Government Relations Intern

Government Relations 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, starches, advanced bioproducts, corn oil and feed products from dent corn.

CRA also administers the Plant Based Products Council (PBPC), an organization launched in 2019 that represents companies manufacturing or using non-food products and materials made from renewable, plant-based inputs.

What You Will Learn
• CRA values its interns and endeavors to provide a learning experience that advances your career development and expands your professional network.
• The Government Relations intern is assigned to work on active CRA advocacy matters including, but not limited to:
• Supporting the CRA external affairs and policy staff. Interns will assist in the implementation of CRA’s legislative and regulatory agenda; track key pieces of legislation and regulatory proposals; support collaboration with CRA’s strategic partners; attend hearings and meetings on behalf of CRA and deliver an analysis of critical issues discussed; and assist the CRA external affairs staff with various initiatives and special projects.
• Assisting with the operations of the CRA Government Relations Committee, which is comprised of DC and home- office based representatives of all CRA member companies.
• Interns may also be asked to support additional CRA committees based on the current needs of the association.
• Interns assist with various projects throughout their time at CRA. Successful interns are enthusiastic about working on a wide variety of tasks in a fast-paced, team environment.
Qualifications
• The Internship Program at CRA is designed for recent university graduates and graduate students. College seniors and juniors performing at an exceptional level will also be considered. Candidates holding or working towards a degree in Political Science, Public Policy, Agribusiness, or related areas of study have academic backgrounds highly relevant to this internship.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Organized, with an ability to prioritize multiple time-sensitive assignments.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, SharePoint, and PowerPoint).
• Mailchimp experience preferred.
• A genuine interest in legislative process and policy development.

Additional Details
• CRA has a hybrid work environment. Staff work remotely Monday and Friday and work in the office Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday. Certain weeks throughout the fall will be conducted fully remotely. You will need to have a personal computer, secure internet connection and a landline or cell phone.
• The Internship Program at CRA is a paid position, with interns earning $20 per hour. If you would like to receive academic credit in addition to or in lieu of wages, please consult with your department head or academic advisor.
• The term of the internship is August-December 2024.
• In general, we anticipate that interns will work full-time during their term of employment at CRA. However, CRA is open to accepting candidates who would work less than full-time, about 25-30 hours per week, so they may take classes. This arrangement also offers a flexible internship opportunity for students enrolled full-time at a DC-based institution.
• No benefits are provided.
To Apply
• Interested applicants should email their cover letter, resume, cumulative GPA, a writing sample, and contact information for three (3) references to careers@corn.org using the subject line “RE: Government Relations Intern”.
• At least one reference should be a current Professor or Academic Advisor familiar with your academic record. We will contact references directly only for top candidates and only after notifying the intern candidate.
• No phone calls will be accepted.
Corn Refiners Association is an Equal Opportunity Employer.