Student Trainee (Congressional & Public Affairs) - Pathways Internship

Small Business Administration • Washington, DC

9d

About The Position

The Small Business Administration (SBA) Office of Inspector General (OIG) Pathways Internship Program provides students enrolled in qualifying educational institutions with paid opportunities to gain experience, develop professional skills, and explore Federal careers while completing their education. The Student Trainee (Congressional and Public Affairs) receives hands-on training and experience supporting congressional affairs, legislative research, public communications, and administrative operations in support of SBA OIG’s mission.

Requirements

• Be a U.S. citizen.
• Successfully complete a pre-employment check.
• Be enrolled in an accredited educational institution.
• Submit transcripts with the application.
• Sign a Pathways Intern Participant Agreement.
• For GS-0399-04, have completed two academic years of post-high-school study or successfully completed the requirements for an associate's degree.
• Meet all qualification requirements by 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time on 11/03/2026.

Responsibilities

• Assist in monitoring, tracking, and researching congressional legislation, amendments, hearings, and policy developments affecting SBA OIG programs.
• Maintain congressional contact lists, legislative tracking records, and stakeholder databases.
• Assist in drafting congressional correspondence, briefing materials, reports, and testimony.
• Attend and summarize congressional hearings, briefings, and meetings, and support the coordination of congressional inquiries and related activities.
• Research legislative developments, federal policies, and oversight issues affecting SBA OIG operations.
• Assist in preparing research summaries, memoranda, reports, and data presentations to support leadership decision-making.
• Assist in drafting press releases, talking points, public statements, and other communication materials.
• Monitor news coverage and social media, maintain media contact records, and support responses to media inquiries.
• Support the development of communication strategies, public information campaigns, and social media content promoting awareness of SBA OIG activities, initiatives, and oversight responsibilities.
• Perform administrative duties, including maintaining records, entering data, scheduling meetings, and coordinating events.
• Assist the Executive Officer with administrative and operational tasks in support of the Inspector General and the overall mission of the Office of the Inspector General.

Benefits

• Federal employees and their families have access to a comprehensive benefits package; specific eligibility depends on the position and employment status.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Intern
• Education Level: Associate degree