KIP Spring 2026 External Relations Intern Mercatus Center

Virginia, VA - USA

Monthly Salary: Not Disclosed

Posted on: 30+ days ago

Vacancies: 1 Vacancy

Job Summary

The Koch Internship Program(KIP) is a paid 12-week experiential learning program run by Stand Together Fellowships that offers meaningful work experience at non-profits all over the United States tackling some of our nations most pressing challenges. Eligible candidates will be geographically located within the U.S. and authorized to work in the U.S. through the duration of the program.

Throughout your internship you will gain meaningful professional experience at a partner organization and participate in professional development built around a 2-day in-person summit hosted by Stand Together Fellowships at Stand Togethers Headquarters in Arlington Virginia supported by virtual programming that takes place every other Thursday between 1- 3:30 pm ET. Interns will receive either a $7500 or $5500 stipend from Stand Together Fellowships depending on whether they are participating full-time (40 hours/week) or part-time (24 hours/week).

The programming provided by Stand Together Fellowships focuses on three objectives:

1. understanding the foundational principles of a free society such as individual liberty limited government free markets and the rule of law;

2. learning the Stand Together communitys vision for change and how a principled approach to problem solving can help address societys biggest challenges; and

3. presenting opportunities and pathways to build a career that advances liberty and free society.

Successful candidates will interview with both our non-profit partner organizations and Stand Together Fellowships staff so we strongly encourage you to apply in advance!

Please note that all Koch Internship Program interns MUST be available every other Thursday (Jan. 22 Feb. 12 Feb. 26 March 12 March 26 and April 9) from 1-3:30 PM ET for virtual professional development training AND the in-person summit at Stand Togethers Headquarters in Arlington VA Feb. 6-Feb. 7.

About The Mercatus Center:

The Mercatus Center at George Mason University advances knowledge about how markets work to improve peoples lives and fosters understanding of the institutions that support prosperity and human well-being.

EEO Statement: We are an equal employment opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race color religion gender national origin disability status protected veteran status or any other characteristic protected by law.

About the role

The Mercatus Center at George Mason University is seeking an External Relations Intern to join our External Relations team. This position offers an excellent opportunity to gain hands-on experience supporting Mercatus scholars who engage with policymakers media and other key stakeholders.

Through this internship you will gain exposure to federal and state policy engagement develop professional skills and learn about classical liberalism the broader liberty movement and the Mercatus Centers mission and research.

This role is onsite in Fairfax VA.

Key Responsibilities

Assist with administrative tasks and small research projects.
Support preparation for meetings with legislators coalition partners and conferences.
Draft outreach campaign emails and help create one-pagers and other materials for external audiences.
Attend External Relations events and relevant coalition gatherings.
Take meeting notes and maintain accurate records in Salesforce.
Track and summarize relevant legislation hearings and policy developments.
Support media outreach and assist the Strategic Engagement Team as needed.
Learn about classical liberalism and the Mercatus Centers work through structured programming and mentorship.

Minimum Qualifications

Currently enrolled in a college or university degree program.
Demonstrated interest in classical liberalism and the mission of the Mercatus Center.
Strong work ethic initiative and ability to work independently.
Excellent attention to detail and organizational skills.
Effective written and verbal communication abilities.

$5500 - $7500 a year

Stand Together Fellowships believes that diversity in experiences perspectives knowledge and ideas fuels creativity broadens knowledge and helps drive success. Our admissions office treats all program participantsand applicantswith honesty dignity respectand welcome all qualified applicants regardless ofcolorracereligionreligious creedsexgenderor gender identitygender expressionsexual orientation national origin citizenship ethnicity ancestry age physical disability mental disability medical condition pregnancy(including medical needs which may arise from pregnancy childbirth or related medical conditions)military andveteran statusgenetic informationmaritalor familialstatus political affiliationor any other legallyrecognized protected basis under federal state or local laws regulations or ordinances.

We may use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to support parts of the hiring process such as reviewing applications analyzing resumes or assessing responses. These tools assist our recruitment team but do not replace human judgment. Final hiring decisions are ultimately made by humans. If you would like more information about how your data is processed please contact us.

Required Experience:

Intern

The Koch Internship Program(KIP) is a paid 12-week experiential learning program run by Stand Together Fellowships that offers meaningful work experience at non-profits all over the United States tackling some of our nations most pressing challenges. Eligible candidates will be geographically locate...