NACo Government Affairs Internship

NACo Government Affairs Internship

The National Association of Counties (NACo) is offering a paid internship within the Government Affairs Department, providing a unique opportunity to gain hands-on experience in federal advocacy, policy analysis and county government practices. This internship will run from early-February until mid-March 2025, with the possibility for an extension. The position is based out of our Washington, D.C. office and will be primarily in-person. Ideal candidates will be able to provide on-site assistance to the Government Affairs team at NACo’s 2024 Legislative Conference from February 28 - March 4 at the Washington Hilton in Washington, D.C.

Through 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. This is a paid internship at $17/hour for 10-15 hours a week.

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. 
 

Primary Duties and Responsibilities:
Responsibilities associated with this position include: 

• Researching and analyzing impacts of legislation and regulations 
• Authoring advocacy updates on regulatory and legislative actions 
• Learning and managing various NACo web software 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 tasks as assigned

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s Degree from an accredited college or university, or pursuing a Bachelor’s Degree and are at least a Sophomore in good standing
• Excellent oral and written communications skill
• Ability to meet deadlines and work well under pressure
• Knowledge of and interest in local government policies and practices
• Prior Capitol Hill internship experience in government affairs or other fields plus

Application Process:
Interested candidates should send a cover letter and resume to Naomi Freel at nfreel@naco.org with the subject line “NACo Government Affairs Internship Application – Winter 2025” by Friday, January 31. Applicants will be reviewed on a rolling basis.

Why Work at NACo:
Our vision is healthy, safe, and vibrant counties across America. Counties play an integral part of the intergovernmental responsibilities among federal, state, local and tribal government officials. We are guided by the belief that stronger counties result in a stronger America.

NACo is committed to fostering a diverse environment and is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. Our jobs are open to all applications regardless of race, color, sex, gender, sexual orientation, age, religion, national origin, marital status, pregnancy, disability, military status, or any other basis prohibited by federal, state, or local law.

Teammates of NACo enjoy a fun and challenging environment with a wide range of competitive benefits, including comprehensive medical, vision and dental insurance; generous paid leave and federal holidays; transportation subsidy; tuition assistance; 401(k) match, pension plans, group life insurance, voluntary payroll deductions for pet insurance and credit union membership, and short/long term disability coverage including applicable parental leave.

We are passionate about advancing excellence in public service to help people and places thrive across America. We embrace and respect our diversity of experience, heritage, and thought and strive to cultivate an equitable workplace. As outlined in our Values and NACo Norms below, we pursue our mission through a ONE NACo mindset of genuine care, empathy, and respect for each other, our partners, and our members.