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External Affairs Intern

Corn Refiners Association
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External Affairs Intern

The Corn Refiners Association (CRA) is the national trade association representing the corn refining industry of the United States. CRA and its predecessors have served this important segment of American agribusiness since 1913. Corn refiners manufacture sweeteners, ethanol, starch, bioproducts, corn oil, and feed products from corn components such as starch, oil, protein, and fiber.

Overview

The CRA Internship Program is designed for recent university graduates, graduate students, and exceptional college juniors and seniors. Relevant experience or an academic background in agriculture, political science, public policy, communications, or a related field is most applicable to this position, as the intern will support both government relations and communications projects.

Successful interns are organized, intellectually curious, and enthusiastic about working on a broad range of assignments in a fast-paced, team-oriented environment.

The internship will run from September through December 2026. This position reports to the Vice President of External Affairs.

Responsibilities

Responsibilities may include:

  • Monitor and analyze federal legislation, regulatory actions, and policy developments affecting the corn refining industry.
  • Research policy issues and prepare concise summaries, briefing materials, and legislative analyses.
  • Draft advocacy and communications materials, including fact sheets, one-pagers, newsletters, press materials, website content, and social media posts.
  • Assist with congressional outreach by preparing meeting materials, researching Members of Congress and committee priorities, and supporting advocacy activities.
  • Attend congressional hearings, coalition meetings, briefings, and industry events and prepare summaries for CRA staff and members.
  • Support coalition engagement and collaboration with strategic partners.
  • Assist with the planning and execution of Government Relations Committee meetings, including agenda preparation, issue tracking, member communications, and meeting logistics.
  • Support special projects and advocacy initiatives across the External Affairs team.
  • Provide support to other CRA committees, including Communications, Health & Wellness, Environmental Affairs, Product Safety & Quality, Sustainability, Trade, and Workplace Safety, as organizational priorities require.

Qualifications

Qualified candidates should:

  • Be a recent university graduate, current graduate student, or exceptional college junior or senior pursuing or holding a degree in political science, public policy, agriculture, agribusiness, communications, or a related field.
  • Demonstrate excellent written and verbal communication skills.
  • Be highly organized and able to manage multiple projects and deadlines.
  • Possess strong research and analytical skills, with the ability to synthesize complex information into concise written products.
  • Have an interest in federal policymaking, agriculture, food policy, trade, energy, environmental policy, or public affairs.
  • Be proficient in Microsoft Office applications, including Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and SharePoint.
  • Experience with Mailchimp, social media management, or digital communications is a plus.

What You’ll Gain

As a CRA intern, you’ll gain practical experience in:

  • Federal advocacy and congressional engagement
  • Public affairs and strategic communications
  • Legislative and regulatory analysis
  • Coalition engagement
  • Trade association operations
  • Agricultural and food policy

You’ll work directly with experienced government affairs and communications professionals while developing skills that prepare you for careers in public policy, advocacy, communications, and association management.

Additional Details

  • CRA has a hybrid work environment. Staff work in the office Tuesday through Thursday and remotely on Monday and Friday. Interns will need access to a personal computer, secure internet connection, and landline or cell phone.
  • The CRA Internship Program is a paid position offering $25 per hour for students currently enrolled in an undergraduate program and $30 per hour for students currently enrolled in a graduate program. Metro reimbursement of up to $150 is also available. Applicants interested in receiving academic credit in addition to or in lieu of wages should consult with their department head or academic advisor. No benefits are provided.
  • CRA is seeking candidates who are available from September through December 2026 for 25 to 40 hours per week. Hours may be negotiated based on class schedule.

To Apply

Interested applicants should email a cover letter, resume, cumulative GPA, writing sample, and contact information for three references to careers@corn.org using the subject line “RE: External Affairs Intern.”

At least one reference should be a current professor or academic advisor familiar with the applicant’s academic record. References will be contacted only for top candidates and only after the candidate has been notified.

No phone calls will be accepted.

The Corn Refiners Association is an Equal Opportunity Employer.