Intern - Government Relations & Public Policy

Government Relations and Public Policy Interns will be responsible for supporting the U.S. Government Relations team, working in collaboration with other departments’ interns, including Food Safety, Global Insights and Sustainability. Interns will gain firsthand experience working on the federal public policy issues impacting both the fresh produce and floral industry and the consumers it serves. Internships will take place during the summer semester, beginning May 21, 2025, and culminating on July 22, 2025.

PROJECT EXAMPLES:

• Monitor and analyze pending legislation and policy initiatives using multiple sources (e.g., tracking software, congressional newsletters, press, etc.)
• Create or update industry research to support key policy priorities
• Draft issue briefs on policy priority issues of concern to the industry (e.g., labor, nutrition, farm bill, trade, transportation and infrastructure, etc.)
• Gather compile, develop, and summarize data specific to congressional districts
• Work with IFPA volunteer leader groups and coalitions to capture the discussion of workgroup topics (e.g., on fresh produce workforce, nutrition, organics, international trade, farm bill, etc.)
• Support preparation of presentations for government relations meetings and trainings
• Support development of communications for newsletters, trade press and members of Congress and other officials

LEARNING OBJECTIVES:

• Get firsthand experience of association government relations activities, IFPA, the industry and its career opportunities
• Work collaboratively, applying knowledge and skills, to complete assigned projects
• Build technical, leadership and communication skills
• Develop emotional intelligence, problem solving and accountability competencies
• Benefit from structured peer-to-peer networking sessions, which, combined with the direct engagement with industry members and a personal ‘career ambassador,’ contribute to a robust learning environment

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

Must currently be a Sophomore or Junior (rising Junior or Senior undergraduate student at the time of the summer of 2025 internship) in a STEM based, Agriculture or Political Science degree program at an accredited college or university in good standing and pursuing a degree in food science, agriculture, environmental science or policy, political science, public administration, or a related field.

• Must have a current GPA of 3.0 or above.
• Able to function in a collaborative work environment and independently with strong time management and remote working capabilities.
• Possess excellent communication skills both orally and written to internal and external audiences.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office applications

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HOURS and DURATION:

• Part-Time Internship - approximately 20 hours/week with established and communicated working hours.
• Internships will take place during the summer semester, beginning May 21, 2025, and culminating on July 22, 2025.
  • Interns should not have vacations or travel scheduled during this ten-week period.
  • Although the majority of the internship is virtual, interns must be available for calls and work in quiet and professional settings.
  • Paid Time Off will not be permitted.
• Candidates are expected to attend team meetings, industry meetings, or other learning opportunities (e.g., webinars) pertinent to their project.
• Interns must also plan to be available to join peer-group calls as indicated in the 2025 10-Week Internship Schedule throughout the internship.

• Internships will be remote; with the exception of attendance/participation at IFPA’s Washington Conference (June 8-12) and concluding Project Presentations at a location to be determined (July 20-July 22). Travel for the onsite meetings is mandatory. Travel costs and outlined expenses for the time at the in-person meetings will be reimbursed.

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS:

• Interns will receive a total stipend of $4,400 for the 10-week internship
  • Payments of $1,100 will be made four times over the 10-week Internship
  • If work or call attendance/participation is deemed unsatisfactory and termination is decided, payment amount will pro-rated up to the point of termination.
• There are no leave benefits.
• There is no health, dental, retirement or life insurance benefits.
• Internships will be remote/virtual with the exception of travel for IFPA’s Washington Conference and concluding Project Presentations.
  • Travel costs, accommodations, and other outlined expenses for in-person meetings at IFPA office(s) will be reimbursed by IFPA.
• Interns will receive an IFPA issued laptop for use for the duration of the internship.

APPLICATION PROCESS:

Application Deadline is: Friday, February 21, 2025. The application will require you to submit:

• A Cover Letter which includes:
• Statement of Interest for the specific internship you are applying for
• Qualifications possessed to be considered for internship
• Please address directly how your inclusion would advance the role of underrepresented groups in this field, if applicable.