Government Relations Intern

NRECA • Arlington, VA

22h • Onsite

About The Position

12 Week Summer Internship in NRECA’s Arlington, VA office You must be an Undergraduate Student who will be a Junior or Senior in the Autumn of 2026 to be considered for this program. NRECA is a unique national trade association providing advocacy, financial services and business support services to over 900 consumer owned electric cooperatives across the country. NRECA employees are united by our mission, inclusive culture, collaborative workplace and commitment to service excellence. As a “best place to work” employer, we operate with integrity, transparency and a spirit of innovation. Our Government Relations department advocates on behalf of NRECA members on federal legislative and regulatory matters and in national policy forums and develops and leads political engagement and advocacy programs to support smart energy policy. Intern will learn how Government Relations units and other NRECA departments work together to shape state and federal policy affecting electric cooperatives. Intern will gain a thorough understanding of how a Government Relations department operates and how its activities support the missions and goals of a large trade association. Opportunities and responsibilities include: Participate in regular work unit meetings, as well as monthly department meetings. Assist in the development and execution of grassroots campaigns in support of state and federal legislative and regulatory advocacy efforts. Work to help promote our voter outreach program Co-ops Vote. Work with the PAC team to learn how a political action committee works and how it supports the goals of NRECA, as well as the FEC rules that guide it. Work with the Regulatory Affairs team to learn how to research and submit comments to federal agencies on key issues. Work with the Legislative Affairs team to get a hands-on understanding of Congress and how it works, how we advocate on our issues, and participate in visits with members of Congress and their staffs.

Requirements

• Rising college junior or senior with a major in Political Science or related focus.
• 3.0 GPA or higher (no academic or corrective action on record); transcripts must be provided
• Use Microsoft Office tools (Excel, Word, Outlook, PowerPoint) in the day-to-day tasks.
• Operate various office equipment such as personal computer, copier, printer, or other job-related equipment.
• Learn new systems and processes and quickly incorporate them into the daily work.
• Apply good judgement related to escalating issues and requesting assistance.
• Organize and manage time effectively.
• Pay close attention to detail and review work for quality.
• Team player with good interpersonal and relationship building skills.
• Strong communication skills orally and in writing

Nice To Haves

• A basic understanding of electric cooperatives.
• Currently lives or formerly lived in an electric cooperative service territory.

Responsibilities

• Participate in regular work unit meetings, as well as monthly department meetings.
• Assist in the development and execution of grassroots campaigns in support of state and federal legislative and regulatory advocacy efforts.
• Work to help promote our voter outreach program Co-ops Vote.
• Work with the PAC team to learn how a political action committee works and how it supports the goals of NRECA, as well as the FEC rules that guide it.
• Work with the Regulatory Affairs team to learn how to research and submit comments to federal agencies on key issues.
• Work with the Legislative Affairs team to get a hands-on understanding of Congress and how it works, how we advocate on our issues, and participate in visits with members of Congress and their staffs.

What This Job Offers

• Career Level: Intern
• Education Level: No Education Listed