Government Affairs Intern, Land Trust Alliance – Washington, DC

Organization: Land Trust Alliance

Position Title: Government Affairs Intern

Location: Washington, DC

Hours and Compensation: Full-time (part-time considered); unpaid

 Application Deadline: This internship is part of our year-long Government Affairs internship program. If you are unable to join us for the spring, we welcome you to consider another period:

• Spring internship will run from January 5to May 29, 2015.
• Summer internship will run from June 1to August 21, 2015.

Description: Help strengthen land conservation across America by joining the dedicated, dynamic government affairs team at the Land Trust Alliance!  We’re looking for a full-time, unpaid Government Affairs Intern (part-time may be considered for the fall and spring periods). The fall internship will run from September 8th through December 19th. The spring internship will run from January 5 through May 29. The ideal candidate is a student or young professional with demonstrated interest in government affairs and conservation policy who is capable of proactively researching political relationships, drafting informational materials on conservation issues, and communicating directly with land trusts, coalition partners, and federal officials. You’ll find that interning for a small organization will give you ample opportunities to interact with all aspects of our work, be in the room at key meetings and events, and gain valuable nonprofit and Capitol Hill experience.

Responsibilities:

• Organizing the third annual Land Trust Advocacy Day
• Recruiting congressional co-sponsors, primarily by mobilizing local land trusts to ask
• Securing letters of commendation to Accredited land trusts from their representatives
• Gathering and presenting success stories of effective advocacy and program benefits
• Supporting our advocacy network by recruiting email subscribers, tracking land trust relationships with Congress, and analyzing debrief reports from our Advocacy Day
• Supporting our tax incentive and farm bill coalition meetings, initiatives, and events
• Drafting and updating policy fact-sheets, web content, Congressional district maps, and other communications for a variety of internal and external audience
• Scheduling, preparing packets for, and occasionally attending  meetings with public officials

Qualifications:

• Demonstrated interest in public policy. Previous involvement in grassroots campaigns or experience on Capitol Hill a plus.
• Familiarity with land conservation, including knowledge of land trusts and of relevant tax issues, highly desirable.
• Strong oral and written communications skills, ability to communicate effectively with both the Alliance members and public decision-makers.
• Willingness to balance direct advocacy with the detailed record keeping and follow-through that will be essential to our success.
• Experience with Microsoft Office applications is essential, with database and/or GIS experience a plus.
• Must be able to work constructively with others from a broad range of political perspectives.

How to Apply: Send resume and brief cover letter detailing your qualifications and availability by email with the subject line of Government Affairs Intern and your last name. If email is not an option, applications will be accepted by mail to Bethany Erb, Land Trust Alliance, 1660 L Street NW, Suite 1100, Washington