Public Policy & Government Relations Internship

Are you an undergraduate student or recent graduate with an interest in public affairs and aerospace engineering?

AIAA, the world’s largest aerospace technical society, is currently seeking a part time intern to join its Public Policy and Government Relations team. Internship can start immediately and will ideally run through summer 2025. This part-time, temporary position (approx. 20 hours per week, with flexibility) will focus on providing the candidate with an introduction to the public policy and government relations industry, with the goal of helping with the Aerospace Policy Connection Program.

The successful candidate will be a curious individual with some education and/or experience in government affairs, looking to receive an exciting introduction to association government relations. The candidate will have the opportunity to assist public policy and government relations operations, including helping inform staff and volunteer leaders of emerging issues, hearings, or rulemaking proposals. Working directly for the Director of Public Policy and Government Relations, they will integrate AIAA policies and positions into appropriate products and programs as directed.

This internship will primarily be located at the AIAA office in Reston, VA. Candidates must reside in the DMV area. Housing and transportation will not be provided. Pay rate range is $20-24 per hour.

Responsibilities:

• Assist public policy and government relations operations including helping inform staff and volunteer leaders of emerging issues, hearings, or rulemaking proposals.
• Assist Director of Public Policy and Government Relations integrating AIAA policies and positions into appropriate products and programs as directed. Attend and summarize relevant congressional hearings, executive branch reports, think tank webinars, and defense-industry events.
• Research and track legislation from key congressional committees, including the Appropriations, Armed Services, Science, and Foreign Relations committees, and draft synopses for various audiences.
• Draft preparatory materials for organization executives and key volunteer leaders, including biographies, agendas, and talking points documents.
• Research and fact check policy papers for accuracy.
• Update and maintain our state facts sheet.
• Assist in setting up meetings on Capitol Hill and Public Policy Committee.
• Support government relations initiatives, events, and other activities and assignments as assigned.

Requirements/Qualifications:

• Pursuing a bachelor’s degree or higher in Political Science, International Relations, Public Policy, Aerospace Engineering or related field.
• GPA of 3.0 or greater. Understanding of legislative process.
• Strong analytical abilities.
• Excellent written and oral and communication skills.
• Excellent interpersonal and customer relation skills.

About AIAA:

The American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics (AIAA) is the world’s largest aerospace technical society. With nearly 30,000 individual members from 91 countries, and 100 corporate members, AIAA brings together industry, academia, and government to advance engineering and science in aviation, space, and defense. For more information, visit www.aiaa.org, and follow AIAA on X/Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn, and Instagram.

AIAA is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, sex, age, sexual orientation, genetics, gender identity, disability, veteran or military status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law. This position will require pre-employment screening potentially including a criminal background check, verification of academic credentials, licenses, certifications, and/or verification of work history.