Internships at CMF

“This internship opened a window for me to a different side of Congress, and Washington in general. I gained an appreciation for the complex relationship between lawmakers and other interest groups through my time at CMF.”
—Mai Nguyen, University of California Los Angeles, Spring 2015

Meet Harrison, CMF Research Assistant (2019)

“I loved the work environment. I really felt like a member of the team and not just an extra set of hands. Being allowed to work on some of the projects was amazing, fun and very informative. I learned a lot. I also enjoyed the community/family feel.”
—Kelsey Tokunaga, University of California Los Angeles, Fall 2014
“Working as a Research Assistant at CMF was an incredibly enriching experience. As an intern, I had the privilege of working on self-guided projects as well as in a collaborative environment where team members built upon each other’s knowledge. And the best part? The close-knit workplace made the experience more personable, and overall invaluable.”
—Christine Rafla, University of California San Diego, Spring 2013.

About CMF

The Congressional Management Foundation (CMF) is a 501(c)(3) nonpartisan nonprofit dedicated to building trust and effectiveness in Congress by working directly with congressional offices to enhance their operations and interactions with constituents, as well as educating and training advocacy groups on how Congress works. The results are a Congress more accountable, transparent, and effective; and an informed citizenry with greater trust in their democratic institutions.


Research Assistants

Our work provides a unique perspective on the inner workings of Congress that students interested in government, management and/or citizen engagement find valuable to their education and professional development. Research Assistants (RAs) are treated as members of our staff, and work closely with senior staff on our training, outreach, and research projects. Although our RAs provide administrative support, they also have the opportunity to work on exciting projects relating to congressional management and civic engagement. Our Research Assistants get a bird's eye view of congressional operations, and they learn a great deal about how Congress works, politically and organizationally.


Qualifications

CMF seeks motivated, professional, proactive junior/senior college students. Because of the nature of our work, applicants must possess good writing and analytic skills, must be proficient with Microsoft Office programs, including Word, Excel, and PowerPoint. RAs support CMF in its mission by:

  • Thinking creatively and innovatively;
  • Becoming familiar with the culture and operations of Congress;
  • Conducting research and analysis for our training programs, publications, and advisory services to House and Senate offices;
  • Attending and supporting training programs and briefings with and for congressional staff;
  • Assisting in CMF's communications and technology work through its Partnership For A More Perfect Union;
  • Assisting in CMF's congressional operations work; and
  • Supporting internal operations at CMF.

Program Highlights

We try to ensure that our RAs work on at least one substantive piece of work during their time with us that will enhance their resume. RA assignments may include assisting on:

Democracy Awards

Now in its third year, CMF's Democracy Awards program recognizes outstanding public service in House and Senate offices across four categories: Constituent Service; Innovation and Modernization; "Life in Congress" Workplace Environment; and Transparency and Accountability. This spring we will gather supporting documentation from and conduct interviews with nominated congressional offices, and will expect our RA to be involved in this process. The RA would also assist in the finalist announcements, as well as logistical preparation and planning for the finalist lunch in March – which they would also attend.

Modernization of Congress

CMF has been helping the House Select Committee on the Modernization of Congress think about the ways congressional operations, infrastructure, and process can be updated to strengthen the institution and democracy. Our spring intern will support CMF's work in providing what the committee needs and helping to implement the committee's recommendations.

A New Model for Member-Constituent Engagement (MCE)

CMF has been working on a vision for a new model for how citizens and Congress can better interact. In the spring, CMF will need intern assistance in analyzing and understanding data we have collected so it can be incorporated into a white paper on the past, present, and future vision for Member-citizen engagement and other products for Congress and citizens.

General Administrative Assistance

We will also require general admin assistance. This would include answering the phone, producing a daily digest of relevant news stories, and taking minutes at staff and monthly meetings. Our work with advocacy groups mean that our senior staff frequently give speeches and you are encouraged to attend these as your schedule allows.


Time Commitment

Research Assistants are an integral part of the CMF staff, and we typically require that they commit to approximately 30 hours a week during the academic year or full time during the summer (previous Research Assistants have worked 4 days a week in order to fulfill class obligations). We are flexible about start and end dates of the internship.

      • Winter/Spring term will begin January/February and continue through April/May.
      • Summer term will begin May/June and continue through August.
      • Fall term will begin in August/September and continue through December.

Benefits

Through an internship with us you will:

      • Learn about Congress and congressional operations;
      • Learn about technology, e-government, and how new tools affect the legislature;
      • Learn private sector management concepts and see how they apply to a congressional environment;
      • Work at the forefront of congressional management and e-government;
      • Develop valuable professional skills;
      • Learn about functioning in a nonprofit environment;
      • Be rewarded for offering new ideas and taking initiative;
      • Become a part of everything CMF does;
      • Be treated as junior staff;
      • Work in a dynamic and friendly atmosphere; and
      • Receive thoughtful references and professional support.

At the completion of the internship, a stipend of $1,500 is provided. We also provide monthly Metro benefits of $100.


Location

CMF is located on Capitol Hill and is Metro-accessible—just 1.5 blocks from the Eastern Market Metro Station (Blue and Orange Lines).


Application Deadlines

Our deadlines for applications are rolling—please include the dates you are available in your cover letter.


How to Apply

Email a cover letter, resume, and a 2-3 page writing sample to: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it with the subject line: "Attn: Intern Coordinator."

If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact us. We look forward to hearing from you!