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Government Relations Internship Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Government Relations Intern

Santa Clara, CA ยท On-site

$17.50 - $23.50/hr

Yes Government Relations Intern - Public Policy & Advocacy Company: Hitachi Ltd ... Location: Washington, DC (hybrid) Status: Part-Time Internship Duration: June - September 2026 ...

$14/hr

Interns will work closely with the Chief Communications Officer and the head of Government Relations and Special Projects. Duties may include: * Assist with responding to media, preparing press ...

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Government Relations Internship information

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How much do government relations internship jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 9, 2026, the average hourly pay for government relations internship in the United States is $17.60, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.42 and $19.23 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Government Relations Intern, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Government Relations Intern, you need strong research, writing, and analytical skills, often supported by coursework in political science, public policy, or related fields. Familiarity with legislative tracking tools, government databases, and proficiency in Microsoft Office, especially Excel and PowerPoint, is typically required. Strong communication, organization, and interpersonal skills help you build relationships and convey complex information clearly. These abilities are crucial for supporting advocacy efforts, monitoring legislative developments, and effectively liaising with stakeholders.

What is a Government Relations Internship?

A Government Relations Internship is a temporary position where students or recent graduates gain hands-on experience working with organizations to manage their interactions with government agencies and policymakers. Interns typically assist with monitoring legislation, conducting research, drafting policy briefs, and attending meetings or hearings. This role helps interns develop a deeper understanding of the legislative process and public policy, as well as build valuable networking skills within the field of government affairs.

What is the difference between Government Relations Internship vs Government Affairs Coordinator?

AspectGovernment Relations InternshipGovernment Affairs Coordinator
Required CredentialsTypically pursuing or recent graduate with relevant courseworkBachelor's degree often required; experience preferred
Work EnvironmentInternship setting, often part-time or temporaryFull-time, professional role within organizations or agencies
Employer & Industry UsageGovernment agencies, nonprofits, lobbying firmsCorporations, associations, government offices
Common Search & ComparisonEntry-level, internship opportunities in government relationsMid-level role focusing on policy advocacy and stakeholder engagement

The main difference is that a Government Relations Internship is an entry-level, temporary position designed for students or recent graduates gaining initial experience. In contrast, a Government Affairs Coordinator is a full-time professional role requiring more experience, responsible for managing ongoing government relations strategies and advocacy efforts.

What kinds of projects and responsibilities can I expect during a Government Relations Internship?

As a Government Relations Intern, you can expect to support your team by conducting legislative research, tracking policy developments, drafting briefing materials, and assisting with advocacy campaigns. Interns often attend hearings or meetings with stakeholders, helping to prepare reports or summaries for the government relations team. This hands-on experience provides exposure to the legislative process and helps interns build strong communication and analytical skills. Collaboration with professionals from public affairs, legal, and communications departments is also common, fostering a broad understanding of how organizations engage with government entities.
What cities are hiring for Government Relations Internship jobs? Cities with the most Government Relations Internship job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Government Relations jobs? The most popular types of Government Relations jobs are:
What states have the most Government Relations Internship jobs? States with the most job openings for Government Relations Internship jobs include:
Infographic showing various Government Relations Internship job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 85% Full Time, 12% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 85% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 14% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $36,603 per year, or $17.6 per hour.

Government Relations Intern

Services and Advocacy For

Manhattan, NY โ€ข Remote

$15.25 - $20.50/hr

Other

Posted 22 days ago


Job description

SAGE (Services & Advocacy for GLBT Elders) is the country's largest and oldest organization dedicated to improving the lives of LGBTQ+ older adults. Our Government Relations team advocates for policies and legislation that support LGBTQ+ older adults, addressing their unique needs in areas such as healthcare, housing, and economic security.


Internship Overview:

The Government Relations Internship offers undergraduate students majoring in Political Science or related fields the opportunity to gain hands-on experience in public policy, advocacy, and government affairs. Interns will assist in legislative research, policy analysis, and advocacy efforts, and they will gain insight into the legislative process at local, state, and federal levels, focusing on the needs of LGBTQ+ older adults.


Duration:

  • 12-16 weeks (flexible based on academic calendar)
  • Part-time (10-15 hours per week)
  • Hybrid or Remote


Key Responsibilities:

  • Legislative Research & Monitoring: Track legislation impacting LGBTQ+ older adults and report on key developments in local, state, and federal government.
  • Policy Analysis: Assist with analyzing policies that affect older adults, focusing on healthcare, housing, and LGBTQ+ rights.
  • Advocacy Campaign Support: Support grassroots organizing efforts, such as voter registration drives, and assist in planning advocacy days with elected officials.
  • Correspondence and Outreach: Draft memos, letters of support, and emails to policymakers, legislators, and community stakeholders.
  • Event Assistance: Help organize advocacy events, including legislator site visits, voter engagement activities, and community briefings.
  • Data Collection & Reporting: Compile data and statistics to support the Government Relations team in advocating for policy changes.
  • Attending Meetings & Hearings: Accompany SAGE Government Relations staff to city council hearings, legislative briefings, and community meetings as available.


Learning Opportunities:

  • Gain a comprehensive understanding of the legislative process, with a focus on issues impacting LGBTQ+ communities.
  • Develop skills in policy research, legislative analysis, and nonprofit advocacy.
  • Participate in networking opportunities with policymakers, community leaders, and nonprofit professionals.
  • Learn about current LGBTQ+ advocacy campaigns and policies at local, state, and federal levels.


Preferred Qualifications:

  • Enrollment in an academic institution that grants undergraduate degrees in Political Science, Public Policy, or other related fields.
  • Passionate about LGBTQ+ rights and the advocacy issues affecting older adults.
  • Strong writing, research, and communication skills.
  • Ability to work independently and in a team setting.
  • Experience with Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint).
  • Knowledge of LGBTQ+ policy issues is a plus but not required.


Compensation:

The internship is unpaid but offers course credit if coordinated with the intern's academic institution.


Application Process:

Are you interested? (We hope so!): Please apply through our careers page: https://www.sageusa.org/about-us/careers/

Please include 3 documents in your application:

  1. Your resume
  2. A cover letter describing your interest in SAGE and government relations, as well as how this internship aligns with your academic and career goals.
  3. A writing sample (1-2 pages) that showcases your research and analysis skills (can be a previous academic paper or policy brief).

Deadline to Apply: Applications are accepted on a rolling basis, but early applications are encouraged for the fall, spring, and summer terms.


Just a reminder:

SAGE is an Equal Opportunity Employer that does not discriminate on the basis of actual or perceived race, ethnicity, creed, color, religion, sex or gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, alienage or national origin, ancestry, age, citizenship status, marital or family status, family medical history or genetic information, veteran status, HIV serostatus, military or military discharge status, height, weight, disability or handicap, domestic violence victim status, employment status, socioeconomic status, criminal history or arrest record, sexual or other reproductive health decisions, natural hair or hairstyle, or any other status or characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local laws. SAGE is dedicated to this policy, with respect to all matters concerning employment.