Public Policy Intern

BASIC FUNCTION:

This position will report to the Director of Government Relations and Public Policy and be available for approximately 10-20 hours per week, while providing flexibility to accommodate class schedules. The position will provide support for the Director of Government Relations and Public Policy in the form of administrative tasks, project coordination, communication, and logistics. The individual will gain experience learning from a Government Relations professional and economic development organization while participating in a variety of projects, events, and initiatives.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:

• Assists Director of Government Relations and Public Policy by:
  • Set-up and tear-down of virtual and in-person meetings
  • Tracks progress on projects and tasks
  • Bill research & tracking
  • Research state and Federal public policy issues
  • Ensures the organizing of extensive project information.
  • Assists in printing of handouts, agendas, collateral or other materials
  • Supports spreadsheet projects - outlining information, cleaning data, formatting, etc.
  • Assists the Talent Development and Inclusive Strategies team as needed.
• Helps create project flow and timelines; outlines project details into Policy Planning Folders; ensures project goals, tasks, action items and deadlines are clearly communicated to all team members.
• Drafts, edits, and sends the weekly Government Policy Council (GPC) newsletter, staying-to-date on relevant current events and The Partnership's local, state, and federal advocacy and policy agenda updates.
• Aids in developing a variety of written documents, including, but not limited to blogs, invitations, agendas, letters of thanks, letters of support and policy brief backgrounds.
• Maintains contact information for elected officials in Iowa and The Partnership's Government Policy Council (GPC), as well as contact information for a variety of volunteer groups. Ensures contact information is available in Excel and is accurate, as well as easily digestible and understood.
• Assists the Director of Government Relations and Public Policy in gathering information and research needed to move projects forward.
• Conducts oneself in a professional manner consistent with The Partnership's mission, vision and values.
• Other duties as assigned.

SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

• Can work independently and demonstrate initiative and experience in interacting with the business community.
• Has excellent oral and written communication skills.
• Is detail oriented and possesses strong organizational and problem-solving skills.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications.
• Strong interpersonal skills, can express and present ideas, listen well, and work in a team environment.
• Ability to work under pressure to meet deadlines and manage multiple projects simultaneously.
• Has a positive attitude, willingness to learn, and a keen eye for processes/efficiency

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:

• Working toward a degree or recently completed a degree in public policy, public administration, international relations, or other related areas.
• Previous internship experience a plus. Basic to high level understanding of and interest in government relations and public policy projects desired, but not required; ideal candidate will be ready to learn.