The National Association of Counties (NACo) is offering a short-term paid internship within the Government Affairs Department. The internship will run from late May/early June until August, with the possibility for an extension. Ideal candidates will be able to provide on-site assistance to the Government Affairs team at NACo’s 2024 Annual Conference from July 11-15 in Hillsborough County (Tampa), Florida.

Benefits of this internship include gaining significant exposure to the federal legislative process, advocacy strategies and making valuable connections with government officials, Congressional staff and other legislative professionals. This is a paid internship at $17/hour for 10-15 hours a week.

NACo is a friendly, fast-paced work environment with a bipartisan, mission-driven team. An ideal candidate will thrive in a strategic, nonpartisan political environment designed to advance the policies and priorities of our members. Candidates should have a strong understanding of and interest in the U.S. political system, including local and regional government. 

Primary Duties and Responsibilities:

•Researching and analyzing impacts of legislation and regulations 

•Authoring advocacy updates on regulatory and legislative actions 

•Learning and managing various NACo web software utilized by the Government Affairs Department 

•Meeting scheduling and preparation

•Responding to member inquiries 

•Supporting NACo Government Affairs team at in-person meetings and conferences

•Administrative duties and other tasks as assigned

Qualifications:

•Bachelor’s Degree from an accredited college or university, or pursuing a Bachelor’s Degree and are at least a rising Junior in good standing

•Excellent oral and written communications skills

•Ability to meet deadlines and work well under pressure

•Knowledge of and interest in local government policies and practices

•Prior Capitol Hill internship experience in government affairs or other fields plus.

Application Process:

Interested candidates should send a cover letter and resume to jcortina@naco.org by Wednesday, May 8.

Why Work a NACo:

Our vision is healthy, safe, and vibrant counties across America. Counties play an integral part of the intergovernmental responsibilities among federal, state, local and tribal government officials. We are guided by the belief that stronger counties result in a stronger America. 

NACo is committed to fostering a diverse environment and is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. Our jobs are open to all applications regardless of race, color, sex, gender, sexual orientation, age, religion, national origin, marital status, pregnancy, disability, military status, or any other basis prohibited by federal, state, or local law.

We are passionate about advancing excellence in public service to help people and places thrive across America. We embrace and respect our diversity of experience, heritage, and thought and strive to cultivate an equitable workplace. As outlined in our Values and NACo Norms below, we pursue our mission through a ONE NACo mindset of genuine care, empathy, and respect for each other, our partners, and our members. 

Join us as we advance excellence in public service to help our local counties and communities thrive.