Government Affairs Intern

About Audubon

The National Audubon Society is a leading nonprofit conservation organization with 120 years of science-based, community-driven impact, dedicated to protecting birds and the places they need, today and tomorrow. Birds are powerful indicators of our planet’s health, acting as sentinels that warn us of environmental change and inspire action. Audubon works across the Western Hemisphere, driven by the understanding that what is good for birds is good for the planet.

Through a collaborative, bipartisan approach across habitats, borders, and the political spectrum, Audubon drives meaningful and lasting conservation outcomes. With 800 staff and over 1.9 million supporters, Audubon is a dynamic and ever-growing force committed to ensuring a better planet for both birds and people for generations to come. Learn more at www.audubon.org and on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram @audubonsociety.

Position Summary:

Audubon’s Government Affairs team interacts with leading decisionmakers in Washington, DC and around the country to protect birds and the places they need. The Government Affairs intern is a paid internship opportunity in Washington, DC, for an individual interested in public policy and advocacy. The intern will report to the Government Affairs Project Manager and will work directly with other team members on various research, outreach, and creative projects to advance our key policy priorities.

The intern will have the opportunity to interact with a variety of Audubon staff, from policy experts to state and regional staff.

This position is classified as hybrid, in accordance with Audubon’s “Where We Work” Policy. Hybrid employees are expected to work in an Audubon office every Monday and Tuesday and an additional two days each month of the employee’s choosing. Candidates should be located within commuting distance of Audubon's office in Washington, DC.

Length of Internship: 5.5 months

Hours: 30 / week

Intern Responsibilities and Learning Objectives:

During the internship, you will work with Government Affairs staff to:

Create and design outreach materials, such as factsheets, to educate key decision-makers and other stakeholders about our policy priorities.

Provide research assistance as needed to support government affairs work, including researching decision makers, attending briefings and hearings, and reviewing proposed legislation.

Leverage your critical thinking skills to engage in a multi-team Capstone project in an area of your interest that helps move Audubon’s policy priorities forward.

Help with office tasks including assembling briefing folders, preparing mailings, and helping with various tasks for off-site events.

Internship Benefits:

Interns will gain experience and knowledge in the following:

• Interacting with professional communicators, conservation leaders, and government affairs professionals at Audubon, as well as staff and volunteers across the network.
• Developing tangible achievements and new skills through hands-on work and responsibility in communications and policy.
• Making meaningful contributions to research, special project implementation, and the overall success of Audubon’s policy work.
• Intern Schedule: The intern will work 30 hours per week in a hybrid format (2 or 3 days per week in the office, 2 or 3 days from home).
• Projected Start Date/End Date: 01/12/2027 to 06/30/2027

Qualifications and Experience:

• Bachelor’s degree preferred (a focus in political science, public policy, climate change, environmental studies, social sciences, communications, and/or project management a bonus).
• Strong oral and written communication skills; well organized.
• Strong work ethic with exceptional organizational skills and an eye for details.
• Genuine interest in conservation, the mission of the National Audubon Society, and social
• Adaptable and versatile; able to thrive in a fast-paced and dynamic work environment.
• Proficiency with Excel, PowerPoint, and Microsoft Word.
• Experience with InDesign/Canva or other creative software a bonus.
• Have speaking proficiency in Spanish or another language other than English is a bonus.
• Understanding of GIS or other mapping software is a bonus.
• Commitment to Audubon’s organizational values of care, collaboration, change, integrity, impact, and innovation.
• EEO Statement

We are an equal opportunity employer and do not discriminate based on race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other protected characteristic outlined by federal, state, or local laws. We are committed to providing an inclusive and accessible hiring process for all candidates.

Accessibility Statement

The National Audubon Society endeavors to keep our careers site accessible to any and all users.  If you would like to contact us regarding the accessibility of our website or need assistance completing the application process, please contact Accommodations@audubon.org . This contact information is for accommodation requests only and cannot be used to inquire about the status of applications.