Policy & Advocacy Intern

ABOUT FPWA 

FPWA is a leading anti-poverty, social policy and advocacy organization dedicated to strengthening human services organizations and faith institutions, and advancing economic opportunity and justice for New Yorkers with low incomes.  

Since 1922, FPWA has driven groundbreaking policy reforms to better serve those in need. We work to dismantle the structural and systemic barriers that impede economic security and well-being, and strengthen the capacity of human services agencies and faith organizations so New Yorkers with lower incomes can thrive and live with dignity. 

POSITION OVERVIEW
The Policy & Advocacy Intern will work closely with the Policy, Advocacy, & Research (PAR) Team to advance FPWA’s mission under the guidance of the Director of Policy & Advocacy. The Policy & Advocacy Intern will provide policy and research support and will support the team’s advocacy work during the Fall of 2026 into the Spring of 2027.

This position offers the opportunity to engage in social justice-focused policy and advocacy work at the city and state level, analyzing policies that shape economic outcomes for New Yorkers and identifying the solutions that are needed to create systemic change. The Policy & Advocacy intern will build skills in community and stakeholder engagement, coalition building, equity-driven policy analysis, and translating policy research into actionable advocacy that centers individuals and families impacted by poverty, racism, and other forms of inequality.

KEY DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Policy & Research Support (50%)

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  • Assist in quantitative and qualitative research and data analysis on a range of anti-poverty issue areas.
  
  
  • Conduct research on policy initiatives related to economic security for New Yorkers, primarily at the state and local level.
  
  
  
  

• Advocacy/Campaign Support (50%)
  
  
  
  • Support implementation of advocacy campaigns, including managing campaign timelines, engaging with stakeholders, and conducting outreach to external coalition partners.
  
  
  • Draft one-pagers, memos of support, policy briefs, sign-on letters, and other external campaign materials.
  
  
  • Tracking relevant legislative and budget priorities at the state and city level
  
  
  • Provide general support for all members of the policy team.
  
  
  • Opportunities to participate in advocacy activities in NYC and Albany, if desired.
  
  
  • Other duties as assigned.
  
  
  
  


• The overall balance of work will be 50% research-focused work and 50% advocacy-focused work, however this will shift throughout the internship depending on team needs.

REQUIRED COMPETENCIES, SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE INCLUDE:

• Currently enrolled or recently completed a graduate program in social work, public policy, law, public health, economics, or related field.


• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.


• Introductory understanding of policy and advocacy landscape on key economic security issues, preferably at the state and city level.


• Strong interest in public policy, economic and social justice, and civil rights.


• Creative and adaptive problem solver.


• Strong organizational and time-management skills.


• Ability to work independently and in a team environment.


• Flexibility and willingness to learn.


• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and Google Suite.


• Experience working in policy and/or advocacy preferred.


• Experience with data analysis and visualization preferred.

If you're excited about policy and advocacy work but don't check every box on this list, we still encourage you to apply. We value having a variety of professional and educational backgrounds on our policy team, and we especially welcome applicants with lived experience relevant to the issues we work on.

COMPENSATION:

$20 - $25 per hour, commensurate experience

This internship is eligible for course credit for MSW programs requiring field placement.

The supervisors for this internship also have their SIFI (Seminar in Field Instruction) certification for MSW students.

HOURS & SCHEDULE:

This internship is part-time at 21 hours per week (3 full days), with a start date in September 2026 and ending in April 2027. FPWA operates on a hybrid schedule, with staff in office Tuesdays and Wednesdays. The candidate can coordinate with the Director of Policy on a weekly schedule for 21 hours a week but ideally would be in office Tuesday or Wednesday.

WORK ENVIORNMENT  

As part of building a culture where employees can do their best work, FPWA currently employs a hybrid model. Employees are currently in-office twice per week with all staff in office on Tuesdays and Wednesdays. Senior leadership is in-office three times per week. We observe a company-wide remote day on Fridays. 

Work performed by this role is expected to happen in or near New York, NY given FPWA's work policies and practices. 

This job operates in a professional office environment. This role routinely uses standard office equipment. 

TO APPLY: Please submit a resume and cover letter outlining your interest in the position and relevant experience via BambooHR. No phone calls or other inquiries please.

FPWA IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER 

FPWA is committed to employing people who reflect the diversity of our member agencies and the communities and people they serve. Candidates who have firsthand experience of the social welfare and/or justice system are encouraged to apply. AmeriCorps, Peace Corps, and other national service alumni are encouraged. 

All qualified applicants will be considered for employment without unlawful discrimination based on race, color, creed, national origin, sex, age, disability, marital status, sexual orientation, military status, prior record of arrest or conviction, citizenship status, current employment status, or caregiver status.