Legislative & Budget Intern

The City Council's Progressive Caucus (PC) is dedicated to creating a more just and equitable New York City, and advancing public policies that prioritize working New Yorkers over corporate interests; fighting economic, racial, and social inequities; and advancing civil liberties. The PC is committed to helping progressives, inside and outside of City Hall, work together to more effectively achieve our collective goals. 

As the 2024-25 term comes to a close, January 2026 will mark the beginning of a new session, and, potentially, a new mayoral administration. We’re seeking a highly motivated individual who combines versatility with a strong passion for progressive politics, public service, and city government. The Internship is an excellent opportunity to gain hands-on experience about the inner workings of city government, engage in political organizing in partnership with PC members and their teams, and contribute to advancing the collective policy goals of the city’s progressive elected officials.

The Intern will assist the Executive Director in facilitating key discussions for the incoming 2026-2029 Caucus membership, including determination of the PC’s upcoming legislative and policy priorities, running caucus communications, as well as supporting other office management tasks as needed. Specific responsibilities can be tailored to the interests of the person who fills the role. The Intern will work closely with the PC’s Executive Director and elected Caucus leadership. 

We will be accepting rolling applications up until 11:59PM on September 30, 2025 with an expected start date of January 5, 2026. The internship duration is open to negotiation, though it is ideal to have a candidate stay on through the budget cycle which will end on June 30, 2026.

Read more about the PC here: nycprogressives.com.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Research and analyze City budget documents, legislation, and policy reports from a variety of sources in support of the Progressive Caucus’s ongoing policy, legislative, and budget priorities.
• Coordinate between and communicate with Members’ offices on shared priorities.
• Support the Progressive Caucus’s social media needs, including by writing social media content, creating graphics and videos, and updating the Caucus’s website.
• Aid in the planning and promotion of hearings, rallies, briefings, advocacy events, and Caucus meetings.
• Maintain internal information systems, including organizational planning, legislation tracking, policy and budget analyses, and relationship management documents.
• Engage external stakeholders and partners in coordination with the Executive Director.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Currently enrolled, ideally in their final year, of graduate studies in policy, political science, public administration, or other fields related to government and politics. 
• Self-starter with the ability to work with minimal supervision.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills, strong organizational skills, and the ability to manage several projects at once.
• Experience with X, Instagram, BlueSky, WordPress, CapCut, Canva, Microsoft Workspace, or similar platforms.
• Availability for at least 14 hours per week with a max of 20 hours. 

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:

New York City residency required within 90 days of appointment.

For eligible employees, health, dental and vision insurance coverage are offered upon hire. Retirement plans, deferred compensation plans, group life insurance, paid time off and paid holidays, training resources, health & fitness reimbursement and wellness programs are also available.

The New York City Council makes reasonable accommodations for applicants and employees with disabilities. If reasonable accommodation is needed to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and/or to receive other benefits and privileges of employment, please contact EEOOfficer@council.nyc.gov.

HOW TO APPLY:

Qualified candidates must forward their resume AND a cover letter to:

E-MAIL:         counciljobs@council.nyc.gov 
                         with the Subject Line “2026 PC Internship”

MAIL:             New York City Council

Attn: Personnel Services/Recruiting (PCLEG)

250 Broadway, 26th Floor

New York, New York 10007

FAX:               (212) 401-4711

While we sincerely appreciate all applications, only those who submit a resume AND cover letter will be considered. Only candidates selected for an interview will be contacted.

The New York City Council is an inclusive equal opportunity employer committed to recruiting and retaining a diverse workforce and providing a work environment that is free from discrimination and harassment based upon any legally protected status or protected characteristic, including but not limited to an individual's sex, race, color, ethnicity, national origin, age, religion, disability, sexual orientation, veteran status, gender identity, or pregnancy.