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About Us

North Carolina State Government is one of the state’s largest employers, with over 76,000 employees all working toward a common goal: a safer and stronger North Carolina. We are a large organization comprised of various agencies, offices, and universities, each providing important public services.

Eligible state employees are entitled to comprehensive benefits, including a variety of leave options, professional development opportunities, insurance, and more. To learn more about the benefits of being a North Carolina state employee, visit the N.C. Office of State Human Resources' website.

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Description of Work

Knowledge Skills and Abilities/Management Preferences

The Intergovernmental Affairs and Outreach Office (IGO) in the North Carolina Governor’s Office serves as a liaison between the state government, local governments, federal government, and other external stakeholders. The office facilitates communication, coordination, and collaboration to advance the Governor’s priorities, including economic development, public safety, education, and disaster recovery efforts. The State Outreach Intern will support the Outreach Advisors and other staff in executing these responsibilities, gaining hands-on experience in government relations, policy coordination, and community outreach. This internship is an unpaid internship opportunity.

Internship Details

Department: Office of the Governor, Intergovernmental Affairs Office
Location: Hybrid
Internship Period: Spring 2027
Work Schedule: 20 hours per week

Major Duties and Responsibilities

The Intergovernmental Affairs Intern will work under the supervision of the Outreach Advisors to support the office’s mission. Key tasks include:

• Research and Analysis:
  • Conduct research on policies, programs, and initiatives relevant to state-local and state-federal relations, such as infrastructure funding, disaster response, or economic development grants.
  • Monitor legislative and community developments at local levels that may be of use to Outreach Advisors and other IGO staff.

• Communication and Coordination
  • Facilitate communication between the Governor’s Office and external entities, such as local Chambers of Commerce and local organizations/community stakeholders.
  • Setting up remote meetings, in-person meetings and making sure the Outreach calendar is up to date at the beginning of each week.
  • Coordinating with organizations and proactively finding good community events for the department to attend.

• Meeting and Event Support (20%)
  • Attend meetings with community organizations, stakeholders and at times extra-governmental organizations with Outreach Advisors taking detailed notes and providing real-time updates to the Intergovernmental Affairs team.
  • Assist in organizing and inviting for public events, such as press conferences, etc.
  • Support logistics for the Governor’s engagements with intergovernmental and communal partners, including scheduling and preparing materials.

• Administrative Tasks
  • Supporting the IGO team by making sure that IGA and Outreach Contact Lists are up-to date, by calling local entities and researching best means of communication online.

Qualifications

To be eligible for the Intergovernmental Affairs Intern position, candidates must meet the following requirements, based on the State of North Carolina Internship Program guidelines:

• Education:
  • Currently enrolled in an undergraduate or graduate program at a college, university, law school, community college, or technical institute.
  • Preferred academic majors: Political Science, Public Policy, Government, Public Administration, Sociology, Economics, History, Business, or related fields.
  • Minimum overall GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale.
  • Must be continuing education in the fall following the internship.
  • For law internships (if applicable), completion of at least one year of law school, unless otherwise specified.

• Residency:
  • Must be a permanent North Carolina resident attending a North Carolina institution or a North Carolina resident attending an equivalent out-of-state institution.

• Skills and Competencies:
  • Strong interest in government, public service, and intergovernmental relations.
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to draft clear and professional correspondence.
  • Detail-oriented with strong organizational skills and the ability to manage multiple tasks.
  • Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, Word, PowerPoint) and familiarity with research tools.
  • Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a fast-paced team environment.
  • Discretion in handling confidential or sensitive materials, such as constituent data or policy discussions.

Desired Outcomes

By the end of the internship, the Intergovernmental Affairs Intern will:

• Gain a comprehensive understanding of intergovernmental relations and the role of the Governor’s Office in coordinating with local and federal partners.
• Develop a portfolio of professional work products, such as research memos, briefing documents, and correspondence, showcasing skills in research, writing, and analysis.
• Build professional networks with government officials, policy experts, and community leaders.
• Enhance skills in policy analysis, communication, and project management, preparing for future careers in public service or government affairs.

Work Environment

The Intergovernmental Affairs Intern will work in a professional office setting at the Governor’s Office in Raleigh, NC, with potential for hybrid work arrangements, depending on office policies. The intern will collaborate with a team of experienced professionals, including the Director of Intergovernmental Affairs, policy advisors, and communications staff. This role may involve occasional travel to meetings or events within the state, particularly for disaster recovery or regional coordination efforts.

Minimum Education and Experience

Some state job postings say you can qualify by an “equivalent combination of education and experience.” If that language appears below, then you may qualify through EITHER years of education OR years of directly related experience, OR a combination of both. See the Education and Experience Equivalency Guide for details.

EEO Statement

The State of North Carolina is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer and dedicated to providing employees with a work environment free from all forms of unlawful employment discrimination, harassment, or retaliation. The state provides reasonable accommodation to employees and applicants with disabilities; known limitations related to pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions; and for religious beliefs, observances, and practices.

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