Intern, Science Policy & Government Relations (Grassroots)
District of Columbia, USA
Salary Not AvailableFull time
Posted 4 months ago
Job Description
TO APPLY: SUBMIT RESUME AND COVER LETTER
Preference for those residing in the DC, Maryland, Virginia area
WHY JOIN AGU?
Our employees are our most valuable assets! You will feel welcomed and supported from the moment you join our team, and you will take part in strengthening and evolving our workplace culture.
We offer work-life balance- We are a remote-first organization, with flexible work hours.
WHO WE ARE?
The American Geophysical Union (AGU) supports a global community of more than half a million professionals and advocates in the Earth and space sciences.
Through broad and inclusive partnerships, AGU aims to advance discovery and solution science that accelerate knowledge and create solutions that are ethical, unbiased and respectful of communities and their values. Our programs include serving as a scholarly publisher, convening virtual and in-person events, and providing career support. We live our values in everything we do, such as our net-zero energy renovated building in Washington, D.C., and our Ethics and Equity Center, which fosters a diverse and inclusive geoscience community to ensure responsible conduct.
This is an exciting time to work at AGU. Every day we approach our work with a sense of purpose, and we look for others who share that passion and desire for a career with impact.
WHO YOU ARE?
At AGU we are looking for individuals who want to learn something new every day, who welcome a challenge, and are motivated to achieve results in a fast-paced environment.
You will:
- Bring an understanding of the legislative process in the U.S. and how grassroots advocacy helps advance policy priorities or have a strong interest in learning about this process.
- Share a desire to help scientists better understand what their role is in the policy process and how they can get involved in it.
- Possess a passion for Earth and space sciences consistent with the goals of AGU and demonstrate a keen interest in science policy advocacy.
WHAT YOU WILL DO?
Join a dynamic, mission-driven team and gain firsthand, practical experience advancing Earth and space science policy. As part of AGU’s Science Policy & Government Relations team, your work will directly influence how science shapes policy by amplifying the voice of scientists, informing critical decisions in our efforts and building a stronger, more science-informed future.
As part of the team, you’ll play a pivotal role in connecting science to society – from the halls of Capitol Hill to global efforts. You will help mobilize scientists to strategically communicate the importance of science to policymakers, the public, and key stakeholders. AGU supports more than 160,000 members worldwide, and your contributions will help ensure that science is used where it matters most.
This position will focus on grassroots advocacy, a key part of AGU’s mission to help our members take their science from usable to used and increase their voice and impact in sound decision-making.
Bring Science to the Forefront of Policy
- Help organize and deliver high impact events, from science policy workshops and training to Congressional visits – both virtually and in-person.
- Lead coordination efforts to equip scientists with the tools and confidence to speak up and shape policy
Elevate Our Advocacy Impact
- Collect and interpret data that demonstrate the reach and effectiveness of our efforts and programs, including our online grassroots and grasstops programs.
- Contribute to storytelling and data visualization projects that highlight successes and inspire action.
- Collaborate on an end-of-year impact review that showcases our most compelling achievements and lessons learned
Propel A Movement of Scientific Advocates
- Assist with our Science Votes the Future efforts to support scientists engaging in the upcoming November elections.
- Develop timely advocacy campaigns that mobilize scientists at the grassroots and grasstops levels.
- Create engaging content for newsletters, social media, the AGU Bridge Blog, and our Science Policy Action Center.
- Tailor messaging to different audiences – from first-time advocates to seasoned science communicators.
WHAT YOU WILL GAIN?
- Hands-on experience in the fast-moving world of federal science policy - and exposure to state, local, and international advocacy.
- Skills in strategic communications, campaign planning, data storytelling, and public engagement.
- Hands-on training in grassroots mobilization, impact tracking, and science communication.
- Exposure to federal policymaking processes and professional networks in science policy.
- Insights into career pathways in science policy, government relations, and advocacy.
WHAT YOU WILL BRING?
- Two+ years of coursework towards a bachelor’s degree in Earth or space sciences. A Bachelor’s, Master’s, or Ph.D. in Earth or space science is a plus.
- Proficiency in written and verbal communication skills.
- Professional interpersonal skills to interact with AGU members and policymakers.
- Experience in managing multiple projects on a tight deadline.
- Organizational and problem-solving skills, with attention to detail.
- Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite (Word, PowerPoint, Excel), internet browsers, and web search engines.
- Experience with social media, science policy, and science communication preferred but not required.
- Experience with data- analysis, management, and visualization preferred, but not required.
HIRING SPECIFICS
- Full Time/ Hourly, 3-month Remote Fall Internship. Flexible start between mid July- early August, remote in the US,
- Open to candidates based in most U.S. states (excluding WA, OR, and CA at this time). Preference for those in the DC-area.
- We understand that it is unrealistic for candidates to fulfill 100% of the criteria listed in a job posting. However, we encourage you to apply if you meet the majority of the requirements because we know that skills evolve. If you are willing to learn and evolve alongside us, join our team!
- Pay is $17.95 per hour
- Work Authorization: We will not sponsor applicants for work visas in the US.
- We care deeply about fairness so you can be ensured that your application will never be judged based on religious belief, age, color, race, creed, marital status, gender, sexual orientation, political affiliation, ethnic origin, or disability.
- Veterans and people with disabilities are encouraged to apply.
- AGU will make reasonable accommodations in compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990.
- We are committed to providing an inclusive interview experience. If you require reasonable accommodation for any part of the interview process, please let us know and we will work with you to meet your needs.
AMERICAN GEOPHYSICAL UNION
AGU is a global community supporting more than half a million advocates and professionals in Earth and space sciences.Save the Date for #AGU26 in San Francisco, CA, 7-11 December, 2026.Through broad and inclusive partnerships, AGU aims to advance discovery and solution science that accelerate knowledge and create solutions that are ethical, unbiased and respectful of communities and their values. Our programs include serving as a scholarly publisher, convening virtual and in-person events and providing career support. We live our values in everything we do, such as our net zero energy renovated building in Washington, D.C. and our Ethics and Equity Center, which fosters a diverse and inclusive geoscience community to ensure responsible conduct.AGU was established in 1919 by the National Research Council and operated as an unincorporated affiliate of the National Academy of Sciences for more than 50 years. We were independently incorporated in 1972.
Links
This role is listed on SalaryGuide for informational purposes. SalaryGuide is not the employer, recruitment agency, or hiring representative for this position. Hiring decisions and the application process are managed by the employer. SalaryGuide will never ask candidates to pay to apply for a job or request bank details or identification documents as part of an application.
Intern, Science Policy & Government Relations (Grassroots)
American Geophysical Union · District of Columbia, USA
