Government Relations Intern

Description

Government Relations Internship – Midwestern Higher Education Compact (MHEC) 

Location: Minneapolis, MN (Hybrid) Must be able to commute to the office location in Downtown Minneapolis on a regular basis.  

Hours: 15–30 hours/week, typically between 8:00 AM–5:00 PM 

Compensation: $20/hour – Transportation costs, such as parking or bus fare, are covered. 

Duration: November to May (flexibility allowed in hours for the fall semester before ramping up in the spring semester) 

Reports To: Director of External Relations & Chief of Staff 

About MHEC 

Midwestern Higher Education Compact (MHEC) strengthens post-secondary education in its 11 midwestern states through development and support of best practices, collaborative efforts, and cost-sharing opportunities. MHEC works with and for a variety of stakeholders within and across member states, including higher education system and campus leaders, state policymakers, and other state leaders. Through these efforts it works to ensure strong, postsecondary educational opportunities and outcomes for all.

MHEC’s strategic approach highlights member states’ strong desire for cooperation, effectiveness, and efficiency. MHEC believes that actions informed by research and best practices are the catalyst for improving quality, accessibility, relevance, and affordability of postsecondary educational opportunities. MHEC does this primarily through the following approaches: convenings, programs, research, and cost-savings contracts. MHEC strives to help its members support students and their success. 

Position Summary 

The Midwestern Higher Education Compact (MHEC) is seeking a motivated and detail-oriented Government Relations Intern to assist with government relations, annual state visits, and stakeholder engagement activities. 

This position provides hands-on experience in government relations and higher education public policy, offering an opportunity to learn how a regional higher education organization builds relationships and supports collaboration among legislators, state agencies, and higher education leaders across the Midwest. 

Reporting to the Director of External Relations & Chief of Staff, the intern will support MHEC's work across 11 Midwestern states, with a particular focus on the 2027 legislative session and annual state visits. Responsibilities will include legislative and stakeholder research, preparing briefing materials, supporting outreach to policymakers and higher education leaders, and tracking engagement and follow-up activities.

Requirements

Key Responsibilities 

• Research state legislative structures, committee memberships, and key policymakers and higher education stakeholders to support government relations outreach and state visit planning. 
• Track relevant higher education legislation, prepare biographical summaries and event briefs, and develop meeting materials for MHEC's 2027 state visits. 
• Assist with outreach to legislative offices, state agencies, and higher education stakeholders regarding participation in MHEC's 2027 state visits. 
• Analyze meeting notes, identify action items, and assist with communications to policymakers and other stakeholders following external engagements. 
• Maintain stakeholder contact information and support efforts to track MHEC's government relations and external engagement activities. 
• Support additional government relations and external engagement projects as needed. 
• Attend internal meetings and, when possible, external events or visits in Minnesota. 
• Participate in professional development opportunities, including informational interviews with MHEC staff, mock interviews, and resume and cover letter reviews. 

Qualifications
 

Required 

• Currently pursuing an undergraduate or graduate degree and enrolled at an accredited university at the time of application majoring in political science, public policy, education, or a related field, with a demonstrated interest in government relations, public policy, or higher education; transcript verification may be requested during the hiring process. 
• Strong organizational skills and ability to manage multiple projects with varying deadlines. 
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to communicate professionally with external stakeholders. 
• Strong attention to detail, accuracy, and professionalism in all work. 
• Self-starter with initiative, curiosity, and a willingness to learn and take on new projects. 
• Collaborative and customer-focused, contributing to a positive, team-oriented, and nonpartisan work environment. 
• Ability to work effectively with individuals and groups representing different perspectives and political backgrounds. 
• Ability to perform office/computer-based work for up to 8 hours/day. 
• Ability to work in person multiple days per week, with at least one in-person day on a Tuesday or Wednesday, at MHEC’s downtown Minneapolis office. 

Preferred 

• Experience or involvement in government relations, legislative affairs, public policy, higher education, or nonprofit organizations. 
• Experience conducting research or preparing written summaries, briefs, or biographies. 
• Familiarity with stakeholder engagement, outreach, or event coordination. 

Schedule and Work Environment 

• Internship runs through May. 
• Interns are expected to work in person multiple days per week, with at least one of those days on a Tuesday or Wednesday. 
• Flexible scheduling around classes and other commitments; average 15–30 hours/week, depending on availability and project needs. 

Application Requirements 

• Resume 
• Cover Letter or Personal Statement of 500 words or less addressing: 
• Your experience or interest in higher education 
• Your experience or interest in public policy at the state level  
• What you hope to gain from this internship 
• How you will use this experience to support your professional growth 

Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled.