Government & Community Affairs Intern - Fall 2026

About the role

The Strategic Government & Community Affairs Intern is a graduate-level, executive-facing internship designed for a highly capable candidate who will work directly with the Chief Executive Officer on public policy, government relations, funding strategy, venue-related issues, and community partnerships.

Responsibilities

• Monitor and synthesize local, county, regional, state, and federal political and policy developments impacting the organization.
• Track elected officials, senior staff, committees, agencies, and boards relevant to funding, venues, and strategic initiatives.
• Prepare CEO-ready briefing materials including political context, stakeholder interests, risks, opportunities, and recommended talking points.
• Attend meetings with elected officials, agency leadership, and partners as delegated, capturing notes, commitments, and follow-up actions.
• Conduct high-quality research on public funding mechanisms, grants, appropriations, reimbursement programs, and venue-related policy issues.
• Produce concise executive deliverables: briefing memos, one-page issue summaries, slide decks, talking points, and Q&A prep.
• Provide rapid-turn analysis on time-sensitive issues at the direction of the CEO.
• Support community and civic engagement efforts tied to organizational initiatives.
• Aid in preparation for community meetings, listening sessions, and outward-facing engagements.
• Translate complex or technical initiatives into clear, accessible language.
• Track stakeholder feedback and ensure disciplined follow-up.
• Cross-functional collaboration with the CEO, COO, Legal, and Marketing/Communications teams.

Requirements

• Familiarity with the Houston and Harris County political landscape.
• Current graduate student in public policy, political science, public administration, law, urban planning, economics, communications, or a related field.
• Must be able to receive academic credit for internship.
• Must be able to work a minimum of 20 Hours a week in person.
• Exceptional writing and analytical skills.
• Demonstrated interest in government affairs, public-sector strategy, and community engagement.

Qualifications

• Prior experience in government, legislative offices, policy research, public-sector consulting, campaigns, or community organizations.
• Comfort interacting with senior leaders and external stakeholders.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Word, PowerPoint, Excel, Outlook, and OneDrive.