American Chemical Society Government Relations Intern

The Government Relations group in the Office of Public Affairs (OPA) at the American Chemical Society is seeking a part-time (up to 20 hours/week) or full-time (up to 40 hours/week) undergraduate or graduate student intern for the Spring of 2014. The intern will work in the ACS headquarters office located in downtown Washington, DC. The exact dates of the internship period and working schedule are negotiable.  Please note this internship is unpaid. 

The American Chemical Society and its more than 164,000 member scientists and engineers represent the “human scientific capital” that drives the scientific advances and innovation that have made America the world leader it is today. 

The ACS Office of Public Affairs consists of the Government Relations and Communications groups. The Governments Relations staff work with Congress, the Administration, and other industry, scientific, and education-related organizations to develop a cohesive, national innovation strategy to increase science and engineering talent and maintain America’s lead at the cutting edge of science and innovation across disciplines and sectors. In addition to working with Government Relations staff, if interested, the intern would have a chance to work with staff in the Communications group, helping to promote the ACS as one of the world’s premier scientific organizations. 

Responsibilities:

• Perform legislative research and tracking at the state and federal levels.
• Assist in drafting issue papers and work on a variety of writing tasks.
• Attend Congressional hearings and other briefings.
• Conduct in-depth research on science, education, energy, and national security issues.
• Work on science and general grassroots messaging.
• Provide assistance to staff on other projects, such as aid in the organization of congressional briefings and legislative fly ins.
• More significant responsibilities possible depending upon individual skills and interest.

 Qualifications:

• Knowledge and enthusiasm for advancing science.
• Background and interest in public policy and the legislative process is preferred. Background in chemistry or the physical sciences is a plus.
• Strong computer skills.
• Strong writing and communication skills and ability to interface with large numbers of people and organizations.
• The intern will need to be able to write in a clear manner and interact with Office of Public Affairs partners in a professional manner.
• Ability to work independently after being given initial instructions.

 ***Please send a cover letter describing applicant’s interest in science and legislative affairs and a resume to Katelynn Eckert at k_eckert@acs.org