Policy Internship

~ The Environmental and Energy Study Institute (EESI) is a non-profit organization that advances innovative policy solutions that set us on a cleaner, more secure and sustainable energy path. ~

EESI was founded by a bipartisan Congressional caucus in 1984, and today is governed by a diverse Board of Directors made up of environmental, business, academic, and former political leaders.

Now an independent organization that receives no Congressional funding, EESI maintains its strong relationship with Congress and serves as a trusted source of credible, non-partisan information on energy and environment solutions. Please visit our website to learn more about EESI.

Position Overview 

Next available position: Winter 2016 semester. Application deadline is Monday, November 2, 2015.

Assist EESI Staff with research and writing projects focusing on energy and environmentally-related policy issues including, but not limited to: climate change, sustainable transportation and green communities, smart growth, high performance green buildings, energy efficiency initiatives, renewable energy and other various topics as needed.

Intern Responsibilities

• Research, write, and edit articles and web content on a broad range of energy, environment, and US policy issues.
• Attend Congressional hearings, other legislative activities and scientific and policy briefings and share observations with staff verbally or in writing.
• Policy research and analysis, including budget, appropriations and current and upcoming legislation at the federal and state level.
• Research and draft program and legislative reports (fact sheets, white papers.)
• Assist with outreach, logistical preparation and execution of EESI sponsored Congressional briefings.
• Identify, monitor and report on relevant science, technology and policy issues.
• Update and maintain social media presence.
• Project-related administrative tasks as necessary.

Intern Qualifications

• Bachelor's or master's degree (or degree in progress) in a field directly related to environmental policy or public policy. (This requirement may be waived for candidates with demonstrated skill, experience, and interest in these fields.)
• Interest in environmental and energy issues, with particular enthusiasm for the communication of pertinent information to policymakers and other interested partiesStrong writing and research skills; clear and concise writing is required for newsletters, hearing/briefing write-ups and facts sheets.
• Detail-oriented
• Self-starter, flexible and able to manage multiple tasks
• Open to feedback, with strong desire to develop professional skills
• Effective interpersonal communication skills
• Ability to work in a team or independently as needed
• Ability to represent EESI professionally at events on Capitol Hill
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office

Internship Application Requirements

• This internship requires a commitment of 25-40 hours per week for 10-12 weeks, with a possible extension.
• You will work with EESI Staff on one or more program areas: Energy & Climate, Sustainable Transportation & Communities, High Performance Green Buildings, or Sustainable Biomass & Agriculture.
• Please specify in your cover letter if you have an interest in a specific program area of focus, or if you have specific qualifications for a particular program area.
• Please also specify the time period during which you seek to intern.
• Citizens of any nation, with a valid visa may apply.
• We offer a friendly, informal and progressive work environment.

To Apply

Please use the email address below submit the following to Alison Alford at aalford [at] eesi.org. Please include your name in the subject line of the e-mail:

• Cover letter explaining your interests, what you hope to gain, and what you can contribute during an internship with EESI. Please include any specific areas of interest in the energy and environmental field.
• Current resume.
• Writing sample, two-to-five pages in length; can be an excerpt of longer paper.
• Unofficial transcript.

Note: Application deadline is Monday, November 2, 2015. Please include your name in the subject line of the e-mail. The position is unpaid, however, a transportation benefit is available. Thank you for your interest.