Government Affairs Intern

Hudson RiverKeeper

Hudson RiverKeeper

Posted on Feb 28, 2025

ABOUT US

Riverkeeper is New York’s premier water quality advocate. Established in 1966, Riverkeeper protects and restores the Hudson River from source to sea and safeguards drinking water supplies, through advocacy rooted in community partnerships, science and law. With an annual operating budget of $4.5 million, Riverkeeper is a mid-sized not-for profit operating in the Hudson Valley. This is an exciting opportunity for an emerging environmental leader seeking a fast-paced internship at an organization doing impactful work. For more information, visit www.riverkeeper.org.

TITLE: Government Affairs Summer Internship

DEPARTMENT: Advocacy, Policy & Planning

REPORTS TO: Government Affairs Fellow

SALARY: Stipend to be paid by Williams College

DURATION: June – August (exact dates TBD)

LOCATION: Remote - The internship is eligible for full time remote work but those local to New York City, the Hudson Valley, Capitol Region, or Mohawk Valley are encouraged to apply and will have opportunities for in-person work.

TO APPLY: Submit a 1-page cover letter and 1-page resume by applying directly online using this link: https://riverkeeper.bamboohr.com/careers/34?source=aWQ9Mzk%3D

POSITION SUMMARY

Riverkeeper is partnering with Williams College to hire a student intern for our Government Affairs team for the summer to work on state and federal government affairs with a primary focus on federal policy. Under the supervision and mentorship of the Government Affairs Fellow, the intern will also partner with the Associate Director of Government Affairs on legislative affairs, public affairs, research, communications and administrative support. This internship will provide firsthand experience in state and federal level advocacy at an internationally recognized environmental non-profit, working closely with Riverkeeper’s program team of scientists, advocates, and lawyers.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

(This is not an exhaustive list of all job duties, responsibilities, and requirements.)

  • Work with legislative staff to schedule meetings to advance Riverkeeper’s legislative agenda.
  • Develop an understanding of the Hudson River Estuary, pollution threats, environmental policies, and local governmental agencies.
  • Participate in the creation and design of factsheets, infographics, and other materials to communicate Riverkeeper’s policy agenda effectively.
  • Lobby legislators and their staff on Riverkeeper’s legislative priorities.
  • Assist the team in reviewing, analyzing, and tracking state and federal legislation
  • Track federal legislation and funding changes, researching how federal policies impact Riverkeeper’s issue areas.
  • Help develop innovative ways to present policy information, including through digital content and visual storytelling.

INTERNSHIP COMMITMENTS & EXPECTATIONS

  • Training: Training and onboarding will be provided during the first week of the internship followed by ongoing mentorship and supervision from the Government Affairs Fellow, coupled with regular check-ins. Throughout the internship, the intern will receive training and relevant written materials to become well-versed in, and comfortable with, the range of Riverkeeper’s campaigns, initiatives, and mission.
  • Schedule/Hours: The intern is expected to commit to the full duration of the internship from June through August (exact dates to be determined contingent on school schedule), with schedule of 40 hours minimum per week.

EXPERIENCE & COMPETENCIES

Research shows that women and people from under-represented groups often apply to jobs only if they meet 100% of the qualifications. Please know that no one ever meets 100% of the qualifications. If much of this describes you, we encourage you to apply.

  • Williams College student in good academic standing, preferably pursuing a related field of study such environmental studies/science, political science, public administration, international relations, health studies, or communications
  • Highly proficient working with computers, websites, online databases, and complex research topics
  • Knowledge of Google Drive software such as Google Sheets and Docs
  • Familiarity with graphic design tools like Canva is helpful
  • Resourceful, self-starter, excellent problem solver;
  • Ability to prioritize work and handle multiple, diverse assignments concurrently.
  • Strong research and writing skills are required.
  • Enthusiasm for Riverkeeper’s work and desire to actively engage in the advancement of its mission.

Riverkeeper is an AA/EEO employer. Riverkeeper is committed to attracting, developing, and retaining exceptional people, and to creating a work environment that is dynamic, rewarding, and enables each of us to realize our potential. Our work environment is safe and open to all employees and partners, respecting the full spectrum of race, color, religious creed, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, political affiliation, ancestry, age, disability, genetic information, veteran status, and all other classifications protected by law.

People from diverse backgrounds are encouraged to apply.