National Partnerships Intern

ABOUT THE ORGANIZATION AND THE OPPORTUNITY

The Education Trust (EdTrust) seeks an Intern to join the organization’s Strategic Initiatives & National Partnerships (SINP) team for Fall 2026. The National Partnerships Intern will support the SINP team’s collaboration with national partners and coalitions to advance EdTrust’s policy and advocacy priorities in P-12 and higher education. The National Partnerships Intern will coordinate, support, and accompany the SINP team in engagement with partner organizations and coalitions, as well as other teams within EdTrust.  

EdTrust is committed to advancing policies and practices to dismantle the racial and economic barriers embedded in the U.S. education system. Through our research and advocacy, EdTrust improves equity in education from preschool through college, engages diverse communities dedicated to equity and justice, and increases political and public will to build an education system where all students will thrive.  

This role, beginning in September 2026 and ending in January 2027, is based in our Washington, DC office, and may be eligible for some telework. Interns must reside in DC, Maryland, or Virginia during the internship and report to the EdTrust office within three (3) days of hire for employment verification.  The National Partnerships Intern will report to the Strategic Initiatives & National Partnerships Senior Associate. This role is budgeted for up to 30 hours per week for approximately 4 months. Exact hours are negotiable.

ABOUT THE INTERN ROLE

Major responsibilities include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Assist the Senior Director and Senior Associate of National Partnerships & Strategic Initiatives to develop and execute effective engagement strategies to advance EdTrust’s P-12 and higher education policy priorities
• Work with the Senior Director and Senior Associate of National Partnerships & Strategic Initiatives to develop materials to support EdTrust’s collaborations with national partners and coalitions
• Coordinate engagement with national partners and coalitions and organize partnership-related information
• Stay current and knowledgeable on organizational priorities and recent products from EdTrust and our partners

IDEAL SKILLS AND CHARACTERISTICS

·       Shared belief in EdTrust’s mission and a commitment to improving educational equity, with a focus on racial equity

·       Willingness to receive and act upon constructive feedback

·       Ability to organize, prioritize tasks, work collaboratively, and meet deadlines

·       Strong communication skills, with a focus on writing

·       Attention to detail and ability to multitask

·       Ability to take initiative and be self-directed

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE

The ideal candidate will possess the following qualifications and experience:

·       At least a high school diploma or GED, and enrolled in or completed a higher education degree program

·       Experience using MS Office software such as Word, Excel, and Outlook

·       General knowledge of education policy and the legislative process

·       Previous experience or demonstrated interest in public policy, advocacy, or coalition-based work (e.g. internships with policy organizations, government offices, or advocacy groups)

COMPENSATION

The pay for this role ranges from $19/hr for undergraduate students and recent grads to $21-24/hr for graduate students and $25-30 for doctoral students. To maintain equity within our intern pay scale, we do not negotiate on intern pay rates; pay rates for internships are primarily determined based on level of education. Sick leave is accrued in this role.

TO APPLY:

EdTrust is an equal opportunity employer and welcomes candidates from diverse backgrounds.  

Qualified candidates please apply via ADP, including submitting an updated resume