Government Affairs Legislative Intern

Association of Washington Business; Olympia (WA); On-site; USD 23,000 - 32,000; Part time

Job summary

The Association of Washington Business is seeking a Government Affairs Legislative Intern for the 2027 session. Based in Olympia, WA, the intern will support the AWB government affairs team with logistics, meeting coordination, and policy research during the legislative session.

Ideal candidates are enrolled in an undergraduate or graduate program in business, public policy, or related fields, with an interest in state government, advocacy, and public policy analysis.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's or master's degree in a relevant field or pursuing a degree in business administration, public policy, public administration, communications, psychology, or related field.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office; strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Preference given to candidates with legislative experience.

Responsibilities

• Provide logistical support for the government affairs department.
• Help maintain and update member meeting log and coordinate meeting requests.
• Support legislative outreach and policy analysis for AWB.

Skills

Microsoft Office

Communication skills

Education

Bachelor's or master's degree in related field

Enrollment in undergrad/grad program in related field

Job description

Position Status

Part-time, 20 hours per week

Location

In-person (Olympia, WA)

Start/End Date

January 2027 – April 2027

Supervision

Reports to AWB Government Affairs Vice President

Compensation

$20 per hour

Position Purpose

The Association of Washington Business is looking for an intern to assist during the 2027 legislative session. The ideal candidate will have experience working in a professional office environment, be enrolled in an undergraduate or graduate degree program in business administration, public policy, public administration, communications, psychology, or related field, and have an interest in learning about the WA State legislature, legislative process, advocacy, lobbying, and public policy analysis.

The Government Affairs Legislative Intern will provide administrative, logistical, and research support to AWB’s government affairs team throughout the legislative session. This position offers hands‑on exposure to the policymaking process and opportunities to engage with legislative staff, lobbyists, and business leaders.

Successful candidates will possess strong organizational and project management skills, the ability to manage multiple projects and priorities in a fast‑paced environment, and a commitment to completing assignments accurately and on time.

Performance Expectation

• Effective organizational skills, ability to work under deadline pressure, and ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Communicate professionally with legislative staff, members, and colleagues.
• Draft well‑written notes, summaries, reports, and correspondence.
• Respond to requests in a timely and professional manner.
• Maintain legislative meeting tracker, bill tracking software, and contact lists.
• Follow established procedures for document and reporting.
• Work effectively with the government affairs staff and additional AWB staff.
• Build productive and valuable relationships with internal and external partners.
• Accepts feedback professionally and applies it to improve performance.

Job Description

The Vice President Government Affairs and Government Affairs Manager exercises independent judgment or discretion in completing duties that include, but are not limited to:

• Provide logistical support for the government affairs department.
• Help the government affairs manager maintain and update member meeting log and coordinate meeting requests.
• Support team in legislative outreach and legal analysis.
• Research policy relevant to AWB legislative priorities.
• Assist in logistical support for government affairs events and onsite meetings.
• Proofread documents, prepare documents in Microsoft suite as well as desktop publishing and PowerPoint, photocopying, filing, mailings, Outlook management and run database queries.
• Complete other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s or master’s degree, or in progress of obtaining degree in relevant field of study.
• Preference given to candidates with legislative experience.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office software.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Optional: Understand or have interest in the Washington State legislative process.

Goals and Outcomes

By the end of the internship, the Government Affairs Legislative Intern will:

• Develop a foundational understanding of the Washington State legislative process.
• Gain practical experience supporting advocacy through policy research, legislative tracking, meeting coordination, and administrative support.
• Strengthen organizational and project management skills by managing multiple assignments and deadlines in a fast‑paced environment.
• Establish professional relationships while observing effective lobbying and stakeholder engagement practices.
• Contribute meaningfully to the success of the government affairs team through reliable administrative, logistical, and research support throughout session.