Government Relations Intern

Midwestern Higher Education Compact • Minneapolis, MN

4d • Hybrid

About The Position

The Midwestern Higher Education Compact (MHEC) is seeking a motivated, detail-oriented intern to support government relations, annual state visits, and stakeholder engagement. The role offers hands-on experience in government relations and higher education public policy, including how a regional higher education organization builds relationships and supports collaboration among legislators, state agencies, and higher education leaders across the Midwest.

Reporting to the Director of External Relations & Chief of Staff, the intern will support MHEC's work across 11 Midwestern states, with particular focus on the 2027 legislative session and annual state visits. The internship runs from November through May, with flexibility in hours during the fall semester before work ramps up in the spring. The intern is expected to work in person multiple days per week at MHEC’s downtown Minneapolis office, including at least one Tuesday or Wednesday. The schedule is flexible around classes and other commitments, averaging 15–30 hours per week, typically between 8:00 AM and 5:00 PM. Compensation is $20 per hour, and transportation costs such as parking or bus fare are covered.

Requirements

• Currently pursuing an undergraduate or graduate degree at an accredited university and enrolled at the time of application, majoring in political science, public policy, education, or a related field.
• Demonstrated interest in government relations, public policy, or higher education.
• Strong organizational skills and ability to manage multiple projects with varying deadlines.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to communicate professionally with external stakeholders.
• Strong attention to detail, accuracy, and professionalism.
• Self-starter with initiative, curiosity, and willingness to learn and take on new projects.
• Collaborative and customer-focused, with the ability to contribute to a positive, team-oriented, nonpartisan work environment.
• Ability to work effectively with individuals and groups representing different perspectives and political backgrounds.
• Ability to perform office- and computer-based work for up to 8 hours per day.
• Ability to work in person multiple days per week at MHEC’s downtown Minneapolis office, including at least one Tuesday or Wednesday.
• Ability to commute regularly to the downtown Minneapolis office.
• Transcript verification may be requested during the hiring process.

Nice To Haves

• Experience or involvement in government relations, legislative affairs, public policy, higher education, or nonprofit organizations.
• Experience conducting research or preparing written summaries, briefs, or biographies.
• Familiarity with stakeholder engagement, outreach, or event coordination.

Responsibilities

• Research state legislative structures, committee memberships, policymakers, and higher education stakeholders to support government relations outreach and state visit planning.
• Track relevant higher education legislation and prepare biographical summaries, event briefs, and meeting materials for MHEC's 2027 state visits.
• Assist with outreach to legislative offices, state agencies, and higher education stakeholders regarding participation in MHEC's 2027 state visits.
• Analyze meeting notes, identify action items, and assist with follow-up communications to policymakers and other stakeholders.
• Maintain stakeholder contact information and help track MHEC's government relations and external engagement activities.
• Support additional government relations and external engagement projects as needed.
• Attend internal meetings and, when possible, external events or visits in Minnesota.
• Participate in professional development opportunities, including informational interviews with MHEC staff, mock interviews, and resume and cover letter reviews.

Benefits

• Transportation costs, such as parking or bus fare, are covered.
• Professional development opportunities, including informational interviews with MHEC staff, mock interviews, and resume and cover letter reviews.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Part-time
• Career Level: Intern
• Education Level: No Education Listed