• Fall Leadership Institute Internship

    Partnership for Public Service (Washington, DC)


    For Fall 2025, 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 Public Service Leadership Institute (PSLI) hosts and delivers programs, convenings and training sessions that aim to develop strong leaders, engage employees, encourage innovation and build participants’ government networks.

     

    Leadership Institute interns have the unique opportunity to develop leadership and project management skills by helping deliver programs for government employees. They will also have the opportunity to listen to senior leaders discuss implementing policy changes, including efforts to enhance government efficiency, artificial intelligence and others. Some examples of those convenings are the Excellence in Public Service Leadership, a program aimed at mid-level state and local employees, and the Strategic Advisors to Government Executives (SAGE) network, which pairs former federal leaders with opportunities to share their expertise with current executives. Other examples include supporting the rollout of our eLearning courses through our LMS platform, supporting our strategic marketing and outreach through our LinkedIn, and more.

     

    During their internship, interns will learn more about project management, relationship management, event planning and logistics, professionalism and leadership development theory. At the end of their term, interns will walk away with a greater understanding of how the government works and how government employees at the Federal, State, and Local levels can lead at every level. The ideal candidate must have strong written and verbal communication skills, time management skills, attention to detail, proven customer service experience, and proficiency using Microsoft Office Suite. Experience with Canva is a plus.

    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 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 . Per Partnership policy, all full-time employees will be expected to work from the office a minimum of 2x per week.

    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.