Intern position at The American Institute of Architects?
About AIA
The American Institute of Architects (AIA) is the leading professional association for licensed architects, emerging professionals, and allied partners in the United States, representing more than 100,000 members across 270 state and local components. AIA advocates at every level of government on issues central to the profession and the public: housing affordability, building codes and resilience, professional licensure, climate action, and procurement reform.
Position Summary:
The Government Affairs & Public Policy Intern will support AIA's advocacy mission across a broad portfolio of federal, state, and local issues over an eight-week summer placement. This is a role designed to provide flexible capacity across the department, with the intern contributing to active workstreams in communications and messaging, legislative and policy research, and event and program support.
The intern will work directly with GAPP leadership and staff, gaining exposure to how a leading national professional association executes advocacy strategy at every level of government. This is not a shadow internship. The intern will produce real deliverables for real audiences.
Responsibilities:
Communications & Messaging
- Draft advocacy materials (talking points, one-pagers, newsletters, alerts)
- Support messaging strategies for policy campaigns
- Prepare materials for congressional and stakeholder outreach
- Contribute to member-facing communications (e.g., newsletters)
Legislative & Policy Research
- Monitor and summarize legislative and regulatory activity
- Conduct research for policy briefs and issue analysis
- Maintain legislative tracking systems and policy databases
- Identify and report on emerging policy trends
Event & Program Support
- Assist with planning and logistics for advocacy events
- Support webinars, meetings, and coalition calls
- Prepare materials and post-event communications
Operations & Cross-Departmental Support
- Provide research and writing support across teams
- Assist with data tracking and reporting
- Coordinate with communications and membership teams
Qualifications:
- Currently enrolled in an undergraduate or graduate program in Political Science, Public Policy,
Communications, Architecture, Urban Planning, or a related field
- Strong written and verbal communication skills
- Demonstrated interest in public policy, advocacy, or government affairs
- Ability to manage multiple tasks and meet deadlines
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite
- Experience with legislative research or policy analysis
- Familiarity with government processes
- Interest in architecture, housing, or climate policy
- Exposure to nonprofit or association environments
Learning Opportunities:
- Legislative research and policy analysis skills
- Professional advocacy writing experience
- Understanding of multi-level government advocacy
- Stakeholder communication and engagement
- Exposure to real-world policy work and networks
Internship Details
This is an 8-week, full-time, hybrid paid Summer internship scheduled from June 15, 2026, through August 7, 2026. The selected candidate will be required to report to the AIA Global Campus 1-2 days per week, with the remaining work performed remotely. Onsite location- 1735 New York Avenue NW; Washington, DC 20006.
Eligible applicants must be authorized to work in the United States. Visa sponsorship is not available for this position.
Application Instructions:
Submit a resume and cover letter by May 13, 2026. Your cover letter should address why you want this internship. Applicants selected for an interview will be contacted with next steps.
An Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, or protected veteran status and will not be discriminated against on the basis of disability.