Public Health Job Opportunities

University of Nebraska Federal Relations Office Summer Internship

Location: University of Nebraska Federal Relations Office in Washington D.C.

Timeframe: late May to early August 2019

Schedule: 25 hours per week

 

The University of Nebraska Federal Relations office in Washington, D.C. invites applications for a summer student internship. During the internship, you will interact with Congressional offices, higher education associations, scientific associations, other government relations representatives and federal agencies. You will also have the unique opportunity to plan and implement programs and events for the D.C. Professional Enrichment Academy for University of Nebraska summer student interns and interact with alumni. You may be assigned one or two major substantive projects during the summer, which will vary depending on skills and interests and the needs at that time.

 

NU Office of Federal Relations Overview – The University of Nebraska Office of Federal Relations is located in Washington, D.C., one block from Capitol Hill. The office increases knowledge of and generates support for University of Nebraska priorities within the federal government. The office works primarily with the Nebraska congressional delegation and federal agencies such as the National Science Foundation, National Institutes of Health, Department of Defense, Department of Agriculture, and Department of Education. The office also coordinates with the higher education community (e.g. national associations, other colleges/universities) to advocate for issues of shared interest, such as research and student aid funding. The Director of Federal Relations and the Federal Relations Coordinator lead these activities on behalf of University of Nebraska faculty, staff and students.

 

Position Description: The intern position will support the University of Nebraska D.C. Professional Enrichment Academy and federal engagement strategy. The opportunity will provide the intern first-hand observations of the work of federal agencies and Congress, particularly as related to advancing research and student aid funding and policies. The intern will also have the opportunity to interact with and learn from other D.C. based interns and government affairs staff from across Nebraska and the nation.

 

Key Responsibilities: As an intern, some responsibilities assigned to you will include:

  • Plan and implement programs and events for the D.C. Professional Enrichment Academy for University of Nebraska summer student interns
    • Assist D.C. Professional Enrichment Academy student participants and program staff
    • Provide a recap of the D.C. Professional Enrichment Academy at the end of the summer and suggestions for improvement
  • Monitor and report on federal issues and activities of interest to the University of Nebraska, such as priority legislation and Congressional committee hearings on issues including research, policy and student aid
  • Attend and report on higher education associations meetings
  • Attend and report on Congressional hearings and federal agency briefings
  • Assist with preparations for University of Nebraska community visits to Congress and/or federal agencies
  • Assist with preparations for Federal Relations events on campus

 

Qualifications – The internship is open to any currently enrolled University of Nebraska student with a 3.0 GPA or higher and a demonstrated interest in public policy, science, communications, law, or government. The position requires:

  • Excellent communication and demonstrated collaboration and leadership skills as well as the ability to work well with individuals who serve in a wide range of capacities
  • Demonstrated ability to organize, work independently as a leader and as part of a team
  • Consistently exercise good judgment
  • Strong writing, analytical and problem-solving skills
  • Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, and PowerPoint) and basic social media platforms

 

Compensation – $15/hour. Housing and transportation are not provided. However, the Office of Federal Relations will provide guidance on securing appropriate intern housing.

 

Application Process – Please send a resume and cover letter to Jacob Dowd, Federal Relations Coordinator, at jdowd@nebraska.edu. The application is due February 1, 2019. Interviews and selection will occur in February.