Intern - Public Policy

The Role

This internship is a growth opportunity with exciting projects, exposure to top companies and senior leaders, and the ability to do work that impacts the future of the Dallas region. You will learn how businesses work together with the community to drive more equity. You will also build your network with people from many different industries. Our goal is to help you develop personally and professionally to be better prepared to launch your career.

Reporting Structure

This individual will report directly to the Senior Vice President, Vice President, or Managing Director and assist with overall operations of the team.

Our Guiding Principles

Our guiding principles underpin everything we do. The Intern is expected to consistently demonstrate the DRC’s GREAT guiding principles.

• Growth: We foster a culture of continuous learning, innovation, and personal and professional growth, empowering our team members to reach their full potential.
• Responsibility: We are self-starters who take ownership of our actions and commitments and honor our responsibilities to our teammates, members, partners, and community.
• Excellence: We strive for excellence in everything, delivering high-quality services, and experiences that drive positive outcomes for our members and the Dallas Region.
• Adaptability: We embrace the chance to improve every day, constantly looking for opportunities to help the Dallas Region be even better tomorrow than it is today.
• Teamwork: We play a team sport, working together to achieve common goals, making sure our teammates feel valued and included, and cheering each other on along the way.

Key Responsibilities

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty and responsibility satisfactorily. The duties and responsibilities include the following, though other duties may be assigned.

Policy Research

• Conduct research on current legislation, regulatory proposals, and emerging policy issues relevant to our organization’s mission and goals.
• Draft policy briefs, talking points, fact sheets, and issue summaries for internal and external use.

Legislative Monitoring

• Track local, state, and federal legislative activity and prepare timely updates for staff and stakeholders.
• Maintain and update databases of elected officials, policy positions, and legislative actions.

Stakeholder Engagement

• Assist in preparing materials for meetings with government officials, community partners, and coalition members.
• Support event planning and execution for policy briefings, advocacy days, or public forums.

Communications Support

• Draft content for policy-related newsletters, blog posts, or social media campaigns.
• Help prepare reports or slide decks for presentations to leadership or community groups.

Administrative Duties

• Provide logistical and clerical support to the policy team as needed, including notetaking, scheduling, and document organization.

• Current enrollment in or recent graduate from a bachelor’s or master’s degree program.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Ability to work both independently and as part of a team.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint.)

Physical Requirements

The physical requirements and work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the job.

• Moderate noise level
• Occasional standing and lifting of at least 5 pounds
• Long periods of sitting
• Occasional travel