Federal Government Relations Intern (Public Policy)

Job Title: Federal Government Relations Intern (Public Policy)

 
Position Summary:  

The Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research (the Foundation) is seeking a Federal Government Relations Intern within our Public Policy Team. Reporting to the Director of Federal Government Relations, the intern will support the Foundation’s federal policy efforts through legislative tracking and analysis, stakeholder engagement, Capitol Hill event support, and other core team responsibilities aligned with the Foundation’s mission. 

Preference will be given to candidates living in the D.C. metro area. 

Learning Outcomes: 

• Understand the inner workings of the DC nonprofit government relations, lobbying, public policy, and advocacy systems.  

• How to build and manage meaningful relationships with federal officials and other key stakeholders to the benefit of the program and mission. 

• How to support federal government relations and advocacy strategies. 

• How to develop, plan, and execute policy-focused briefings and events on Capitol Hill. 

• How to use essential government relations and advocacy tools and software. 

• How to meet challenges, overcome obstacles, and work in a dynamic team environment. 

 
 
Primary Duties & Responsibilities:  

• Assist with monitoring and tracking federal legislative and policy developments related to Parkinson’s disease and the Foundation’s policy priorities 

• Research legislation and regulatory comments important to Parkinson’s at a national level; Conduct web-based and other research as needed on the Foundation’s legislative issues 

• Assist with scheduling and preparation for meetings with Members of Congress, congressional staff, coalition partners, and federal stakeholders 

• Support federal policy communications and stakeholder engagement efforts, including drafting outreach materials, scheduling requests, background documents, briefing materials, and other communications related to the Foundation’s federal policy priorities 

• Attend potential coalition meetings and Congressional hearings on behalf of the Foundation  

• Support outreach and engagement efforts related to the Congressional Parkinson’s Disease Caucus, including membership tracking, recruitment support, and maintenance of stakeholder engagement records and related outreach materials 

• Maintain and update records within the Foundation’s advocacy and government relations database, including conducting regular data management and quality assurance efforts to improve the accuracy, organization, and usability of information 

• Support planning and execution of Capitol Hill events and stakeholder engagement activities, as timing permits 

• Support the drafting and execution of action alerts, social media, and other advocacy or communications strategies 

• Assist with production and editing of policy and advocacy materials and internal documents 

• Perform basic clerical tasks, including word processing, copying, mailing, filing, managing routine office business, and provide other program, administrative, and organization-wide support as needed/assigned 

• Other related/comparable duties as assigned 

  
Qualifications and Skills:  

• Must be enrolled in an accredited undergraduate or graduate program 

• Basic understanding of and interest in federal government relations, public policy, advocacy, Congress, federal agencies, and the federal legislative process strongly encouraged; prior experience in government, policy, or advocacy environments is a plus 

• Excellent written and verbal communications skills reflecting precise attention to detail 

• Ability to manage multiple projects at once and prioritize initiatives accordingly 

• Creative, solutions-oriented with a proactive lens to problem solving