Advocacy Intern

About FS Vector

FS Vector is a strategic consulting firm for financial services clients in a rapidly evolving industry and complex regulatory environment. Since its inception, the firm has been dedicated to serving as a trusted partner at each stage of growth – from early stage ventures to global organizations. We provide unique expertise at the intersection of technology, government, and traditional finance. Our team delivers a variety of resources our clients need in one firm, including advisory, advocacy, and training services. 

About the Advocacy Team 

We work with clients to develop a comprehensive policy strategy to concretely influence the climate in which they do business. This includes getting clients integrated with Capitol Hill and the regulatory agencies, as well as providing political intelligence to keep pace in a constantly evolving policy landscape. Our team’s knowledge of how policymaking works, intimate understanding of the regulatory apparatus, and extensive network on Capitol Hill allows us to educate, influence, and create relationships with policymakers at every level. The Advocacy team specializes in the following areas:

• Government Relations: We provide real-time political intelligence to help clients mitigate risks, adjust priorities and realize opportunities. Our relationships with policymakers allow us to develop and execute strategic advocacy roadmaps that pair priority needs with methods to achieve them. 
• Stakeholder management: We help clients develop and maintain robust outside partnerships with third-party validators, such as subject-matter experts and scholars. We also help build coalitions and advance industry forums to facilitate multi stakeholder dialogue, standards, and best practices.
• Public Affairs: We work with clients to build stronger brands + public profiles, deftly manage threats, and capitalize on opportunities via traditional and nontraditional channels. The goal is to position clients as conveners and thought leaders in a rapidly developing industry.

Primary Responsibilities

As an Advocacy Intern, you will support the team in drafting hearing summary memos and conducting research pivotal to our clients' business goals. Hearing summary memos involve watching relevant Congressional hearings or related events and synthesizing the information into a clear summary for clients and colleagues. Research includes monitoring multiple news sources, stakeholder mapping, and delving into specific topics relevant to client needs. Your role will also encompass aiding in various client-related tasks and organizational duties. Interns will have the opportunity to learn about public affairs strategy in the financial services sector, the current political and regulatory environments, and get hands-on experience with researchers, industry experts, and policymakers.

Expectations

Interns are an integral part of the Advocacy team and provide significant support to the work we do. The internship requires a minimum of 20 hours per week and a commitment to high quality deliverables and productive communication in a virtual environment. FS Vector is dedicated to fostering skill development, knowledge sharing, and providing constructive feedback in a supportive atmosphere to ensure the professional growth of our interns.

Skills

We seek candidates with a keen interest in financial services policy, politics, regulation, and emerging technology companies. Ideal candidates are those eager to gain experience at the convergence of business, technology, and finance, characterized by creativity, motivation, and intellectual curiosity. Successful applicants will demonstrate leadership, problem-solving creativity, and a deep interest in policy and public affairs, coupled with the ability to quickly synthesize complex information into clear, precise documents.

Qualifications:

• Enrollment as a rising undergraduate junior or senior, or as a graduate student pursuing degrees such as JD, MPP, MPA, MBA, or other relevant fields.
• Previous internship experience in political, government, or financial services settings is preferred.
• Proven research and analytical skills, with the ability to articulate complex ideas clearly and concisely.
• Knowledge or interest in business, compliance, politics, legislative processes, and policy fields is advantageous.
• Exceptional verbal and written communication skills.
• Acute attention to detail and strong organizational capabilities.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint).
• Proactive, independent work style, with the ability to also thrive in team settings.
• Demonstrated ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
• Available to work a minimum of 20 hours per week.

Benefits:

• A stimulating environment conducive to learning and professional development.
• Access to leading industry experts.
• Engagement in substantive, hands-on project work.
• Competitive compensation or college credits.

Location:

This internship will be conducted in-person in Washington DC.

Interested Candidates:

To apply, please send your resume and anticipated weekly availability to mmoore@fsvector.com. While a cover letter is optional, it is encouraged. Indicate your availability for the semester and whether the internship will be for college credit. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis.