Government Affairs Summer 2026 Internship

Government Affairs Summer 2026 Internship

Washington, D.C.

Ducks Unlimited seeks a motivated college student or recent college graduate to serve in our Washington, DC office as an intern for the Summer 2026 session, to start in early June. This person will assist in all facets of carrying out the public policy priorities of this office, including but not limited to assisting with major policy and fundraising events, tracking legislation, attending Congressional hearings and representing Ducks Unlimited at coalition and partner meetings when necessary.

Ducks Unlimited is the world's largest nonprofit organization dedicated to conserving North America's continually disappearing waterfowl habitats. Established in 1937, Ducks Unlimited has conserved more than 15 million acres thanks to contributions from more than a million supporters across the continent. Guided by science and dedicated to program efficiency, DU works toward the vision of wetlands sufficient to fill the skies with waterfowl today, tomorrow and forever. This intern will play a critical role in the success of DU’s governmental affairs and policy efforts that directly contribute to achieving the organization’s habitat mission. Candidates must be highly organized and have the ability to manage several tasks at once without requiring extensive supervision.

Qualifications:

• Active college transcript or bachelor’s degree in political science, natural resources, agriculture, or preferred related field, if applicant is a college graduate.
• Familiarity with or keen interest in learning about congressional and federal regulatory processes.
• Knowledge of, and interest in wildlife, water resources, waterfowl, agriculture, Ducks Unlimited and/or outdoor recreation-related conservation issues.
• Practice in critical thinking and willingness to learn.
• Experience with Microsoft Suite.

Responsibilities:

• Manage and assist with the logistics related to DU events held in DC, including advocacy fly-ins, Capitol Hill banquets and other receptions and events.
• Support the governmental affairs team with scheduling Congressional and Administration meetings, conducting policy research, and providing general support for all public policy activities.
• Assist in the daily administration and organization of the DC governmental affairs office.
• Assist the team in developing internal and external communications such as press releases.
• Provide administrative and logistical support for internal and external meetings, materials preparation and tasks related to meeting follow-up.
• Provide staff support to DU’s volunteer Public Policy Committee.
• Support governmental affairs team lobbying efforts through developing, implementing and tracking policy-related information.
• Other office duties as assigned.

Required to Submit:

• Resume
• Cover letter expressing your interest and qualifications for the position. 

This role is a Seasonal Internship and does not offer benefits or 401k.