Public Policy Intern

About the role

This position will report to the Director of Government Relations and Public Policy and be available for approximately 10-15 hours per week, offering flexibility to accommodate class schedules. The role provides support through administrative tasks, project coordination, communication, and logistics, while offering experience learning from a Government Relations professional and economic development organization.

Responsibilities

• Assist the Director of Government Relations and Public Policy with:
  • Set-up and tear-down of virtual and in-person meetings
  • Tracking progress on projects and tasks
  • Bill research and tracking
  • Research on state and Federal public policy issues
  • Organizing extensive project information
  • Printing handouts, agendas, collateral, or other materials
  • Supporting spreadsheet projects, including outlining information, cleaning data, and formatting
• Assist the Talent Development and Inclusive Strategies team as needed
• Create project flow and timelines; outline project details into Policy Planning Folders; ensure project goals, tasks, action items, and deadlines are clearly communicated to all team members
• Draft, edit, and send the weekly Government Policy Council (GPC) newsletter, staying up-to-date on relevant current events and The Partnership's local, state, and federal advocacy and policy agenda updates
• Develop a variety of written documents, including blogs, invitations, agendas, letters of thanks, letters of support, and policy brief backgrounds
• Maintain contact information for elected officials in Iowa and The Partnership’s Government Policy Council (GPC), as well as contact information for volunteer groups, ensuring accuracy and accessibility in Excel
• Gather information and research needed to move projects forward
• Conduct oneself in a professional manner consistent with The Partnership’s mission, vision, and values
• Perform other duties as assigned

Qualifications

• Working toward or recently completed a degree in public policy, public administration, international relations, or related areas
• Previous internship experience is a plus
• Basic to high-level understanding of and interest in government relations and public policy projects desired but not required; ideal candidate will be ready to learn

Skills

• Ability to work independently and demonstrate initiative in interacting with the business community
• Excellent oral and written communication skills
• Detail-oriented with strong organizational and problem-solving skills
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications
• Strong interpersonal skills; ability to express and present ideas, listen well, and work in a team environment
• Ability to work under pressure, meet deadlines, and manage multiple projects simultaneously
• Positive attitude, willingness to learn, and a keen eye for processes/efficiency

Schedule

Approximately 10-15 hours per week, with flexibility to accommodate class schedules.