KIP Spring 2027 - External Relations Intern - Mercatus Center

The Koch Internship Program (KIP) is a paid experiential learning program run by Stand Together Fellowships that offers professional development, leadership training, and meaningful work experience at non-profits tackling some of our nation's most pressing policy challenges all over the United States. Early-career professionals including undergraduate/graduate/law students and recent graduates are encouraged to apply. Eligible candidates will be geographically located in and authorized to work in the United States through the duration of the program. Successful candidates will interview with both our non-profit partner organizations and Stand Together Fellowships staff, so we strongly encourage you to begin the admissions process early!

The Mercatus Center at George Mason University is where top classical liberal scholars solve real-world challenges. Grounded in the tradition of market-oriented thinking and classical liberal ideas, we equip high-agency talent to apply bold ideas that shape institutions, inform policy, and help people flourish.
The External Relation Associate will learn about federal and state external relations as well as the Mercatus Center’s mission and classical liberalism.
Specific Duties:
External Relations administrative tasks and small research projects.
Assist with preparation for meetings with legislators and coalition members as well as conferences.
Draft emails sharing published research and analysis.
Assist with preparing one pagers and other External Relations correspondence.
Attend External Relations events as well as events held by coalition members.
Assist with record keeping by taking notes on meetings with legislators and organizational partners and recording them in Salesforce.
Tracking relevant legislation and hearings.
Assist with media needs for the organization’s Strategic Engagement Team.
Qualifications:
Must be a college student or recent college graduate.
Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
Ability to manage multiple projects and deadlines.
Strong written and verbal communication skills.
Ability to work independently while taking direction and incorporating feedback.
Genuine interest in classical liberal ideas, free-market research, and the institutions that allow people and communities to thrive.

Stand Together Fellowships believes that diversity in experiences, perspectives, knowledge and ideas fuels creativity, broadens knowledge, and helps drive success. Our admissions office treats all program participants and applicants with honesty, dignity, respect and sensitivity. We welcome all qualified applicants regardless of color, race, religion, religious creed, sex, gender or gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, national origin, citizenship, ethnicity, ancestry, age, physical disability, mental disability, medical condition, pregnancy (including medical needs which may arise from pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions), military and veteran status, genetic information, marital or familial status, political affiliation, or any other legally recognized protected basis under federal, state or local laws, regulations or ordinances.

Stand Together Fellowships pays participants a stipend of either $7,500 for full-time participants working approximately 32 hours per week at the partner organization, or $5,500 for part-time participants working approximately 24 hours per week at the partner organization. Attending the entirety of the online and on-site KIP programming is required for both full and part-time participants.