ACCG Intern -Succession Planning & Leadership Development

Job Summary

Rockdale County Government is seeking a motivated and detail-oriented intern to support the development of Rockdale County’s first formal succession planning framework, along with the design of a Leadership Academy model for internal candidates. The intern will assist in identifying emerging leadership talent, preparing for the retirement of long-tenured employees, and promoting cost-effective strategies to fill critical roles. Working under the direction of the Human Resources Department, the intern will research industry best practices, collect and analyze workforce data, support the implementation of a pilot 9-Box talent assessment, and help develop a comprehensive succession planning toolkit. This role offers a unique opportunity to contribute to a high-impact, strategic initiative that will shape the County’s future workforce planning efforts. Work is assigned by department leadership in alignment with established goals and initiatives and is reviewed for accuracy and quality. The position will provide support to both the Recruitment & Retention and the Learning & Development divisions of Human Resources. 

Essential Functions

Essential Functions: These are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work performed. The omission of specific duties does not exclude them from the position.

Collaborate with Human Resources and County leadership to identify high-risk and critical positions.

Research succession planning best practices, particularly within local government and budget-conscious environments.

Develop and distribute employee and leadership surveys; compile and analyze results.

Assist in implementing a 9-Box Grid talent assessment within pilot departments.

Analyze employee performance and potential data provided by departments and HR.

Support the development of a Leadership Academy model network for internal candidates.

Draft a succession planning toolkit, including: Individual Development Plan (IDP) templates, Knowledge transfer plans and Policy guidelines and framework documents.

Survey Analysis capturing leadership and employee perspectives on development needs through creating and distributing survey.

Prepare reports, summaries, and recommendations based on research and data findings.

Occasional attendance at meetings with department leaders and stakeholders.

Develop and deliver a final presentation and comprehensive report to leadership.

Provide general administrative support to the Compensation team as needed.

Additional Duties:

An employee in this classification may be expected to perform any related duties as required by proper authority.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

Strong analytical and research capabilities with attention to detail.

Proficiency in Microsoft Excel and data analysis tools.

Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

Ability to handle confidential information with professionalism and discretion.

Requires the ability to manage multiple assignments and meet project deadlines.

Effective written and verbal communication skills.

Ability to synthesize data into clear, actionable insights.

Interest in leadership development, workforce planning, and public sector operations.

Ability to work independently while also collaborating with cross-functional teams.

Strong organizational and time management skills.

Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, particularly Excel.

Familiarity with survey tools such as Google Forms or SurveyMonkey.

Ability to handle sensitive information with professionalism and confidentiality.

Working Conditions

Working is typically performed in an office and may involve extended periods of sitting and computer use. 

Minimum Qualifications

1. Education: Currently pursuing or has recently completed a degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, Public Administration, Organizational Development, Industrial/Organizational Psychology  or a related field.

2. One (1) year of experience demonstrated ability to conduct research and analyze information. 

3. OR have a combination of education, training, and work experience that is equivalent to #2 above that provides the requisite knowledge, skills, and abilities for this job.

4. Advanced Proficiency in Microsoft Excel application.

5. Valid State of Georgia Driver's License

Preferred Qualifications

1. Experience in Microsoft Office applications such as Outlook, Excel, Word, and PowerPoint.
2. Prior internship or project experience related to human resources, talent development, or organizational strategy.
3. Experience with data analysis, reporting, or workforce planning concepts.
4. Interest in public sector careers or local government operations.
5. Experience creating presentations and facilitating discussions with stakeholders.