Federal Government Relations Intern (Public Policy)

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

#LI-DNI

• Compensation & Benefits Individual compensation for this role is dependent on a variety of factors, including, but not limited to, qualifications, skillsets, and applicable laws. In addition to salary, the Foundation offers a comprehensive benefits package, including:
• 15+ options for medical insurance (with the Foundation paying 90 percent of the premiums)
• Competitive dental and vision plans
• 401(k) plan with 6 percent employer contribution
• Flexible spending accounts
• Employer paid life and disability insurance
• 18 Vacation Days; 12 Well-Being (Sick) Days; 2 Personal Days; summer Fridays (office closure at 2pm) and a summer holiday week over July 4
• Flexible work environment. We trust all employees to work closely with their manager and colleagues to determine when, where and how programs and projects get done.

Employees are also eligible for a discretionary bonus on an annual basis. The Foundation provides staff and leadership cultivation through regular training courses and events.

Salary Range: $18—$22 USD

How To Apply

Interested candidates should submit a resume and thoughtful cover letter describing through examples, their specific qualifications and interest in the position. If you think that your skills are transferable and can add value to this role, please apply. Applicants who best match the position’s needs will be contacted.

About Us

• The Michael J. Fox Foundation for
• Parkinson’s
• Research was founded in 2000 with one clear objective: accelerating meaningful therapeutic advances and, ultimately, a cure for Parkinson’s disease (PD). The Foundation applies extraordinary scientific, business and media assets to this singular focus—thus creating a unique and dynamic organization. Since inception, MJFF has quickly grown into the largest nonprofit funder of Parkinson’s disease research, having funded over $2 billion in research projects in both academic and industry labs worldwide.

Visit www.michaeljfox.org for more information.

Research has shown that people from marginalized communities apply to roles only when they meet 100% of the job requirements. If you think that your skills are transferable and can add value to this role, and you are someone who will contribute to our efforts to build and support a diverse, equitable and inclusive workforce, we strongly encourage you to apply.