Government Relations Intern

Job Title

Government Relations Intern

Job Location

Washington, DC preferred. Remote locations considered.

Job Overview

The Government Relations team at The Wilderness Society (TWS) is seeking highly motivated students and post-graduates to join us for our year-round internship sessions. Our team is dedicated and passionate about protecting public lands across the US and connecting people to the outdoors. We do the work behind TWS’ public advocacy and federal policy strategy. Our priority campaigns include work on defending public lands, designation of new wilderness areas, appropriating federal funds for conservation programs, ensuring equitable outdoor access, protecting cultural heritage stories and sites, responsible and renewable energy development, outdoor recreation, and telling a full and inclusive history of public lands. We work with numerous political players and partners, from Congress to environmental coalitions, to the Department of the Interior, and to the White House, to set strategy and priorities across all of our issues.

The Government Relations team offers internships and volunteer opportunities to those who wish to gain hands-on experience working closely with dedicated staff on public lands issues.

This position plays an important role in supporting an inclusive organizational culture that is grounded in trust and accountability to shared goals and outcomes. TWS has made diversity, equity, and inclusion strategic priorities for the organization and the Government Relations Intern will integrate these priorities throughout their work. Across our team, we aspire to be campaign oriented, nimble, collaborative, innovative, transparent, and supportive of staff – our greatest asset.

Compensation

Salary Range: $17.00 To 17.00 Annually (Pay will be $17.00/hour unless in a location with higher minimum wage.)

Responsibilities

• This is an active, often fast-paced internship. You will be working on legislative issues, connecting with government offices, and keeping up with the legislative events on Capitol Hill.
• Process Congressional reports and pending legislation, attend Congressional hearings and participate in advocacy events relevant to TWS mission and work.
• Conduct research on and writing about Members of Congress, Hill activities, and items that contribute to TWS’ advocacy strategy, for example: prepare blogs, advocacy letters, and fact sheets.
• Track legislation, from introduction to passage, as well as report on the status of legislation.
• Assist in Congressional outreach through meetings, calls, and emails on priority legislation.
• Attend lobby meetings and coalition meetings, help with lobby days and trainings, make calls to activists and like-minded organizations.
• Perform general administrative duties in support of assigned project work.

Requirements

• Must have excellent oral and written communication skills.
• Must be detailed oriented and a critical thinker.
• Must be self-driven and organized.
• Must be a team player and willing to work in a collaborative environment.
• Most of all – candidate should be willing to have fun while producing great work!
• Undergraduate and graduate students and recent graduates encouraged to apply.
• Basic computer skills; Microsoft Office experience is a plus!

We're excited for you to apply!