Public Policy & Community Affairs Intern
Vannevarlabs•4h ago
United StatesRemote$3M–$80MInternshipIntern Level0-1 yrs exp
- Vannevar is a defense technology company building AI to deter our adversaries. In the 21st century, conflict moves at algorithmic speed and foresight equals firepower. Our agentic AI is purpose-built to compete with China—from cross-Strait conflict to gray zone coercion. Trained on the most mission-relevant datasets in defense, our technology models adversary behavior, simulates campaigns
- recommends the best course of action to decision makers. Our AI systems are some of the most trusted in the industry and actively used on the front lines of the Indo-Pacific to keep the peace and save lives.
- Exceptional technology starts with exceptional people. Vannevar is a small agile team combining world-class engineers with veteran strategists who bring deep expertise in defense and tradecraft. We’re building a company defined by mission impact, user empathy
- disciplined growth. In just three years, we grew from $3M to $80M in ARR, achieved early profitability
- reached unicorn status—proving that disruption doesn’t require an ego
- staying power doesn’t mean standing still.
- About the role
- We are looking for a Public Policy & Community Affairs Intern based on O‘ahu to join our Government Relations team and support Vannevar’s engagement across Hawaiʻi and the Indo‑Pacific region. This role will partner closely with our Director of Government Relations and broader Public Policy & Strategy team to strengthen relationships with policymakers, industry associations
- community organizations.
- This position is designed to expand Vannevar’s local presence and ensure consistent, high-quality engagement with partners across government, academia, industry
- civil society. The intern will play a critical role in supporting coordination, research
- execution of engagement strategies tied to policy priorities and community needs.
- What you’ll do
- Build relationships with policymakers and civic leaders
- Support engagement with state and local officials, congressional offices
- relevant public agencies. Help with stakeholder mapping, meeting coordination, briefing preparation
- follow-ups to deepen Vannevar’s presence on island. Take ownership of key relationships over time and help build coalitions across stakeholders to advance shared priorities.
- Partner with industry associations and ecosystem organizations
- Help develop and maintain relationships with chambers of commerce, technology and innovation networks, trade associations
- convening organizations. Attend and represent Vannevar at partner- and community-led events (e.g., association meetings, convenings, panels
- roundtables), capturing notes and follow-ups and helping identify opportunities to build relationships and advance shared priorities.
- Engage community and nonprofit stakeholders
- Assist in building respectful, durable relationships with community organizations, nonprofits
- local leaders. Help identify opportunities for listening sessions, site visits
- community-informed programming that aligns with local priorities.
- Conduct policy research and analysis
- Track relevant policy initiatives, economic development priorities
- funding opportunities related to technology, resilience, workforce development, public safety
- regional security. Synthesize insights into clear, actionable memos and briefings for internal teams.
- Strengthen internal coordination
- Act as a connective tissue between on-island Government Relations, product, and mission teams by coordinating requests, surfacing regional insights, and helping teams stay aligned on messaging and engagement goals.
- Provide operational and administrative support
- Assist with scheduling, event logistics, note-taking, and general support to ensure smooth execution of engagements and ongoing initiatives in Hawaiʻi.
- What we’re looking for
- Demonstrated interest in public policy, government relations, community affairs, or civic engagement (internships, campus work, or community leadership welcome)
- Strong research, writing, and communication skills
- Strong organizational skills and comfort managing multiple priorities
- Ability to operate independently and proactively in a remote, lightly structured environment
- Familiarity with Hawaiʻi’s policy and community landscape (or eagerness to learn quickly and respectfully)
- U.S. citizenship
- Based in Honolulu, Hawaiʻi
- What we offer
- Competitive hourly pay. Individual compensation will be determined based on experience and relevant education.
- Vannevar Labs is an equal opportunity employer
- qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, veteran status
- We encourage candidates from all backgrounds to apply, even if you don’t feel like a perfect fit. If you’re passionate about contributing to our mission, we’d love to hear from you.
- Vannevar is an equal opportunity employer
- qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender perception or identity, national origin, age, marital status, protected veteran status
- We encourage candidates from all backgrounds to apply, even if you don't feel like you're a perfect fit. If you're passionate about contributing to our mission, we'd love to hear from you!
- IMPORTANT NOTICE
- We are committed to protecting the privacy of all applicants. Official emails from the company will come from an @vannevarlabs.com domain. Under no circumstances will a legitimate representative from our company contact you to request passwords, financial information
- other sensitive personal data. Please be vigilant of potential scams.
Required skills
AgileSecurity