Government Affairs Intern

Job Title: Government Affairs Intern

Reports To: Marketing Director, Bryan Stephens

Location: Uptown Phoenix, AZ  (In Person, Hybrid, or Remote)

Hours: C. 15-20 hours per week (200 hours total)

Pay: Stipend given

Available: Summer and/or Fall 2025

Internship description:

First Day (firstdaypr.com) is a full-service marketing, strategic consulting and public affairs firm headquartered in Phoenix, AZ, renowned for its advocacy on behalf of K-12 education choice and innovative learning solutions. We are seeking a Government Affairs Intern to assist in monitoring, analyzing, and shaping education-focused legislation and rulemaking—especially related to Education Savings Accounts (ESAs).
 

You will play a crucial role in ensuring that emerging ESA programs best serve students, parents, and the Education Service Provider (ESP) community. Reporting to the Marketing Director, you will collaborate with our Government Affairs and coalition-building teams, helping to enhance First Day’s policy outreach, educational policy research, and client-facing communications.

Key Responsibilities:

• Monitor states’ ESA and school choice regulations, policy proposals, and legislative committees relevant to the expansion of educational choice.
• Investigate newly enacted or proposed K-12 initiatives, with a focus on ESAs and other school choice mechanisms; compile briefs and keep the First Day team and, ultimately, clients informed and empowered.
• Collaborate with the Government Affairs and Marketing team members to produce weekly bulletins detailing legislative updates, policy changes, and best practices for our clients and coalition partners.
• Assist with gathering data and stakeholder input for the ESP Coalition, drafting template outreach materials, and participating in the planning of webinars, regular meetings, and policy roundtables with program managers and advocates.
• Draft advocacy letters, prepare briefs, and help coordinate events or campaigns aimed at policymakers, stakeholders, and families.
• Support day-to-day tasks such as maintaining files, scheduling calls, and assisting leadership with project coordination.

Requirements:

• Currently enrolled in an undergraduate or graduate program focusing on Political Science, Public Administration, Public Policy, Communications, Education Administration, or a related field.
• Creative thinker with an analytical and empathetic mindset to evaluate the effectiveness of public policy, understand multiple audiences, and research complex regulatory environments.
• Energetic, self-motivated, and eager to take on new challenges.
• Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal, and the ability to present ideas clearly and effectively.
• Capable of synthesizing complex policy information into accessible briefs, memos, or marketing materials.
• Highly organized, detail-oriented, and capable of managing multiple projects simultaneously.
• Practical experience with GSuite.
• Ability to work discreetly with confidential information while being trustworthy and responsible.
• Commitment to the highest ethical standards and alignment with our company values.

Preferred but not required:

• A strong interest in school choice public policy.
• Familiarity with tracking lawmaking and rulemaking processes and familiarity with law-tracking resources.

Learning Outcomes:

• Gain firsthand exposure to ESA rulemaking, legislative processes, and coalition-building strategies in the dynamic world of K-12 education.
• Strengthen your research, writing, and professional relationship abilities while building a network among policymakers, advocates, and education innovators.
• Learn to craft compelling messaging that resonates with decision-makers, families, and the broader public.

Training:

Research, education policy, government affairs, and other forms of on-the-job training. Assistance with various certificate and professional development courses.

Contact: 

Submit resumes to our Marketing Director, Bryan Stephens at bryan@firstdaypr.com.