Political Affairs Intern Jobs in Reston, VA (NOW HIRING)

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.