Government Relations Intern Job Listing at NRECA in Arlington, VA (Job ID R2026-833)

Description

Job Description

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.

Required Qualifications and Skills

• 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

Preferred qualifications and skills:

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

Essential Physical Requirements:

• The worker is required to have close visual acuity to perform an activity such as: preparing and analyzing data and figures; transcribing; viewing a computer terminal and extensive reading.
• Exerting up to 20 pounds of force occasionally, and/or up to 10 pounds of force frequently, and/or a negligible amount of force constantly to move objects. If the use of arm and/or leg controls requires exertion of forces greater than that for sedentary work and the worker sits most of the time, the job is rated for light work.

Disclaimer Statement: The preceding job description has been written to reflect management's assignment of essential functions. It does not prescribe or restrict the tasks that may be assigned.

Additional Requirement:

The preceding job description has been written to reflect management's assignment of essential functions. It does not prescribe or restrict the tasks that may be assigned.  All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, national origin, disability, veteran status, or other legally protected status.

NRECA is committed to working with and providing reasonable accommodation to individuals with physical and mental disabilities. If you need special assistance or an accommodation while seeking employment, please e-mail humanresources@nreca.coop or call: 703-907-5992 - NRECA Arlington Human Resources. Please call 402-483-9275 - NRECA Lincoln Human Resources, for Lincoln, NE employment opportunities. We will make a determination on your request for reasonable accommodation on a case-by-case basis.

The U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) recently released the 'Know Your Rights' poster, which updates and replaces the previous "EEO is the Law" poster and "EEO Is the Law Poster Supplement". 

Pay Transparency Non-Discrimination. NRECA will not discharge or in any other manner discriminate against employees or applicants because they have inquired about, discussed, or disclosed their own pay. Please see the Pay Transparency Nondiscrimination Provision for more information.

E-Verify. As a Federal Contractor, NRECA is required to participate in the E-Verify Program to confirm eligibility to work in the United States. For information please click on the following link: E-Verify.

For more information about life at NRECA please visit www.Electric.coop.