State Education Policy Research Internship

State Education Policy Research Internship Job Description (Part-Time)

The National Association of State Boards of Education mission is to develop, support, and empower citizen leaders on state boards of education to strengthen public education systems so students of all backgrounds and circumstances are prepared to succeed in school, work, and life. NASBE is a place where those with a passion for education policy and a desire to make a difference can learn, grow, and have an impact. 

NASBE is seeking a part-time State Education Policy Intern to start in September 2025 to support the association’s High School Transformation State Network through May 2026. The high school transformation project is a multi-year association project that convenes state education and workforce policymakers to identify challenges and opportunities for aligning state policies and programs and creating more rigorous and relevant high school experiences for the students. 

This is a part-time paid position requiring 10-20 hours per week with flexibility to account for coursework and exams. The ideal candidate has a strong interest in public education, familiarity with state education governance, exceptional organization skills, experience in public policy research and analysis and enjoys writing analyses to inform policy. NASBE develops our resources, tools, and services based on the strongest evidence available and helps our members make informed decisions in the best interest of students. Strong research, interpersonal, customer service, and communication skills are key to successfully supporting state board of education members and other state education policymakers. 

The responsibilities of this position can be performed remotely, with a flexible schedule, but in-person working hours at NASBE’s office in Alexandria, VA (if desired) can be accommodated. This position may also require some travel to support in-person meetings. Pre-approved travel will be covered by NASBE with proper documentation of expenses. 

Responsibilities include:

• Work closely with the NASBE Associate Program Director and other staff members to develop and provide ongoing support to a network of state policymakers;
• Conduct landscape scans and draft summaries of relevant research and data on state policies surrounding high school systems transformation, such as state portraits of a graduate, alignment between higher education, K-12, and workforce systems, competency-based education, assessment, accountability, and more;
• Assist the Associate Program Director in drafting, editing, and revising reports and other publications for state education policymaker audiences nationwide;
• Draft policy briefs, memos, slide decks, meeting summaries, and correspondence to Network participants and partners;
• Monitor network state’s activities related to the project goals by tracking and documenting relevant state board of education agenda items, press releases, legislation, and other developments;
• Support the planning and execution of Network meetings, events, advisory council meetings, and webinars;
• Assist in communication efforts, such as producing a monthly newsletter for members and scheduling meetings with different stakeholders; 
• Support logistical needs and assist in responding to technical assistance requests from members and partners of the Network; and
• Attend national partner convenings and events to learn about emerging trends in education policy, relevant research findings, and state governance topics that directly apply to state boards of education. Summarize and share learnings with the Associate Program Director. 

Education and experience:

• Current graduate students or recent graduates of an undergraduate program at a four-year college or university; coursework in political science, education, or public policy preferred. 
• Excellent written and oral communication skills.
• Previous research and analysis experience.
• Strong interest in education policy and improving the college and career readiness of high school students.
• Adept at working both independently and collaboratively with a keen attention for detail—a “can do” spirit and positive attitude and demonstrated ability to produce high-quality work in a timely and effective manner.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite. Experience with survey tools and various contact management and engagement tools is a plus.

The hourly rate for this position is $25/hour. Part-time employees working 10 to 20 hours per week are not eligible for employee benefits, other than the employer matching Social Security contribution, Unemployment Insurance, and Worker’s Compensation insurance. Employees of this type do not accrue leave. 

To apply, please email your cover letter, resume, and a two-page policy memo on a topic of your choice to the Associate Program Director Celina Pierrottet at celina.pierrottet@nasbe.org by August 29, 2025 with “State Education Policy Internship” as the subject. We will notify applicants by September 8, 2025 if they have proceeded to an interview round.

NASBE is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion or belief, sex, national origin, political affiliation, sexual orientation, marital status, parental status, disability, genetic information, age, military status, or any other status protected by applicable laws.

About NASBE and Our Work

The National Association of State Boards of Education, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, elevates state board members’ voices in national and state policymaking, facilitates the exchange of informed ideas, and supports members in advancing equity and excellence in public education for students of all races, genders, and circumstances. Founded in 1958, NASBE’s mission is to develop, support, and empower citizen leaders on state boards of education to strengthen public education systems so students of all backgrounds and circumstances are prepared to succeed in school, work, and life. 

NASBE is a small organization of less than 10 full-time staff. As such, every team member has opportunities to engage in the full range of organizational activities, including project leadership, to support state board members, partners, and project outcomes.