2027 Legislative Fellow

Maryland Association of Counties; Annapolis (MD); Hybrid; USD 20,000 - 29,000; Part time

Job summary

Maryland Association of Counties (MACo) seeks a Policy Fellow for the 2027 Maryland General Assembly Session. The role supports advocacy, education, and collaboration across 24 counties, with emphasis on researching and summarizing pending legislation and preparing materials for MACo committees.

The internship offers mentorship, potential course credit, and a path to develop public policy analysis, writing, and oral testimony skills during a mostly remote, hybrid schedule in Annapolis, MD.

Qualifications

• Applicant must be self-motivated with strong writing and communication skills.
• Graduate students preferred; undergraduates encouraged to apply.
• Ability to work approximately 20 hours per week during normal business hours.

Responsibilities

• Virtually attend weekly meetings of the MACo Policy Team to review and analyze pending legislation and strategize around goals and outcomes.
• Conduct online research regarding introduced and proposed legislation, including retrieval of relevant information from online bill files in Senate and House committees.
• Write articles for MACo’s blog, Conduit Street, summarizing positions on legislation and testimony and on other topics of county interest.
• Assist with reports and materials to be presented to MACo’s Legislative Committee, which meets weekly throughout Session.
• Assist with surveys conducted by Policy staff, MACo leaders, or General Assembly members, as requested.
• Conduct additional in-depth research on topics as required by the Policy Team.
• Track briefing dates and prepare weekly reports on briefing schedule.
• Attend (virtually or in-person) public bill hearings, budget hearings, and meetings as needed; writing summaries and analyses for distribution to policy staff and MACo members

Skills

Strong writing

Research skills

Policy analysis

Oral testimony

Education

Graduate students preferred

Undergraduate encouraged

Job description

The Maryland Association of Counties (MACo) is seeking an intern to serve as Policy Fellow during the 2027 Maryland General Assembly Session.

MACo is the non-profit, non-partisan voice of all 24 Maryland counties promoting effective, efficient government through advocacy, education, and collaboration. The Association is involved in a variety of policy areas affecting county government, including but not limited to: budgets, taxation, business affairs, finance, procurement, labor relations, public works, elections, education, environment, public health, planning and zoning, public safety, corrections, public information, and ethics. The policy fellowship may include research and writing in any of these areas. Commensurate with abilities, the policy fellowship may also include delivering oral testimony to the General Assembly.

The policy fellow will be considered a member of the MACo policy team and will work closely under their mentorship to support the advocacy efforts of the team. In turn, the Fellow will learn firsthand about a range of policy issues affecting local governments and the advocacy process in front of the Maryland General Assembly.

If applicable, this policy fellowship may be eligible for course credit. A letter of recommendation will be provided upon successful completion of the fellowship.

WHAT YOU WILL LEARN

• The behind-the-scenes legislative process in Annapolis – see what goes into building effective public policy
• How to read bills, fiscal notes, and reports regarding pending legislation
• Methods for analyzing pending legislation to assess its impact and outcomes
• How to efficiently summarize legislation for the public
• Negotiation and relationship-building best practices
• Public speaking and testifying skills
• Ways to connect with potential employers and employment opportunities in public policy, advocacy, and government

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Virtually attend weekly meetings of the MACo Policy Team to review and analyze pending legislation and strategize around goals and outcomes
• Conduct online research regarding introduced and proposed legislation, including retrieval of relevant information from online bill files in Senate and House committees
• Write articles for MACo’s blog, Conduit Street, summarizing positions on legislation and testimony and on other topics of county interest
• Assist with reports and materials to be presented to MACo’s Legislative Committee, which meets weekly throughout Session
• Assist with surveys conducted by Policy staff, MACo leaders, or General Assembly members, as requested
• Conduct additional in-depth research on topics as required by the Policy Team
• Track briefing dates and prepare weekly reports on briefing schedule
• Attend (virtually or in-person) public bill hearings, budget hearings, and meetings as needed; writing summaries and analyses for distribution to policy staff and MACo members

QUALIFICATIONS

Applicant must be self-motivated, possess a level of maturity and interest necessary to initiate and complete research requirements with minimal supervision, and possess strong writing, communication, and computer skills – particularly around online meeting platforms.

Graduate students are preferred, though undergraduates are also encouraged to apply. Specialization or coursework in law, political science, public affairs, economics, history, or public policy is preferred. Knowledge of state and local government issues and structure is a plus for this position.

The ability to work approximately 20 hours per week during normal business hours is required – this position is not a good fit for a professional already working a full-time job.

The MACo office and the General Assembly buildings are in downtown Annapolis. This is a hybrid position – the majority of the responsibilities can be completed remotely, but some participation on-site in Annapolis, MD, will be required.

SCHEDULE

The policy fellowship runs from January to mid-April. The policy fellowship includes approximately 20 hours per week, and additional hours may be considered. This is a largely remote position, with some on-site participation required. Weekday daytime business hours are required. Potential evening hours may also be mutually agreed upon.

COMPENSATION

This is a paid, contract position at $18/hour - 20 hours/week is expected, but may vary depending on need. Other related expenses will be covered.