Government Affairs Intern

National Association of Counties; Washington (District of Columbia); On-site; USD 21,000 - 30,000; Full time

Job summary

The National Association of Counties (NACo) offers a paid internship in the Government Affairs department in Washington, D.C. The position provides hands-on experience in federal advocacy, policy analysis and county government practices.

The internship runs mid-January 2027 to mid-May 2027, with on-site requirements including attendance at NACo’s Legislative Conference February 19–23. Ideal candidates are pursuing a bachelor’s degree or have a degree, possess strong written and oral

Qualifications

• Pursuing a bachelor’s degree and at least a sophomore, or has earned a bachelor’s degree.
• Excellent oral and written communications skills.
• Ability to meet deadlines and work well under pressure.
• Knowledge of local government policies and practices.
• Prior internship experience in government affairs is a plus.
• Expected to work 10-15 hours per week.
• This internship pays $18.40 per hour.

Responsibilities

• Researching and analyzing impacts of legislation and regulations
• Authoring advocacy updates on regulatory and legislative actions
• Learning and utilizing software and computer systems used by Government Affairs
• Organizing materials for conference sessions and meetings
• Supporting NACo Government Affairs team at in-person meetings and conferences
• Other duties as assigned

Skills

Oral and written communication

Deadline-driven

Knowledge of local government

Education

Bachelor’s degree or current student

Job description

About the Position:

The National Association of Counties (NACo) is offering a paid internship within the Government Affairs department. This internship provides a unique opportunity to gain hands-on experience in federal advocacy, policy analysis and county government practices. This internship will run from mid-January 2027 to mid-May 2027, with start and end dates subject to the availability of the candidate. Candidates must be available to provide on-site assistance to the Government Affairs team at NACo’s 2027 Legislative Conference from February 19 – 23 in Washington, D.C.

As part of NACo’s Government Affairs team, you will gain significant exposure to the federal legislative process, explore advocacy strategies and make valuable connections with government officials, Congressional staff and other legislative professionals.

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 and its nexus with federal programs and regulations.

Key Responsibilities:

• Researching and analyzing impacts of legislation and regulations
• Authoring advocacy updates on regulatory and legislative actions
• Learning and utilizing software and computer systems utilized by the Government Affairs department
• Organizing materials, such as agendas, briefing documents and attendee packets, for conference sessions and meetings
• Supporting NACo Government Affairs team at in-person meetings and conferences
• Other duties as assigned

Qualifications:

• Pursuing a bachelor’s degree and are at least a sophomore in good standing, or have earned a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university
• 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 internship experience a plus, particularly in government affairs, on Capitol Hill or for a state or local government
• Expected to work 10-15 hours per week.
• This internship pays $18.40 per hour.

Location and Travel:

The internship is based in our NACo’s Washington, D.C. office and will be primarily in person.