Position Summary

The Government Affairs Intern will work closely with GA staff throughout their tenure on a number of projects and initiatives that support ACS’s domestic policy and advocacy goals. The intern will provide both research and administrative support to staff in areas such as science public policy, database management, event planning, and communications, as well as have an opportunity to focus on one desired project. Additional projects and responsibilities will arise as needed. This position is intended for individuals who wish to learn more about science policy and advocacy in a scientific organization.

The Government Affairs (GA) team is the Society’s major unit responsible for the Society’s advocacy and U.S. Government relationship management functions. The team works in a non-partisan, balanced and credible manner to ensure that public policy development benefits from current scientific knowledge and that it advances the chemistry enterprise's ability to contribute to the general welfare of society. Activities include advocacy, public policy development, symposia and programming, virtual and in-person events, partnerships and general external outreach.

Position Summary 

The Government Affairs Intern will work closely with GA staff throughout their tenure on a number of projects and initiatives that support ACS’s domestic policy and advocacy goals. The intern will provide both research and administrative support to staff in areas such as science public policy, database management, event planning, and communications, as well as have an opportunity to focus on one desired project. Additional projects and responsibilities will arise as needed. This position is intended for individuals who wish to learn more about science policy and advocacy in a scientific organization.

Key Responsibilities: 

• Assist in drafting issue papers, press releases, and other writing tasks.

• Conduct in-depth research on science, education, energy, national security, and international science issues.

• Assist in the planning of National Meeting events.

• Provide research and administrative support for the advocacy, federal affairs, member engagement, and public policy teams. 

• Attend congressional hearings, federal agency advisory board meetings, and other briefings.

• Work on science and general communications projects such as the Act4Chemistry advocacy program, content for the ACS website, newsletters, and press releases.

• Provide assistance to staff on other projects, such as aiding in the organization of congressional briefings, preparing for GA events, and representing the ACS at task force and coalition meetings.

• Other duties as assigned.

Education Requirements:

The Ideal candidate will be a rising college junior, senior, recent graduate or pursuing a Masters/PhD in Political Science or Chemistry

Required Qualifications:

Currently pursuing a major in Political Science, Chemistry or related field.

Please complete the following survey as part of your application: 2025 ACS Summer Intern Questionnaire

Pay Transparency: This role is based in our Washington, D.C. office. The following are the intended hourly rates for this part time/nonexempt role: Rising Junior-$23.00; Rising Senior-$24.00; Current Grad/PhD Student- $27.00.

Any actual offer of employment, reflecting the total compensation package and benefits, will be made in the sole discretion of ACS. ACS reserves the right to amend or modify its employment benefits and compensation structure at any time.

*This position will be primarily based in the Washington D.C. (or applicable) office. ACS employees work a hybrid work schedule, consisting of working onsite, two days per week. Schedule flexibility may be required for this role to support in-office activities. While always welcome to work in the office, employees may work the other three days of the week from a location of their choice.