EXTERNAL AFFAIRS INTERN

Overview

The CRA Internship Program is designed for recent university graduates, graduate students, and exceptional college juniors and seniors. Relevant experience or an academic background in agriculture, political science, public policy, communications, or a related field is most applicable to this position, as the intern will support both government relations and communications projects.

Responsibilities

• Monitor and analyze federal legislation, regulatory actions, and policy developments affecting the corn refining industry.
• Research policy issues and prepare concise summaries, briefing materials, and legislative analyses.
• Draft advocacy and communications materials, including fact sheets, one-pagers, newsletters, press materials, website content, and social media posts.
• Affiliate with congressional outreach by preparing meeting materials, researching Members of Congress and committee priorities, and supporting advocacy activities.
• Attend congressional hearings, coalition meetings, briefings, and industry events and prepare summaries for CRA staff and members.
• Support coalition engagement and collaboration with strategic partners.
• Affiliate with the planning and execution of Government Relations Committee meetings, including agenda preparation, issue tracking, member communications, and meeting logistics.
• Assist with special projects and advocacy initiatives across the External Affairs team.
• Provide support to other CRA committees, including Communications, Health & Wellness, Environmental Affairs, Product Safety & Quality, Sustainability, Trade, and Workplace Safety, as organizational priorities require.

Qualifications

• Be a recent university graduate, current graduate student, or exceptional college junior or senior pursuing or holding a degree in political science, public policy, agriculture, agribusiness, communications, or a related field.
• Demonstrate excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Be highly organized and able to manage multiple projects and deadlines.
• Possess strong research and analytical skills, with the ability to synthesize complex information into concise written products.
• Have an interest in federal policymaking, agriculture, food policy, trade, energy, environmental policy, or public affairs.
• Be proficient in Microsoft Office applications, including Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and SharePoint.
• Experience with Mailchimp, social media management, or digital communications is a plus.

What You’ll Gain

• Practical experience in Federal advocacy and congressional engagement
• Public affairs and strategic communications
• Legislative and regulatory analysis
• Coalition engagement
• Trade association operations
• Agricultural and food policy

Additional Details

• CRA has a hybrid work environment. Staff work in the office Tuesday through Thursday and remotely on Monday and Friday.
• Interns will need access to a personal computer, secure internet connection, and landline or cell phone.
• The CRA Internship Program is a paid position offering $25 per hour for students currently enrolled in an undergraduate program and $30 per hour for students currently enrolled in a graduate program. Metro reimbursement of up to $150 is also available.
• Applicants interested in receiving academic credit in addition to or in lieu of wages should consult with their department head or academic advisor.
• No benefits are provided.
• CRA is seeking candidates who are available from September through December 2026 for 25 to 40 hours per week. Hours may be negotiated based on class schedule.

To Apply

Interested applicants should email a cover letter, resume, cumulative GPA, writing sample, and contact information for three references to careers@corn.org using the subject line “RE: External Affairs Intern.” At least one reference should be a current professor or academic advisor familiar with the applicant’s academic record. References will be contacted only for top candidates and only after the candidate has been notified. No phone calls will be accepted.

Corn Refiners Association is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Read what past interns have to say about CRA’s Internship Program:

“With my internship at the Corn Refiners Association I was able to gain a thorough introduction into the realm of Government Affairs and experience firsthand what life is like as a lobbyist on Capitol Hill. From the very beginning I was thrust into interesting projects that were more than just busy work. The small office and friendly atmosphere ensured that I never felt like ‘just an intern.’”