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Internship Government Affairs Jobs (NOW HIRING)

The global law firm of K&L Gates LLP is seeking Government Affairs Interns for our Fall 2026 program. The K&L Gates Lloyd Meeds Policy Fellowship Program is a semester-long opportunity for ...

J Street Government Affairs Intern Reports to: Associate Director of Government Affairs Location ... This policy applies with regard to all aspects of one's employment and internship, including hiring ...

PhRMA Public Affairs Internship The Pharmaceutical Research and Manufacturers of America (PhRMA) is ... Current undergraduate or graduate student in Communications, Political Science, Government Affairs ...

... government affairs. Interested in gaining meaningful experience with our team? Apply now and tell us how you hope to benefit from an internship.

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Internship Government Affairs information

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$21K

$74.5K

$158.5K

How much do internship government affairs jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 9, 2026, the average yearly pay for internship government affairs in the United States is $74,522.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $46,500.00 and $90,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed for an internship in government affairs?

To thrive as an Internship Government Affairs, you generally need strong research, writing, and analytical skills, paired with or pursuing a degree in political science, public policy, or a related field. Familiarity with legislative tracking software and Microsoft Office Suite is often preferred, while previous experience in a government, nonprofit, or advocacy setting can be an advantage. Excellent communication, organization, and teamwork skills will help you stand out in this highly collaborative and fast-paced environment. These abilities are essential for effectively supporting advocacy efforts, monitoring policy developments, and engaging with various stakeholders.

What are the typical responsibilities of an internship in government affairs?

As a Government Affairs intern, you may be tasked with researching legislation, preparing policy briefs, monitoring government activities, and drafting communications for both internal and external use. You’ll likely assist with coordinating meetings, attending hearings or coalition events, and supporting the team with administrative tasks. Interns often collaborate closely with policy analysts, advocacy specialists, and communications teams, gaining hands-on exposure to legislative processes and stakeholder engagement. This experience provides an excellent foundation for understanding how public policy is shaped and offers valuable networking opportunities within the field.

What is an internship in government affairs?

An Internship in Government Affairs involves supporting a company's or organization's government relations team in monitoring legislative developments, conducting policy research, and assisting with advocacy efforts. Interns may attend hearings, draft reports, and help coordinate meetings with policymakers. The role provides hands-on experience in public policy, lobbying, and regulatory affairs. It is ideal for students or recent graduates interested in government, law, or political science.

More about Internship Government Affairs jobs
What cities are hiring for Internship Government Affairs jobs? Cities with the most Internship Government Affairs job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Government Affairs jobs? The most popular types of Government Affairs jobs are:
What states have the most Internship Government Affairs jobs? States with the most job openings for Internship Government Affairs jobs include:
Infographic showing various Internship Government Affairs job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 90% Full Time, 7% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 91% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 7% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $74,522 per year, or $35.8 per hour.

$17 - $22/hr

Full-time, Internship

Posted 12 days ago


Job description

Position Description: Government Affairs Internship
Be a part of a dynamic team whose work enriches the health of communities by strengthening city and county health departments. At the National Association of County and City Health Officials (NACCHO), we are united by our work to improve our country's over 3,300 U.S. local health departments. We represent the voice of local public health while striving to live out our core values of equity, excellence, participation, respect, integrity, leadership, science, and innovation. We provide our employees with meaningful work, opportunities to learn and grow, a strong work/life balance, and a flexible, hybrid work schedule while being a part of a collaborative team.
NACCHO has an opening for a Government Affairs Intern for Fall 2026, beginning in September with flexibility to meet a selected candidate's availability. The Government Affairs Intern will support the Government Affairs team with an overall goal of achieving results in advancing NACCHO's legislative and policy priorities. The Intern will have an opportunity to learn about federal policymaking, government affairs, and grassroots advocacy across a range of public health issues important to NACCHO's members.
COMPETENCIES AND EXPECTATIONS:
  • Dependability - Follows instructions, responds to management direction; takes responsibility for own actions; keeps commitments; completes tasks on time or notifies appropriate person with an alternate plan.
  • Initiative - Volunteers readily; seeks increased responsibilities; asks for and offers help when needed.
  • Communication - Ability to communicate well with others both written and verbally; synthesizes information well.
  • Teamwork - Strong interpersonal skills; ability to work as a team.
  • Organizational Support - Follows policies and procedures; completes administrative tasks correctly and on time; supports organization's goals and values; supports affirmative action and respects diversity.
  • Quality - Demonstrates accuracy and thoroughness; looks for ways to improve and promote quality; applies feedback to improve performance; monitors own work to ensure quality.
  • The work schedule will be approved by the Intern's manager at the beginning of the internship

POSITION SPECIFIC DUTIES:
The Government Affairs Intern will be responsible for supporting the functions of NACCHO's Government Affairs team. Work duties may include but are not limited to:
  • Conducting legislative and policy research
  • Monitoring and attending Congressional hearings and briefings
  • Keeping up to date on public health policy and legislative news, especially appropriations
  • Contributing to internal and external communications, publications, electronic newsletters, and website updates
  • Supporting Government Affairs team in advancing policy priorities through various tasks including data entry and form submissions, meeting preparation, and policy initiative tracking.
  • Assisting with miscellaneous office tasks and projects as needed

EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE/SKILLS:
  • Master's or Bachelor's student in political science, public policy, public administration, public health, health education or a related field.
  • Strong analytical, writing, and communication skills.
  • Excellent organizational and time management skills and discipline to work in a hybrid environment.
  • Basic knowledge of the legislative process and interest in advancing local public health policy at the federal level.
  • Ability to multitask while maintaining strong attention to detail.
  • Ability to take initiative and work independently.
  • Takes ownership of own objectives and performance.
  • Adaptable and versatile; able to thrive in a fast-paced and dynamic work environment.
  • Genuine interest in public health and NACCHO's mission.
  • Strong interest in politics and the legislative process.

WORK HOURS:
The Government Affairs team works from NACCHO's headquarters in Washington, D.C. two days per week and works remotely three days per week between the hours of 9:00 am and 5:00 pm. Ideally, the Intern will be in-office at least one day per week. The Intern may work no more than 20 hours per week, so the Intern will negotiate a weekly schedule with their supervisor.
SALARY:
The internship is unpaid. NACCHO will work with the Intern to facilitate academic credit.
SELECTION PROCESS:
https://naccho.clearcompany.com/careers/jobs/b6accbbc-9be4-8166-f5fa-9a5aac6a9140/apply?source=3772510-CS-2909
Interested candidates should apply via NACCHO's website and include a cover letter, resume and brief writing sample. Applications will be considered on a rolling basis.
At NACCHO, our commitment to equal employment opportunity and affirmative action seeks to ensure a work environment free of discrimination and harassment. We respect and value work force diversity among all employees and all those with whom we do business.