INTERNSHIP DETAILS

Summer 2026 Government Relations Fellow (Internship)

CompanyMerchant McIntyre Associates
LocationWashington
Work ModeOn Site
PostedFebruary 26, 2026
Internship Information
Core Responsibilities
Responsibilities include tracking and researching federal legislation and regulations, supporting federal grant writing, and conducting long-term research projects across various issue areas. The role also involves compiling reports, handling administrative tasks, and supporting the business development team.
Internship Type
full time
Company Size
28
Visa Sponsorship
No
Language
English
Working Hours
32 hours
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About The Company
The team at Merchant McIntyre & Associates has more than 100 years of combined experience in federal and private grant funding, drafting and tracking legislation, securing regulatory relief, policy development and advocacy, relationship building, and mobilizing grassroots and grasstops campaigns. We have an established track record of successfully representing and advising educational and research institutions, healthcare organizations, local and state governments, social service and faith-based organizations, businesses and corporations, innovators, and international non-governmental organizations (NGOs). When you retain Merchant McIntyre, you hire an entire team of seasoned professionals with decades of senior level experience gained from working in the White House, the U.S. Senate, the U.S. House of Representatives, Executive Branch agencies, and government affairs firms. We are an extension of your own staff. We are your boots on the ground. We perform the lion's share of the work. If you have ever attended a major political event or a government hearing, we were not the people you would have seen at the microphone. We were the people in the back of the room who determined the message, wrote the speeches, and handled all of the follow up. In short, we got the work done. We know the logistics of Washington, the mechanics and timing of the process, the right doors to open, and the decision-makers to engage. We know how Washington works. As true partners, we will put Washington to work for you.
About the Role

Description

Merchant McIntyre & Associates is a midsize federal grants and government relations firm headquartered in Washington, D.C., that helps nonprofit clients from the higher education, healthcare, and local government sectors reach their federal funding and advocacy goals.

  • Tracking and researching federal legislation and regulations, including budget proposals and annual appropriations, impacting the firm’s clients by utilizing online databases and news sources, and attending meetings and briefings on Capitol Hill and with Executive agency staff.
  • Supporting federal grant writing and legislative/policy objectives for the firm’s clients, including researching and identifying federal grant opportunities, reading and synthesizing detailed federal grant documents and procurement regulations, and providing support to the client services team.
  • Long-term research projects in a variety of issue areas including health care, higher education, economic development, and workforce development.
  • Compiling reports and client briefing/background materials.
  • Administrative tasks (scheduling, internal, etc.) and planning and coordinating logistics.
  • Supporting the business development team as needed.

Requirements

  • Minimum of junior status in an accredited undergraduate degree program; candidates with a Bachelor’s degree or higher, or candidates who are enrolled in a relevant graduate or professional program (public policy, law, etc.) are preferred.
  • Strong research skills, keen attention to detail, and the ability to manage multiple assignments and meet deadlines.
  • Prior experience in a relevant field.
  • Impeccable written and oral communication skills.

Application Requirements:

1) Resume

2) Two writing samples (attach under 'Additional Files')

3) In place of a cover letter, please respond to the following prompt: In a city known for its political gridlock, Merchant McIntyre maintains a unique "Commitment to My Co-workers " and engages in results-oriented collaboration. This commitment, combined with our expertise, has enabled us to build an agency of professionals who are hungry, humble, and smart with people. We recruit individuals who possess the “essential virtues” Patrick Lencioni describes in his book The Ideal Team. In 250 words or less, describe how you embody the "essential virtues" of being hungry, humble, and smart with people.


This is a ten-week opportunity, and candidates must be available to work Monday-Thursday, 9am-5pm, from May 26th-July 31st. 


This is a hybrid role in Washington, DC, requiring in-office attendance Tuesday-Thursday, with the option to work remotely on Mondays. Fully remote candidates will not be considered.

Key Skills
ResearchAttention To DetailTime ManagementCommunicationGrant WritingLegislative AnalysisPolicy AnalysisReport CompilationSchedulingLogistics CoordinationBusiness Development Support
Categories
Government & Public SectorLegalConsultingAdministrativeSocial Services