HISA Public Affairs Internship

2026 HISA Public Affairs Internships 

Job Description 

The Horseracing Integrity and Safety Authority (HISA) is seeking four motivated, full-time students for exciting summer and fall internships with the HISA Public Affairs Team. These hands-on roles offer the opportunity to gain experience in a fast-paced national organization that reports to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) and oversees the safety and integrity of Thoroughbred racing. Working closely with the Public Affairs and Communications Teams, the interns should be highly motivated, understand the legislative process and key policy issues, have an interest in horse racing, and demonstrate a strong work ethic. 

Responsibilities 

Attend committee hearings, mark-ups and briefings. 

Attend Capitol Hill meetings with HISA professional staff. 

Research policy issues for HISA staff and stakeholders. 

Draft memos as needed. 

Regularly edit internal material. 

Engage with internal departments (e.g., Legal, Business, Accreditation, Veterinary, Technology) to gain insight into HISA’s operations.  

Tour a local racetrack near Washington, D.C., exploring key areas such as the barn, sales pavilion, jockeys’ room and stewards’ booth, with guidance from experienced industry professionals. 

Qualifications 

Interest/background in U.S. policy and governance 

Excellent research skills 

Strong written and verbal communication skills 

Excellent organizational and multitasking skills 

Experience working in a fast-paced environment 

Interest in horse racing 

Full-time undergraduate or graduate student seeking hands-on experience in dynamic setting 

Reports To 

Public Affairs Associate 

Location 

Washington, D.C. 

Hours, Duration & Compensation 

Summer or fall internship 

Summer Internships 

40 hours per week 

Paid 

June 1 – July 24, 2026 

Fall Internships 

20 hours per week 

Eligible for college credit 

September 1 – November 20, 2026 (subject to flexibility) 

How To Apply 

Please submit a resume, cover letter and work samples—with an indication in the subject line whether you are applying for summer, fall or both—to the DC Internship Coordinator, Michael Gutterman at michael.gutterman@hisaus.org. 

Application Deadline 

Summer Internships: March 1, 2026 

Fall Internships: June 1, 2026 

About HISA 

When the Horseracing Integrity and Safety Act was signed into federal law, it charged the Horseracing Integrity and Safety Authority (HISA) with proposing and enforcing uniform safety and integrity rules in Thoroughbred racing in the United States. Overseen by the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), HISA is implementing, for the first time, a uniform national set of rules applicable to every Thoroughbred racing participant and racetrack facility. HISA has two programs: the Racetrack Safety Program, which went into effect on July 1, 2022, and the Anti-Doping and Medication Control (ADMC) Program, which went into effect on May 22, 2023.