Mayor's Fellows Program - 2026 Office of the Mayor Intern

Are you Richmond R.E.A.D.Y ? R espect. E quity. A ccountability. D iversity… YOU !!!

About

This is an EXCITING time to Join the City of Richmond! We are committed to nurturing talent, fostering growth opportunities, and building strong connections within our workforce. As we continue to make strides to becoming the employer of choice, we are thrilled about the below employee benefit enhancements:

• Virginia Retirement System (VRS)
• Language Incentive
• Referral Bonus
• T uition Assistance Program
  
  

Description

As a fellow in the Office of Mayor Danny Avula, you will work closely with executive staff on policy and administrative projects. This is a fast-paced environment, projects, and priorities can change on a daily basis. However, we will work with you if you have an interest in a longer-term policy/research project as well. This is a fully in-person internship opportunity.

• The duration of the Mayors Fellow Program is 10 weeks, June 1 - August 7,2026**
  
  

Duties include but are not limited to

Assigned Duties

• Researching local, state, and federal legislation and policies drafting documents in a fast-paced environment
• Analyzing various policies and best practices and making recommendations based on findings; drafting policy memos
• Attending City Council meetings and creating summary meeting notes
• Assisting with constituent services including taking phone calls, drafting letters, and addressing constituent concerns
  
  

Internship Goals:

• To gain exposure to and gain understanding of the complexities of local government decision-making.
• To quickly deliver policy and legislative recommendations based on research.
• To sharpen policy analysis, memo writing, and communications skills using a local government lens.
  
  

Qualifications, Special Certifications And Licenses

To be considered for an internship in this program, applicants must adhere to the following criteria:

• Applicants must write a brief essay (one page or 500 words) explaining interest in working with the Mayor’s Office or another/other City department(s)
• Applicants must provide two references from non-family-members.
• All internships are in-person opportunities.
• The student must be currently enrolled in an undergraduate or graduate degree program, be in good academic standing (as defined below), and be registered for courses during the internship period. Summer Interns do not have to be enrolled in summer school but must be enrolled for the upcoming Fall semester.
• Be currently enrolled as an undergraduate student, a graduate student, or a recent graduate of an undergraduate degree program from a four-year institution in good academic standing (within the last 6 months)
• After graduating from a degree program, the student no longer qualifies for an internship with this program unless they have been accepted into a graduate program which is scheduled to begin within twelve (12) months of the hire date.
• Students must provide a college transcript and approval from the Academic Advisor or Career Development Counselor prior to the interview date.
• Students must be lawfully authorized to work in the United States and are required to present proof of such eligibility prior to beginning work.
• Undergraduate students must have completed 60 credit hours and have a 2.5 overall grade point average.
• Graduate students must be enrolled at an accredited institution and have a 3.0 overall grade point average.
• No special certification or license is required.
  
  

**A cover letter and resume are required and must include the following information; academic major, area of professional interest, and City department(s) in which the applicant would most likely complete an internship. If you are interested in being considered for more than one internship, a separate application package is required for each. **

Americans With Disabilities Act Requirements

ADA COMPLIANCE

The City of Richmond, Virginia is an Equal Opportunity Employer. ADA requires the City to provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities. Prospective and current employees are invited to discuss accommodations.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

The City of Richmond provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.

The City of Richmond is committed to the full inclusion of all qualified individuals. As part of this commitment, the City of Richmond will ensure that persons with disabilities are provided with reasonable accommodations. If you require reasonable accommodations under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) to participate in the job application and/or the interview process, please contact Jessica McKenzie, Human Resources Manager by email at Jessica.McKenzie@RVA.GOV .

This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruitment, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation and training.

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