Intern, Federal and External Affairs, U.S. Climate Alliance

ORGANIZATION OVERVIEW

The U.S. Climate Alliance is a bipartisan coalition of governors securing America’s net-zero future with state-led, high-impact climate action. The Alliance Secretariat helps its member states and territories accelerate climate action by providing a broad range of technical, analytical, policy, and capacity assistance and resources. It also coordinates engagement with the federal government and national partners to drive solutions across government in support of an ambitious, durable national climate framework. For more on the Alliance, visit www.usclimatealliance.org.

The U.S. Climate Alliance Secretariat is seeking an intern ready to contribute to its research, policy development, peer-to-peer learning, and coordination work. The intern will respond to specific project-level needs such as tracking policy implementation progress and federal announcements, drafting policy memos, and providing general coordination and program support. This role provides an opportunity to gain a comprehensive and in-depth and understanding of the types of policies and actions U.S. states are advancing to drive down GHG emissions and boost resilience across the economy. The intern will be expected to work as part of a broader team that includes Alliance staff, consultants, external partners, and member states.

This is a paid opportunity from January 26, 2026 - April 24, 2026 and offers an hourly compensation rate range of $17.95-$20.00 per hour. This role is expected to work 20-29 hours per week on a fixed schedule. 

INTERNSHIP OVERVIEW 

The Federal and External Affairs Intern will support the U.S. Climate Alliance Secretariat’s state and federal policy coordination efforts through structured research, policy tracking, and programmatic assistance. Through defined, project-based assignments, the intern will gain hands-on exposure to state and federal climate policy analysis, coalition-based policymaking, and policy communications. This internship is designed to strengthen the intern’s research, writing, and analytical skills while providing insight into how complex policy information is translated into practical resources for government stakeholders.

INTERNSHIP DESCRIPTION

As the Federal and External Affairs Intern you will:

• Track and summarize state-level climate policy updates and support maintenance of the Alliance’s policy database.
• Monitor federal climate policy developments, funding opportunities, and public comment periods to inform internal tracking and planning.
• Assist with the preparation of materials for Alliance meetings, workshops, and peer-learning sessions with member states.
• Support the drafting and compilation of content for newsletters, briefings, and internal updates shared with Alliance members.
• Contribute to coordination tasks and defined projects that support the Alliance’s policy and engagement priorities.

LEARNING OUTCOMES

By the end of the internship, you will have gained:

• Practical experience engaging with state and federal climate policy in a professional, policy-focused environment.
• Improved research, writing, and analytical skills through applied policy tracking and communications support.
• Exposure to how bipartisan, state-led coalitions collaborate to advance shared climate goals.
• An understanding of how complex policy information is translated into clear, actionable resources for government stakeholders.

EDUCATION/CERTIFICATION and/or EXPERIENCE

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required.

• Currently enrolled in an undergraduate or graduate degree program. College graduates are invited to apply.
• Demonstrated academic, professional, or extracurricular interest in climate, environmental, or public policy issues.
• Exposure to or interest in state-level and federal climate policy is preferred.

COMPETENCIES

• Strong research and analytical skills, with the ability to synthesize information accurately and efficiently.
• Clear and concise written and verbal communication skills.
• Interest in coalition-based work and the ability to collaborate effectively with internal team members and external partners.
• Ability to communicate complex policy information in a clear and accessible manner.
• Strong organizational and time management skills, with the ability to meet deadlines and adapt to changing priorities.
• Professionalism, reliability, and a collaborative work style aligned with the mission of the U.S. Climate Alliance.
• Fluency in English and ability to meet regular attendance expectations.

LOCATION

Remote

DISABILITY SPECIFICATIONS
The United National Foundation will make reasonable accommodations in compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990.

Equal Opportunity Employer

This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws.
For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.