Government Affairs Intern

Summary Description: The Government Relations Department of the Raleigh-based North Carolina Association of Electric Cooperatives (NCAEC) has an opening for a Government Relations intern to assist in communications, legislative research, member advocacy, Youth Tour administration and political action committee activities. You will work with a team of Government Relations experts to communicate electric cooperative issues with elected officials, regulatory departments, and NC electric cooperatives. This association provides trade services to 26 member electric cooperatives, including communications support, training, education and legislative services. 

Academic and Trade Qualifications:  

• College student studying Political Science, Communications, Journalism, Public Relations or a related field 

• Proficiency in the use of Microsoft Office Suite, including Word, Excel, and PowerPoint 

• Knowledge of social media and basic web design principles preferred 

Work Experience: Basic understanding of state and federal government preferred 

Responsibilities: 

• Research relevant legislative issues involving the NC General Assembly, U.S. Congress, and certain regulatory agencies 

• Develop communications to member cooperatives about relevant legislative issues 

• Assist in preparation for NRECA Youth Tour  

• Provide input on social media strategy and other marketing opportunities 

• Assist with management of NCAEC’s state and federal political action committees 

• Other duties as assigned 

Job Knowledge: Students should have a strong knowledge of communications and social media as well as a basic understanding of state and local government. Students will finish the internship more prepared for: government relations, policy research and writing, and communicating energy issues to various audiences. 

Abilities and Skills: 

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills   

• Proficiency in MS Office   

• Strong attention to detail   

• Able to express complex concepts succinctly for multiple audiences   

• Willingness to respectfully engage with different political viewpoints 

• Skilled at prioritization and multi-tasking   

Relationships and Contacts: Reports to Manager of Government Affairs 

Working Conditions: Normal office working conditions with occasional outside of office travel for "in the field" learning experiences. 

Company Profile: North Carolina’s Electric Cooperatives (http://ncemcs.com/about/ncemc.htm) is the brand for the family of organizations formed to support the state’s 26 local electric cooperatives, including: North Carolina Electric Membership Corporation, the power supplier to many of the electric cooperatives; North Carolina Association of Electric Cooperatives, the cooperatives’ trade association; and Tarheel Electric Membership Association, Inc. (TEMA), a central purchasing and materials-supply cooperative. 

North Carolina Electric Membership Corporation provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all applicants for employment.