Policy and Housing Initiatives Intern

Reports to: Policy and Community Impact Officer

Position Status: Part-time, Temporary, Non-Exempt

Location:  Hybrid – Onsite 3 days per week 

Salary: $16.00 per hour

POSITION SUMMARY 

The Policy and Housing Initiatives Intern will support the Foundation’s work in two core areas:

1. Public Policy – Advancing research, legislative engagement and statewide foundation collaboration.
2. Housing Initiatives – Supporting the Foundation’s convenings and strategic efforts to address housing affordability, preservation and stability.

This is an ideal role for a policy analyst-in-training or researcher who is an intuitive, self-starter with strong organizational skills and a familiarity with local and state government.

PRIMARY DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Prepare materials, reports and presentations for internal and external audiences.
• Participate in department and project team meetings.
• Perform other duties as assigned to support the Policy and Community Impact Department.

Public Policy Report

• Research promising public policies from other jurisdictions and states on topics aligned with the Foundation’s priorities.
• Assist public policy “action teams” of the Pennsylvania Community Foundation Association.
• Help organize and prepare for legislative visits, including scheduling, briefing materials and follow-up database reporting.
• Track legislation and policy developments relevant to the Foundation’s focus areas.
• Draft policy memos, summaries and talking points for staff and partners.

Building Relationships and Networks 

• Work with the program department to build relationships with the Foundation’s grantees, especially those focused on work that intersects with the Foundation’s primary impact area(s) and public policy agenda. 
• Create authentic connections with stakeholders from a wide variety of sectors including grassroots leaders, nonprofit executives, university partners, corporate leaders and government officials and their staff.
• Curate networks of advocates willing to mobilize around intersecting priorities.

Housing Initiatives Support

• Provide administrative support for the Foundation’s housing working group.
• Assist with planning and logistics for the Affordable Housing Investor’s Summit.
• Support the eviction prevention working group and related events.
• Conduct background research on housing financing tools, eviction-prevention strategies and housing-policy innovations.
• Maintain records, contact lists and meeting notes for housing-related projects.

General Intern Duties

• Prepare materials, reports and presentations for internal and external audiences.
• Participate in department and project team meetings.
• Perform other duties as assigned to support the Policy and Community Impact Department.

KEY SKILLS AND ABILITIES

• Proven ability to work successfully with various populations and demonstrated commitment.
• Commitment to the Foundation’s values of accountability, collaboration, community, racial justice and trust.
• Strong network of relationships at all levels across the community.
• Experience working within the philanthropic and nonprofit sectors.
• Demonstrated commitment to social purpose and durable impact.
• Capability to work effectively and authentically across generations and cultures.
• Ability to model and inspire teamwork and collaboration. 
• Demonstrated attention to detail and results orientation.
• Entrepreneurial approach and growth mindset.
• Demonstrated ability to take a concept from ideation all the way through to execution.
• Ability to generate trust, shared purpose and commitment with a wide range of stakeholders.
• Understanding of political processes and demonstrates political savvy.
• Experience in project management and coordination.   
• Awareness of and ability to interpret opportunities in complexity and ambiguity.
• Excellent listening, writing, presentation and public speaking skills.
   

QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE

• Current enrollment in (or recent graduation from) an undergraduate or graduate program in public policy, political science, urban studies, social work, law, nonprofit management or related field.
• Strong research, writing and analytical skills.
• Familiarity with local and state government processes and public policy issues.
• Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite; experience with databases and online research tools preferred.

TO APPLY

Interested candidates should submit an online application including a resume and cover letter by Sept. 14, 2025. 
 

No phone calls please. 
 

THE PITTSBURGH FOUNDATION IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER COMMITTED TO DIVERSITY, EQUITY AND INCLUSION. 

ABOUT THE PITTSBURGH FOUNDATION
 

OUR MISSION: The Pittsburgh Foundation, established in 1945, works to improve the quality of life in the Pittsburgh region by evaluating and addressing community issues, promoting responsible philanthropy and connecting donors to the critical needs of the community. 

OUR VALUES: Since its founding in 1945, The Pittsburgh Foundation's values have been evident in the deep relationships its people have forged in the region. As new strategies are developed to improve quality of life for everyone, the staff has identified these values and pledged to follow them in the work. 

Accountability

Collaboration

Community

Racial Justice

Trust

Learn more at www.pittsburghfoundation.org.