Education Paid Internship in Alexandria, Virginia at National Association of Convenience Stores
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Job Description
About NACS
The leading global trade association dedicated to advancing convenience and fuel retailing, NACS advances the role of convenience stores as positive economic, social and philanthropic contributors to the communities they serve and is a trusted adviser to retailer and supplier members from more than 50 countries. The U.S. convenience store industry, with more than 152,000 stores nationwide selling fuel, food and merchandise, conducts 160 million transactions daily and had sales of $818 billion in 2025. A member-driven organization, NACS has 80-plus employees and an annual operating budget of approximately $60 million.
NACS supports the industry through its media platforms, advocacy efforts, research, events, products & services and industry initiatives, helping members stay informed and connected. NACS Media is the voice that connects the convenience and fuel retailing industry through various channels, including its award-winning monthly publication NACS Magazine, NACS Daily e-newsletter and other media such as its weekly Convenience Matters podcast, Convenience Corner blog and Ideas 2 Go videos.
NACS also is a hub for industry-leading research, insightful analysis, innovative educational opportunities and key industry initiatives that aim to advance the future of convenience and fuel retailing, including the NACS Show, one of the largest annual tradeshows in the country; more than a dozen targeted and regional events; 5 executive education programs at Ivy-League universities and extensive advocacy to both elected leaders and the general public.
Position Overview
NACS is seeking a motivated, detail-oriented Education Intern to support the planning and execution of education programs and events. This is a great opportunity to gain hands-on experience in event coordination, member engagement, and professional development within a dynamic association environment.
Timing & Commitment
- Internship term: Fall 2026
- Expected start: August or September 2026
- Duration: 12–16 weeks (flexible based on academic schedule)
- Schedule:
- In office 10–25 hours per week during business hours, with flexibility based on availability.
- Required travel: Attend to support the 2026 NACS Show in Las Vegas, October 5th-8th
What You’ll Do
- Assist with logistics for education sessions at NACS events, including the NACS Show and other industry programs
- Help manage timelines, materials and program details
- Provide both on-site and virtual events support
- Track participant feedback and support program performance analysis
- Assist with communication between internal team members, speakers, and member participants as needed
- Contribute to process improvements by documenting lessons learned and recommending ways to strengthen future programs.
Who We’re Looking For
- Currently enrolled in or recently graduated from a college/university program
- Highly organized with strong attention to detail and the ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines
- Strong written and verbal communication skills
- Eager to learn and comfortable interacting with professionals and members
- Basic proficiency with Microsoft Office or similar productivity tools.
What You’ll Learn
- Real-world experience related to careers in event planning, adult learning, association management, hospitality, communications, or marketing
- Hands-on experience supporting professional education programs and large-scale events
- Exposure to the dynamics of working for a leading trade association and industry professionals
- Building skills in communication, project coordination, event operations, and member engagement
NACS Culture
We hugely value, invest in and are devoted to the constructive culture that we’ve built and work on every day at NACS. Almost everything we do requires broad, multi-department collaboration to ideate and execute creative initiatives that deliver compelling value to our members and our industry. What that requires is a relatively flat organizational structure that empowers teammates at different levels from all departments to constructively engage and support each other. Titles really don’t matter in such an organization. What matters is a culture of constructive behaviors that relishes divergent perspectives to craft well thought-out initiatives and then come together to execute them. NACS Values:
- Do the right thing
- Focus long term
- In their terms
- Be fiscally responsible
- Strive for excellence
The NACS culture is highly collaborative, and we are better when we are together. NACS is a culture that believes in working together from the office.
Other Pertinent Information
- Required Travel: 2026 NACS Show in Las Vegas, October 5-8
- In-Office Position
- Metro Accessible – 2 blocks from King Street metro
- The hourly rate for this position is $18 - $20 an hour and is a 1099 contractor role (not eligible for benefits)
NACS is an Equal Opportunity Employer, dedicated to a policy of non-discrimination in employment on any basis. All applicants will be considered for all positions on the basis of qualifications and without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, marital status, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, and any other legally protected status.
For more information, visit convenience.org. Follow NACS on LinkedIn, Twitter, Facebook and Instagram.