Government Relations Intern
Content + Source + Freshness • 12 Dec 2025 • 95% confidence
Offer value
An entry-level position that offers the opportunity to gain hands-on experience in government relations, appealing to candidates with a passion for policy.
- Entry-level position with hands-on experience opportunities
- Work alongside skilled professionals in government relations
- Flexible work options aligning with academic schedules
Pros
- Opportunity to work with experienced professionals in government relations
- Hands-on experience in policy advocacy and fundraising
- Flexible remote options with potential for in-person engagement
Cons
- Limited potential for high salary growth in entry-level role
- Internships may lead to uncertain full-time placement
- Requires self-motivation and independent work skills
Who it's for
Internship / Entry-Level • Remote / onsite options available
Good fit
- Political science students or recent graduates
- Individuals eager to gain experience in government relations
- Candidates passionate about public policy and advocacy
Not recommended for
- Seasoned professionals seeking high-level roles
- Candidates wanting strictly in-person jobs
- Individuals uninterested in engaging with government processes
Motivation fit
Key skills
About the job
About Activate Global
Activate empowers scientists and engineers to reinvent our world by bringing their research to market. We partner with leading funders and research institutions to offer the Activate Fellowship, providing the funding, community, mentorship, network, and time that scientists need to become entrepreneurs.
The results are game changing: Activate Fellows have launched 197 new companies since 2015. These companies have raised $4B in follow-on funding, created more than 2,800 U.S.-based jobs, and defined several new market categories. Activate supports fellows in Berkeley, CA; Cambridge, MA; New York, NY; Houston, TX; and across the U.S. through Activate Anywhere.
Position Summary
The Government Relations Intern will support Activate's efforts in developing and implementing fundraising, policy advocacy, and positioning strategies with federal and state governments. This role involves assisting in various projects aimed at influencing key stakeholders to support Activate’s government fundraising, partnership, and policy objectives. The intern will work closely with the Government Relations Director, Government Grants Manager, and Chief Growth Officer.
Role Responsibilities
- Assist in monitoring, researching, analyzing, and tracking key legislation and executive orders that align with Activate’s priority areas at the federal level.
- Support the identification of federal and state funding opportunities and collaborate with Activate’s development team to prepare and submit proposals and/or reports.
- Assist in managing Activate’s relationship with government relations firms, tracking meetings and managing notes, etc.
- Research opportunities for Activate to serve as a resource to government, including participation in government commissions, working groups, advisory committees, events, and meetings.
- Support on connecting Activate Fellows and alumni with congressional and agency staff.
- Support on government relations-related events, such as tracking attendees, managing logistics, etc.
- Other duties and special projects as assigned.
Ideal Candidate
- Currently enrolled in or recent graduate of a Bachelor’s or Master’s program in political science, public administration, communications, or a related field.
- Strong interest in public affairs and government relations.
- Excellent written and oral communication skills.
- Ability to research information and prepare collateral and other correspondence.
- Experience with Microsoft Office Suite, especially Word and Excel.
- Ability to work independently and as part of a cross-functional team.
About the Role
This position is from May to August with the option of extending until October: 40 hours per week during the summer and 10-20 hours per week in the fall. This is a paid, U.S.-based position. While we prefer candidates located in one of our hubs—Bay Area (CA), Boston (MA), New York (NY), or Houston (TX)—remote work is also an option.
Encouraging Applications from All Backgrounds
We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating a welcoming workplace for all employees. All applicants will be considered for employment without attention to age, race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran, or disability status. We will not tolerate discrimination or harassment based on any of these characteristics. Activate Global, Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
