State Government Affairs INTERN in Arlington, Virginia at CropLife America & RISE

RISE (Responsible Industry for a Sound Environment), a trade association representing the specialty (non-agricultural) pesticide and fertilizer industry in Arlington, VA, is seeking a motivated, detail-oriented Part-Time (20 hours per week) State Government Affairs Intern to support the association’s state advocacy efforts across the country. This remote position offers an excellent opportunity for an early-career professional or current graduate student interested in public policy, legislative affairs, state government, and trade association advocacy. The intern will help monitor and summarize legislation, support member communications, assist with legislative tracking, and work closely with the Senior Director of Government Affairs.

Primary Responsibilities

• Support the Legislative Advocacy Committee by helping build agendas, draft minutes, and prepare weekly legislative reports for members.
• Assist with coordination among members, coalition partners, RISE contract lobbyists, and external stakeholders.
• Support preparation for state legislative fly-ins, capitol days, and other advocacy events.
• Learn and use RISE’s legislative tracking software to identify emerging issues and policy trends.
• Help maintain the legislative tracker for assigned states.
• Monitor, analyze, and summarize local and state legislation and relevant committee activity impacting RISE member companies.
• Prepare draft legislative summaries, issue briefs, testimony, and member communications.
• Support state government affairs-related meetings, legislative events, and member briefings in coordination with internal staff.
• Other responsibilities as assigned.

Required Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree in political science, public policy, communications, or a related field, or current enrollment in a graduate degree program in a related area of study.

• Interest in learning about the legislative process and state government operations.
• Strong analytical skills and the ability to learn to review and interpret legislation.
• Excellent written, editing, and verbal communication skills.
• Strong public speaking and presentation abilities.
• Interest in trade associations and their role in advocacy.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and work independently in a remote environment.

Willingness to travel occasionally, as needed.