Position Title: Government Affairs Intern – Spring 2027
Department: Strategy & Impact - 1150
Classification: Non-Exempt
Employee Type: INT - Intern
Direct Report: Director, Strategy & Planning
Position Summary:
The Government Affairs Intern supports Georgia Aquarium's government relations efforts by helping advance the organization's 2027 legislative priorities, strengthen relationships with elected officials, and coordinate engagement with local, state, and federal government representatives. Working closely with the Director of Strategy & Planning, the intern will assist with scheduling meetings with government officials, preparing briefing materials, tracking legislative developments, coordinating follow-up communications, and supporting initiatives that advance Georgia Aquarium's interests.
Responsibilities:
Government Relations & Stakeholder Engagement
- Coordinate and schedule meetings with local elected officials, Georgia House and Senate members, congressional offices, and other government stakeholders.
- Support relationship-building efforts with government officials, legislative staff, community leaders, and external partners.
- Assist with coordinating government visits, facility tours, legislative briefings, and other engagement opportunities at Georgia Aquarium.
- Maintain organized records of government contacts, meetings, correspondence, and engagement activities.
- Prepare meeting agendas, briefing materials, talking points, and background information for leadership.
Legislative Affairs & Policy Support
- Support implementation of Georgia Aquarium's 2027 legislative agenda and government affairs priorities.
- Research proposed legislation, public policies, and government initiatives that may impact Georgia Aquarium's operations, programs, and strategic interests.
- Monitor relevant legislative activity during the Georgia General Assembly's 2027 legislative session.
- Support coordination with external government affairs consultants and advocacy partners.
Administrative Coordination & Follow-Up
- Manage scheduling, meeting logistics, and calendar coordination for government affairs activities.
- Draft professional correspondence, meeting invitations, thank-you notes, and follow-up communications.
- Track action items, commitments, and next steps resulting from meetings with government officials and partners.
- Maintain government affairs tracking documents, legislative calendars, and stakeholder engagement records.
- Assist with planning and coordinating government affairs events and special projects.
III. Qualifications:
- Currently pursuing or recently completed a degree in Public Administration, Political Science, Public Policy, Government, Social Sciences, Communications, Business Administration, or a related field.
- Demonstrated interest in government, public service, legislative affairs, public policy, or community engagement.
- Strong written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to interact professionally with government officials and organizational leaders.
- Excellent organizational skills, attention to detail, and ability to manage multiple assignments and deadlines.
- Ability to conduct research, summarize information, and prepare professional correspondence and briefing materials.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications, including Outlook, Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.
- Ability to exercise professionalism, discretion, and sound judgment when handling sensitive information.
- Ability to work independently and collaboratively with internal teams and external stakeholders.
- Willingness to participate in frequent off-site meetings, government events, or legislative activities as needed.
- Application Requirement: The internship application will require a resume and cover letter. Please submit as a PDF with a file name that indicates your name and the internship you’re applying for. Example: John_Smith_Internship_Resume.
Important Dates for Spring 2027 Semester:
Application Deadline: Wednesday, November 25th. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis and may close before the official deadline.
Mandatory Spring 2027 Orientation: Thursday, February 4th, 2027.
Physical Demands & Work Environment:
The physical demands and work environment described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is occasionally required to stand; walk; sit; climb stairs; balance; stoop, kneel, crouch or crawl; and work around saltwater. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.
Commitment:
I commit to Georgia Aquarium, Inc. to be a part of the following:
Mission: Georgia Aquarium is a nonprofit committed to inspiring awareness and preservation of our ocean and Aquatic animals worldwide.
Vision: To be the Premier Aquarium in the World for Science, Entertainment, Education and Conservation.
Values: Respect, Teamwork, Integrity, Innovation, Leadership, Excellence, Appreciation & Inclusion
