Presidential Department Descriptions

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​Cabinet Affairs  |   Communications  |  Domestic Policy Council  |  National Economic Council  |  Digital Strategy  |  Legislative Affairs  |  Management & Administration  |  Political Strategy & Outreach  |  Presidential Correspondence  |  Public Engagement & Intergovernmental Affairs  |  First Lady  |  Vice President  | White House Counsel  |  Presidential Personnel  |  Scheduling & Advance  |  White House Fellows

The Office of Cabinet Affairs

This office is the primary liaison between the President and his Cabinet. The office coordinates communications, policy, and logistics between the White House and the Cabinet, as well as managing issues that affect multiple federal agencies. Staff in the Cabinet Affairs office are in daily communication with members of the Cabinet and senior agency staff. The staff includes the Cabinet Secretary, the Deputy Cabinet Secretary, three Deputy Directors, and a Special Assistant. Interns will work with staff to facilitate office operations and implement all activities.

The White House Office of Cabinet Affairs acts as a liaison between the White House and President Obama's Cabinet. The office is very fast-paced and offers interns an incredible opportunity to work on a wide range of policy areas, research issue areas relevant to federal agencies, and provide support at meetings."

Office of Cabinet Affairs Intern

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The White House Communications Department

The Office of Communications crafts from inception to execution the message the President delivers to the world. From planning an address to the nation to working closely with local newspapers, the Office of Communications collaborates with media of all types to advance the agenda of the President. You will learn about and work with different areas of the department, including speechwriting, regional press, broadcast and message planning. Interns should have an interest in media, speechwriting, researching, or political communications. Applicants are expected to keep up with the 24-hour news cycle, which is fast-paced, ever-changing and very challenging – just like the work involved. Interns should be just as comfortable working on a team as they are working individually. Only those with strong multi-tasking abilities, resourcefulness, and enthusiasm are encouraged to apply.

Since we deal with the media, which runs 24/7, we are constantly keeping up-to-date with the latest news surrounding the President and the Administration. It is a fun fast-paced office that overlaps with every office in the White House. I have loved my time here in the media affairs office; even though it’s long hours!"

Communications Department Intern

Domestic Policy Council

The Domestic Policy Council supervises the development, coordination, and execution of domestic policy in the White House. The Domestic Policy Council also offers advice to the President and represents his priorities to Congress.

Policy teams within the Domestic Policy Council include:

Education
This team formulates and implements the President's education agenda. You will work closely with experts on early childhood, elementary and secondary, and higher education to develop and implement policies and programs that strengthen educational outcomes for all Americans. Projects include attending policy meetings, coordinating events, conducting research, drafting memos, and reviewing talking points. Interns should have an interest in education, policymaking, research, and event planning. Essential skills for the internship include strong writing ability, careful attention to detail, project management, and the ability to track multiple tasks concurrently.

Energy and Climate Change
This team supports President Obama's energy and climate change agenda by working closely with a variety of government agencies including the Environmental Protection Agency, the Department of Energy, the Department of Transportation, and the Department of the Interior. In addition, the team works closely with a broad array of stakeholders to identify new opportunities to advance the President's diversified energy strategy and transition to a new clean energy economy.

Health
The team provides leadership to the Executive Branch as it implements the Affordable Care Act, the health reform legislation signed into law by President Obama on March 23, 2010. It also coordinates the Executive Branch activities on Medicare, Medicaid, and public health issues with the American public, stakeholder groups, and state and local governments.

Immigration
This team helps to develop strategies and policies to carry out President Obama’s commitment to fixing our broken immigration system through comprehensive reform. The team is also focused on strengthening border security, developing smarter, more effective enforcement strategies, improving our legal immigration system, reforming our detention system, promoting immigrant integration, and supporting our immigration courts.

Native American Affairs
This team helps develop and implement federal policies related to the President’s commitment to strengthen federal-tribal relations, and to assist American Indian and Alaska Native communities throughout the United States on issues including health care, education, energy, criminal justice, housing, natural resources, and transportation.

Office of Faith-Based and Community Partnerships
The Office of Faith-Based and Neighborhood Partnerships works with 13 affiliated Centers for Faith-based and Neighborhood Partnerships in Federal Agencies to address Administration priority areas including making community groups an integral part of our economic recovery and opportunity; helping children thrive; protecting our environment; increasing disaster preparedness; promoting international development and engaging global religious leaders; and fostering interfaith dialogue and cooperation. This office seeks an intern with the ability to wear many hats and take initiative. As part of a small team, the intern will work closely with the policy assistant to make sure that all of the Director's requests are met on a daily basis, which requires attention to detail and multi-tasking, problem-solving, and organization skills. This also means the intern must be comfortable working independently and with the policy assistant. Interns should have good writing skills, logistical planning skills, and knowledge of domestic and international policy issues related to religious freedom.

Office of National AIDS Policy
ONAP is tasked with coordinating implementation of the President's National HIV/AIDS Strategy across the Federal Government by emphasizing the importance of scaling up evidence-based practices for the communities most impacted by HIV in the United States. Interns are expected to utilize their public health, global health, or public policy background, and have excellent research, writing, editing, and organizational skills.

Rural Affairs
This team takes the lead in coordinating federal policy with respect to rural issues. These include farming and agriculture policy and focus on improving the economic and quality of life of rural areas. The Rural Affairs team also works in collaboration with federal agencies, including the Department of Agriculture.

Social Innovation and Civic Participation
The Office of Social Innovation and Civic Participation (SICP) works to cultivate an outcomes-oriented social sector that identifies and scales innovative solutions to social problems. SICP does this through evidence-based policymaking, emphasizing rigorous evaluation and Pay for Success/Social Impact Bond strategies, and public-private-partnerships that better identify, fund, and scale solutions to policy challenges in areas as diverse as health care, education, veterans, poverty, and energy. The SICP team seeks interns with policy experience, excellent project management, research, written and oral communication, quantitative analysis, and analytical thinking skills that can be applied across a diverse range of issue areas. Interns are given substantial responsibilities and are expected to deliver high-quality work in a fast-paced environment.

Urban Affairs, Justice, and Opportunity
This team works to advance the President’s Ladders of Opportunity agenda. The President believes that everyone should have a fair chance at success — that, no matter who you are or where you’re from, if you’re willing to work hard and play by the rules, you should be able to find a good job, feel secure in your community, and support a family. Tying together issues in criminal justice, civil rights, labor and employment, housing and community development, and human services, the Urban Affairs, Justice, and Opportunity team is working to make sure that everyone in America has a fair shot.

Domestic Policy Council interns are assigned to a specific policy team or office. Interns complete daily substantive research projects on current policy and legislation. Interns write background briefings, policy memos, and fact sheets for senior policy staff. Interns collect and analyze news clips and track websites relevant to the team to which they report. Domestic Policy Council interns also assist with administrative functions, including responding to outside inquiries, managing meeting requests and invitations, assisting in the drafting of correspondence, and helping plan and organize logistics for meetings and events.

Domestic Policy Council interns come from a variety of backgrounds with many skill sets. Excellent writing, research, and interpersonal skills are essential. Previous policy experience and quantitative analysis experience are pluses. Candidates with organizing and outreach experience are also encouraged to apply.

Working in the Domestic Policy Council has been a wonderful experience! We’ve been able to learn a lot about both the office and the workings of the DPC, work on the United We Serve initiative, and help with numerous civic engagement and social innovation-related projects. It’s a wonderful experience for anyone interested in both domestic policy, and particularly the various roles of government in working with multiple sectors of society, including communities, businesses, foundations, and, of course, government."

Domestic Policy Council Intern

National Economic Council

The National Economic Council was established in 1993 to advise the President on U.S. and global economic policy. The National Economic Council has four principal functions: to coordinate policymaking for domestic and international economic issues, to coordinate economic policy advice for the President, to ensure that policy decisions and programs are consistent with the President's economic goals, and to monitor implementation of the President's economic policy agenda. The work of the National Economic Council covers various fields including healthcare, energy, housing, agriculture, commerce, financial markets, fiscal policy, labor, and Social Security. Interns will help with research, scheduling requests, administrative support, and meeting coordination. Interns will enjoy the opportunity to work closely with staff doing in-depth research and logistics.

An internship at NEC provided me the opportunity to research a variety of issues, ranging from finance to education. I also organized and attended policy meetings and was able to interact with staff from different departments. Interns get a lot of responsibility and learn a lot from the experience."

National Economic Council Intern

Office of Digital Strategy

Every day the White House Office of Digital Strategy employs new digital tools and capabilities to help both the President and the public realize the opportunity his second inaugural address called “the obligation to shape the debates of our time.” From WhiteHouse.gov and the “We the People” petitions platform to White House social media presences on sites including Twitter and Facebook, the Office uses digital platforms to amplify the President’s message and engage with citizens around the country online.

Interns in the Office of Digital Strategy generally focus on one the following areas:

• Content: Drafts and copy edits content for the White House blog and other online properties within our Drupal Content Management System (CMS).
• Design: Assists in the creation of charts, social graphics, info graphics, illustrations, animations, and WhiteHouse.gov pages.
• Development: Works with the design and development teams to update and create WhiteHouse.gov pages, create new tools, and produce website analytics reports.
• Engagement: Drafts material for the web and social media properties, produces social analytics reports, helps setup and test outgoing emails.
• Video: Assists in the production and editing of White House video content, including feature videos and the weekly series “West Wing Week.”

The work in the Office of Digital Strategy is fast-paced, challenging, and creative.

As a White House intern, I expected to work with and learn from talented and dedicated staffers, but I did not anticipate that I would have such a hands-on experience. Every day brings something different, and the Office of Digital Strategy is at the center of it all. Interns have the opportunity to shoot and edit videos, help draft content for the White House blog, and utilize new media, making this department a dynamic and rewarding place to work."

Office of Digital Strategy Intern

The White House Office of Legislative Affairs

The Office of Legislative Affairs serves as the President's primary liaison to the United States Congress, and is responsible for advancing the President’s legislative agenda on Capitol Hill. Every day, the Legislative Affairs team is on the front lines, working with Senators, Representatives, and their staffs to promote the President’s priorities. Since President Obama came to office, the Legislative Affairs team has helped spearhead the effort to pass several critical bills, including legislation to turn around our economy, expand children’s access to health care, protect consumers from mortgage fraud, ban abusive credit card fees, ensure equal pay in the workplace, and protect children from the dangers of smoking. Interns will work alongside staff members in our Senate and House liaison offices by helping notify Senators and Representatives about Administration initiatives, assisting with research on legislation and floor activity, staffing legislative events, and serving as an initial point of contact for Members of Congress.

The Office of Management and Administration

White House Management and Administration offers important operational and administrative support for the President of the United States and the White House Office and administrative oversight to components of the Executive Office of the President. An internship in White House Management and Administration presents unique insights and learning experiences for future public service executives. Interns in this department will have the unique opportunity to perform a function or supporting role that touches a wide range of offices and staff. Management and Administration interns are assigned to a specific office within the department. Because each office provides a distinct opportunity, we encourage applicants to note interest in a particular office.

White House Photo Office
Programming in the White House Photo Office is geared toward candidates who are looking to build leadership skills in photography and photo journalism. This office is responsible for photographically documenting and capturing the history of the Presidency. Specific intern responsibilities include editing and toning photos, maintaining the photo database, and assisting with various logistical and administrative tasks. Additionally, interns may have the opportunity to photograph open press events.

White House Visitors Office
The Visitors Office is driven, motivated, and inspired by the core principle of carrying out President Obama and Mrs. Obama’s vision of making the White House the "most open and transparent in history" and truly making it the People’s House. This office hosts events that are open to families across the country and heads up all tours inside the Residence. Interns in the Visitors Office will play a key role in seasonal events, Garden Tours, and sporting events on the lawn, as well as aiding in the day-to-day functions of the office. Candidates with great organizational skills and event experience are encouraged to apply.

White House Operations
White House Operations handles many of the budget, technology, and facilities issues around campus. Operations also answers many of the general administrative questions that staff have and connect different stakeholders throughout the building to solve problems. As an intern in White House Operations you will gain an excellent understanding of what goes on within the White House on a day-to-day basis as well as the role each department plays. You will focus on improving processes and making the White House run as efficiently as possible.

White House Personnel
The White House Personnel Office strives to foster connectivity, communication, leadership, and development at the White House. This office also works with new hires, other government employees, and interns at the White House to ensure they have a successful experience when they arrive, while they’re here, and as they leave. Interns who are placed in the White House Personnel Office will have the opportunity to work with many departments and employees in the White House on projects related to these goals.

White House Management and Administration Front Office
The Management and Administration Front Office is the hub of the department. This office fosters the growth of the other offices within Management and Administration and throughout the White House by facilitating modernization, assisting with special projects, conducting research, setting and communicating policy, and implementing programs that foster connectivity and community. Programming in the Front Office is geared towards building leadership skills in project and program management. Interns will have the opportunity to interact with all sectors of the White House Office.

White House Office of Information Services
Also known as the White House Switchboard, the Office of Information Services provides personalized and accurate call connection, information management and conference call services to all those who serve and work in the White House. Interns in the Switchboard support the Director and the Information Services Operators by updating the White House Switchboard directory, preparing call data and weekly reports, updating performance databases, and preparing records for archiving.

If you are looking for a unique opportunity to perform a supporting role that touches a wide range of offices and staff, the Office of Management and Administration is for you! The M&A team members are dedicated to the success of those who serve the President. As a member of the M&A team, you might photograph open press events, assist the social office with planning and carrying out special events, organize programming, work with newly hired staff, or conduct research."

Office of Management and Administration Intern

Office of Political Strategy and Outreach

The Office of Political Strategy and Outreach provides the President and Senior Staff with information about the political environment to help advance the President's agenda and coordinates constituent outreach efforts on behalf of the President. Interns in this office will assist in editing draft memos, compiling data for presentations, and assembling news clips from various outlets and newspapers.

"As one of the smallest White House offices, this position gave me a unique opportunity to truly be part of an intimate team and work right alongside staffers. The research and work of this office shows the most clear path of how policy change happens: from understanding shifting attitudes in America, to transforming those into policies, to communicating them efficiently. This office makes government ‘work for the people’ by discovering and responding to the changing needs of Americans.”

Office of Political Strategy and Outreach

The Office of Presidential Correspondence

The Office of Presidential Correspondence plays a key role in facilitating an open dialogue between the President and the American people. The office’s mission is to listen to and understand constituents’ views, experiences, and ideas, and coordinate a response on behalf of the President. Members of the Office of Presidential Correspondence receive and reply to: letters and  email; calls coming into the White House Comment Line; gifts sent to the First Family; requests for Presidential proclamations, messages, and greetings; and requests for assistance throughout the Federal Government. The office also provides the President with a daily sample of 10 letters to help keep him in touch with the diverse ideas and experiences of Americans across our country.

"The Office of Presidential Correspondence responds to the thousands of letters, e-mail, and phone calls that President Obama receives every day. At the front lines of communication with citizens, this office provides interns with a unique view of the thoughts, hopes, and concerns of the American people."

Office of Presidential Correspondence Intern

The White House Office of Public Engagement and Intergovernmental Affairs

This office is responsible for building relationships with advocacy groups, non-governmental organizations, and all currently elected state officials. The Office of Public Engagement is also the primary channel through which the general public relates to the White House. Staffers in OPE/IGA consistently work with elected officials and advocates to ensure the President's agenda is supported and continually pushed not only inside the Beltway but in all areas of the country. Interns with this office will work alongside staff members to build new and maintain current relationships with state elected officials and national advocacy leaders, prepare for presidential trips around the country, prepare for elected and advocacy group briefings in the White House, and assist in all other facets of advancing the President's agenda.

The White House Office of Public Engagement and Intergovernmental Affairs serves as the official link between the President and the people, as well as the center of communication for all state and local governments nationwide. We work tirelessly to ensure that governments are informed and included from White House brainstorming sessions to decision making, by managing a myriad of outreach efforts. My experience here has given me significant insight and appreciation of how government prepares, communicates and ultimately influences change in America."

Office of Public Engagement Intern

The Office of the First Lady

The Office of the First Lady aids Mrs. Obama in all aspects of her public life. The staff is divided into six departments: Chief of Staff, Policy, Communications, Scheduling, Correspondence, and the Social Office. As an intern you could work with staff to develop Mrs. Obama's role in important policy issues, help manage the First Lady's hectic schedule, respond to the many letters she receives, or assist in planning the many events hosted by the First Lady, ranging from musical events to State Dinners. Interns should look forward to policy research, managing and executing events or projects, and assisting a team of correspondence volunteers.

On my first day, no one in the First Lady’s office said, ‘Welcome to the office,’ or ‘Let me introduce you to the staff.’ Instead, I heard ‘Welcome to our team, we’re glad to have you!’ and ‘Come meet your team!’ As an intern in the First Lady’s office, it is a joy to come into work to help my team in any way possible!"

Office of the First Lady Intern

The Office of the Vice President

Each of the departments housed within the Office of the Vice President supports the Vice President’s work as an advisor to the President, a diplomat, and the President of the Senate. The Office of the Vice President maintains solid relationships with the members of the United States Congress to promote the administration’s legislative priorities on Capitol Hill. The Office of the Vice President also develops policy options on a wide range of issues from foreign policy and national security to economic recovery and housing. Additionally, the Office of the Vice President handles all of the Vice President’s correspondences, speechwriting, events, scheduling, and travel.

• Office of Dr. Biden in the Office of the Vice President
• The Office of the Counsel to the Vice President
• National Security Affairs in the Office of the Vice President
• The Vice President's Office of Intergovernmental Affairs
• Communications Office in the Office of the Vice President
• Advance Office for the Vice President
• Department of Legislative Affairs in the Office of the Vice President
• The Office of Scheduling for the Vice President
• Economic Policy Department in the Office of the Vice President
• Domestic Policy Department in the Office of the Vice President
• Office of Administration in the Office of the Vice President
• Office of the Chief of Staff in the Office of the Vice President