HOW YOU’LL MAKE AN IMPACT

As a Policy and Legislative Affairs Intern, you will contribute directly to the work of the Advocacy and Policy Team by supporting real projects that impact our organization’s mission to advance effective, evidence-based state policy. You will report to the State & Local Policy Specialist. 

During this internship, you will focus on the following problem, opportunity, or research question: How can we efficiently and accurately track, vet, and analyze state-level legislation to identify priority trends, risks, and opportunities for engagement?

This work will support our strategic priority of strengthening state-level policy tracking and thought leadership and will inform future advocacy strategies, client advisories, and published analyses. You will also:

• Gain hands-on experience working on meaningful initiatives
• Develop professional and technical skills
• Partner with experienced professionals across teams
• Lead a defined project with measurable outcomes

Expected Outcomes

By the end of the internship, you are expected to deliver:

• A comprehensive legislative tracking summary and analysis report using Quorum
• At least one published policy, brief, or long-form article on a key state legislative trend
• Documented workflow or process guide for legislative vetting and tracking
• Final presentation for the Intern Showcase

KEY LEARNING AREAS AND RESPONSIBILITIES 

• Analyze and support the state legislative tracking and policy review process to improve timeliness, accuracy, and strategic insight

• Conduct research on state-level energy, environmental, and building code legislation and summarize findings for internal stakeholders
• Collaborate with Policy, Communications, and Research teams to gather insights and coordinate deliverables
• Track progress and document work using Quorum and internal project management systems
• Develop reports, presentations, and written materials for leadership and partners
• Participate in team meetings, project reviews, and learning sessions
• Support data collection, evaluation, and quality assurance activities related to legislative tracking
• Contribute to improving internal documentation and workflows for day-to-day operations
• Maintain accurate records of weekly hours worked
• Prepare and deliver a final project/research presentation

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

Experience (if applicable) 

• Prior internships, research projects, volunteer work, or relevant coursework in public policy, political science, environmental policy, public administration, or related fields

Education

• Currently pursuing or recently completed a Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Public Policy, Political Science, Environmental Studies, Government, or a related field 

Technical Tools

• Familiarity with:
  • Legislative tracking software (e.g., Quorum or similar platforms) 
  • Microsoft Excel or Google Sheets
  • Google Workspace or Microsoft Office Suite

Skills

• Analytical and critical thinking
• Written and verbal communication
• Organization and time management
• Research and data interpretation
• Collaboration and adaptability

BENEFITS OF INTERNING WITH USGBC/GBCI

• Exposure to organizational leadership and cross-functional teams
• Networking opportunities in the built environment and sustainability sectors
• Weekly check-ins with internship supervisor for regular feedback and coaching
• Structured onboarding and training
• Participation in the Intern Showcase
• Remote work flexibility
• Resume-building, portfolio-quality work
• Access to O365 and USGBC/GBCI resources
• Mandatory weekly educational sessions with subject matter experts

INTERN LOGISTICS

Location: This position is remote in the United States.

Work Schedule: Monday to Friday from 9:00 AM to 5:30 PM in the intern’s time zone. Note: Interns are not compensated for holidays or personal time off.

Hiring Process:

• One interview
• Two professional references required for finalists

Internship Cohorts:

• Cohort 1: June 1st , 2026 to August 21st, 2026
• Cohort 2: June 22nd, 2026 to September 11th, 2026

If you have vacation scheduled where you will be absent for more than 5 days, we encourage you to not apply. 

Compensation: Hourly rate: $20–$25 per hour, based on education and experience. Compensation is determined using an internal intern pay matrix and is not negotiable.

EEO STATEMENT

The U.S. Green Building Council is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, pregnancy, national origin, age, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.

ABOUT US

U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) is a mission-driven nonprofit dedicated to accelerating and scaling the transformation of the built environment. Through LEED—the world’s most widely used green building rating system— and initiatives likes Greenbuild, the Center for Green Schools and advocacy, USGBC empowers professionals to drive market transformation that advances human and environmental health, climate resilience, and equity.

Green Business Certification Inc. (GBCI) is the world’s leading sustainability and health certification and credentialing body, independently recognizing excellence in performance. GBCI administers project certifications and professional credentials and certificates including LEED, EDGE, PEER, PERFORM, SITES, TRUE Zero Waste, and IREE.

We are proud to be globally recognized for our leadership in green building, environmental performance, and sustainable development.

Our Global Impact

• Over 120,000 LEED-certified commercial projects worldwide
• Millions of square feet of certified healthy, efficient, low-carbon space
• Recognition in 180+ countries for innovation in green building and business practices

Why Join Us?

At USGBC and GBCI, you’ll work alongside passionate, mission-aligned professionals who care deeply about people, the planet, and progress. We offer:

• A purpose-driven, inclusive culture
• Opportunities to grow your career and take ownership of meaningful work
• A chance to make a measurable impact on global sustainability efforts
• We’re seeking team members who thrive in collaborative environments, are committed to excellence, and want to build lasting partnerships that drive change in the built environment.

Meet Our Leaders and Learn More about our Mission:    

• U.S. Green Building Council Leaders 
• Green Business Certification Inc Leaders

Culture and Values Statement

Working together, each of us advances our mission by respecting all voices, trusting and supporting one another, excelling through collaboration and accountability, and continuously improving ourselves and our organization.