ASPCA Government Relations Internship Program

ASPCA Government Relations Internship Program

The ASPCA’s Government Relations (GR) Department helps to enact meaningful legal protections for animals at the state and federal levels. GR team members:

  • Identify policy barriers and needs and craft legislative proposals, working with legislative leaders at the state and federal level.
  • Lobby for bills that strengthen animal protection and prevent cruelty and against bills hostile to animal protection.
  • Work to ensure that strong regulations are issued by agencies to implement new policies.
  • Provide advocacy training and support for citizens who wish to engage in policy change.
  • Participate in ballot measure campaigns to advance protections when a legislative solution is unavailable.


Internship Program

The ASPCA seeks dedicated, highly motivated, and passionate GR interns to, under direct supervision, become familiar with the role that the department plays in legislative and policy work and to assist with key projects that advance our goals. For the duration of the COVID-19 pandemic, interns will work from home.

Interns will be given opportunities to:

  • Help to mobilize ASPCA GR volunteers on key initiatives.
  • Aid in tracking administrative regulations and laws pertaining to animals.
  • Draft outreach and media communications supporting documents and conduct legislative and issue research to assist regulatory, federal and state efforts.
  • Attend virtual Capitol Hill events, such as hearings and briefings.
  • Attend and/or help organize coalition meetings and local events.
  • Respond to information requests from ASPCA constituents.
  • Attend internal strategy and staff meetings.
  • Assist with miscellaneous office tasks and projects as needed.

Because this internship is structured as a learning or work study program, students at the undergraduate or graduate school level may be able to receive credit for participation. GR professional lobbyists and attorneys will provide mentorship.

Internship Structure

The duration of each internship position is flexible and will be determined on a case-by-case basis. Generally, internship sessions are as follows:

  • Fall Semester: Between August 15 and December 31
  • Spring Semester: Between January 2 and May 30
  • Summer: Between May 15 and August 30

Internships are at the will and sole discretion of the ASPCA, are 10–16 weeks, 20–40 hours per week preferred.

Eligibility

Students currently enrolled in undergraduate, graduate, veterinary or law programs, who have an interest in pursuing a career in animal welfare, public policy, political science, law or other relevant field. People not currently enrolled in an educational program may also be considered.

Pay

Internship pay is based on candidate location.

Housing

For the duration of the COVID-19 pandemic, interns will work from home.

Deadline

Applications are accepted on a rolling basis. The application deadline for the Summer 2021 internship session is March 15th. Applicants must specify which internship session they are applying for.

Skills Requirements

A successful candidate will display the following qualities:

  • Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written.
  • Ability to work independently as well as collaboratively.
  • High level of organization and attention to detail.
  • Ability to set priorities to meet deadlines.
  • A strong sense of professionalism.
  • Enthusiasm for advocacy.
  • An intense desire to improve the lives of animals.
Additional Information

All Interns will be required to sign the ASPCA Work Study/Internship Agreement and review the ASPCA Internship Handbook before the official start date of the session.


To Apply

Applications are accepted on a rolling basis in the months leading up to each session.

Click here and search for “Government Relations Internship Program”. If we are currently accepting applications, a position will be available. If not, please check back.

Questions? Email us at [email protected]

Salem

“My experience as an intern at the ASPCA provided me firsthand experience of federal and state level advocacy. I interacted with passionate volunteers as we worked together for animal-friendly legislation....I have certainly drawn from that experience in my previous roles on political campaigns, but also in my current role in the federal government.” – Salem , Former ASPCA Government Relations Intern

Bethany and Representative Tonko

“Interning with this program allowed me to get a glimpse into the different sectors of the ASPCA and how they collaborate to effectively work with everyone from grassroots advocates to Congress. The GR team has continued to mentor me and help me get my foot in the door at a variety of animal welfare organizations” – Bethany , Former ASPCA Government Relations Intern

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