PEER Center Summer Intern

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Summary:

The Postsecondary Education & Economics Research (PEER) Center at American University’s School of Public Affairs is hiring for an undergraduate or graduate intern that’s a non-AU student for Summer 2026.

This summer intern role will support the PEER Center in conducting actionable, rigorous research to support policymakers in designing strategies that support more equitable outcomes in higher education. The summer intern will assist with communications and writing, research, and analysis; and may be asked to aid in some administrative work (such as providing support for PEER Center events). 

The intern must be an undergraduate or graduate student with an interest in economics and coursework or other experience in coding with Python, R, and/or Stata. The role will be 30 - 40 hours per week, in-person on the American University campus most days. The rate of pay will be $22.86 per hour. We expect the intern will work approximately late May through mid-August 2026, but are flexible on start and end dates.

Essential Functions:

1.) Research and Policy Analysis Support

• Assist the PEER Center in conducting rigorous, policy-relevant research focused on advancing equity in higher education. Responsibilities may include supporting data collection, literature reviews, analysis, and synthesis of findings for use by policymakers and institutional leaders.

2.) Communications and Writing Support

• Support the development of written and visual materials such as research briefs, reports, presentations, and other communications for internal and external audiences. Assist with editing, formatting, and dissemination of research outputs.

3.) Administrative and Program Support

• Provide administrative and logistical support for PEER Center initiatives, including events, meetings, and general operations as needed. Assist with organizing materials, tracking tasks, and supporting day-to-day program activities.

4.) Other Duties as Assigned

Salary Range:

Required Education and Experience:

• High school diploma or equivalent.

• Less than 1 year of relevant experience.

Preferred Education and Experience:

• Bachelor's degree.

• 1 - 3 years of relevant experience.

Position Type/Expected Hours of Work:

• Full-time.

• 35 hours per week.

• Hybrid 1 work modality (3 - 4 days in office).

• Continuation of the program/position is contingent upon external funding.

• This is a temporary full-time position ending on or before August 30, 2026.

Other Duties:

• Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change at any time with or without notice.

Benefits

AU offers a competitive benefits package. Click here to learn about American University's unique benefit options.

Other Details

• Hiring offers for this position are contingent on successful completion of a background check.

• Employees in staff positions at American University must deliver their services to the university from either the District of Columbia, Maryland, or Virginia, or perform work on-site at the university.

• Please note this job announcement is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.

• American University is an E-Verify employer.

Current American University Employees

American University current employees must apply through their employee Workday account. If you are a current employee at American University, please log into Workday and select the Find Jobs report which will take you to our internal career listings.

Contact Us

For more information or assistance with the American University careers site, email theworkline@american.edu.

American University is an equal opportunity, affirmative action institution that operates in compliance with applicable laws and regulations. The university does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, sex (including pregnancy), age, sexual orientation, disability, marital status, personal appearance, gender identity and expression, family responsibilities, political affiliation, source of income, veteran status, an individual’s genetic information or any other bases under federal or local laws (collectively "Protected Bases") in its programs and activities.