Intern, U.S Public Policy

Committed to serving global societal needs. ASTM International positively impacts public health and safety, consumer confidence, and overall quality of life. We integrate consensus standards - developed with our international membership of volunteer technical experts - and innovative services to improve lives... Helping our world work better.

Role Description:  

The U.S. Public Policy Intern at ASTM International will be a contributing member of the Global Policy team, with responsibilities to include researching, writing, and presenting policy initiatives on current issues important to the organization and policymakers. The intern will gain valuable experience working in a nonprofit, membership-based organization with a global reach. 

The intern will be assigned some specific responsibilities and tasks, but she/he will also be encouraged to find new ways to develop and add value to ASTM's policy team. The intern will be coached and mentored by members of the Global Policy, Cooperation and Communications department. She/he will have opportunities to interact with other ASTM staff teams and leaders. 

Learning Objectives:  

This Washington, D.C.-based internship is responsible for assisting the Global Policy team with tracking and analyzing federal legislation, regulation and policy initiatives of interest to global manufacturing sectors; developing knowledge of and assisting with outreach to Federal agencies, trade associations, Congressional staff and other contacts; and communicating and collaborating with ASTM International staff colleagues on regulatory and policy issues. 

General Responsibilities: 

• Day to day responsibilities – provide reports on federal legislation, draft notes on regulatory policy, attend internal and external meetings, advance projects, as assigned. 
• Overview of specific project(s) – examples include: mapping a stakeholder outreach/engagement plan for a recently formed committee, summary of standards in development at ASTM and evaluating their relevance to legislation/regulation, and/or writing a summary memo after attending a briefing or Congressional hearing. 
• Prepare meeting materials and presentations and support regulatory engagements. 
• Support Director of Global Policy and Trade and Manager of Government and Industry Affairs, and other team members with tasks, projects, and events as needed. 
• Work collaboratively with other departments, as needed. 

Education:  

Must be enrolled in a related Bachelor's degree program as a rising Junior or Senior at an accredited College or University. 

Key Requirements & Competencies: 

• Interest in one or more standards-related industries – such as construction, energy, manufacturing – and/or policy areas, such as environmental, health and safety, product safety, trade, etc. 
• Excellent writing and research skills. 
• Strong interpersonal skills. 
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications. 
• Sound judgment. 
• Quick learner. 
• Self-motivated with strong work ethic. 
• Eagerness to help all teams as needed. 
• Problem-solving and negotiation skills. 
• Basic level of curiosity about technical standards and related business issues. 
• Ability to accept feedback. 
• Interest in working in a team-oriented, collaborative environment. 
• Ability to work under pressure.

Physical Requirements: 

• Frequent and close visual work at desk or computer. 
• Frequent sitting and working at desk. 
• Frequent verbal and written communication with team and other stakeholders by phone or video conferencing.  

Time Requirements & Compensation: 

• Hybrid - roughly two days per week in-person at our Washington, DC office
  • 35 hours per week, June through August. 
  • Compensation: $18.00/Hour 

How to Apply:

Interested candidates should submit a resume and cover letter outlining their interest in working at ASTM.

Please not that due to the high volume of application, only complete applications including a cover letter will be considered for an interview. 

This job description is not intended to provide an all-inclusive listing of related job activities. Interns may be requested by management to perform other related activities in place of or in addition to those representative activities noted in this job description. 

ASTM International is an Equal Opportunity / Affirmative Action Employer Minorities/Females/Disabled/Veterans.