Government Relations Intern

DEADLINE: January 7, 2026

LOCATION: Washington, D.C.

Overview

The Land Trust Alliance is the voice of the land trust community. As the national leader in policy, standards and education, we work passionately to support land trusts across America so they can save more land and better serve their communities.

Our natural places and working lands are a lifeline to clean air, water, food and good health. These lands also bring us together, inspire us and provide opportunities to recreate and recharge. The land trust community is a crucial component in this equation. With important places under continual threat, land trusts need access to the best tools, information and policy advocates. Armed with a diverse network and valuable resources, the Alliance is the land trust community’s source for the knowledge and capabilities they need to reach their goals. From tax and funding policies on Capitol Hill to innovative ideas, partnerships and initiatives, we ensure our land trust members can always be heard and achieve more.

The Alliance is seeking to elevate land conservation as a priority nationwide. We envision a reenergized, more relevant conservation movement in which land trusts join with partners that have not traditionally identified as conservation organizations, including from the for-profit sector, around our shared interest of protecting special places.

Summary Description

Help strengthen land conservation across America by joining the dedicated, dynamic government relations team at the Land Trust Alliance! We’re looking for a part-time or full-time, paid Government Relations Intern from February 2 to April 30, 2026. This position, based in Washington, D.C., will be allowed to work from home or from our Washington, D.C. office. A strong preference will be given to applicants who can devote at least 15-20 hours and reserve at least two full days to the internship per week.

The ideal candidate is a student or young professional with demonstrated interest in government affairs and conservation policy who is capable of proactively communicating directly with land trusts, coalition partners and federal officials in addition to researching political relationships and drafting informational materials on conservation issues. You’ll find that interning for our organization will give you ample opportunities to interact with all aspects of our work, be involved in the planning of our annual legislative fly-in and gain valuable nonprofit and Capitol Hill experience.

Specific Responsibilities

• • Support logistics and recruitment for our legislative fly-in, Advocacy Days, taking place April 13-16.
  • Scheduling, preparing packets for and attending in-person and virtual meetings with public officials.
  • Drafting and updating policy factsheets, web content and other communications for a variety of internal and external audiences.
  • Supporting our Advocacy Ambassadors program by recruiting advocates and tracking land trust relationships with Congress.
  • Gathering and presenting success stories of effective advocacy and program benefits.
  • Supporting Alliance coalition meetings, initiatives and events.
  • Conducting research on issues that impact the land trust community.

Qualifications

• • Demonstrated interest in public policy. Previous involvement in grassroots campaigns or experience on Capitol Hill a plus.
  • Familiarity with land conservation, including knowledge of land trusts highly desirable.
  • Strong oral and written communications skills, ability to communicate effectively with both the Alliance members and public decision-makers.
  • Willingness to balance direct advocacy with the detailed record keeping and follow-through that will be essential to our success.
  • Experience with Microsoft Office applications is essential, with public affairs software (i.e. Quorum) and CRM platforms (i.e. Salesforce) a plus.
  • Must be able to work constructively with others from a broad range of political perspectives.

Compensation

This is a paid internship with no benefits. The rate for this internship is $17.95 per hour.

Application

Please submit your application for this position, attaching your resume and cover letter, on the following link: https://www.paycomonline.net/v4/ats/web.php/portal/CF3ADEB4BF06BDCD626EF14936C1FEE5/jobs/188336. If the electronic application is not an option, applications will be accepted by mail to Human Resources, Land Trust Alliance, 1250 H St, NW, Suite 600, Washington, DC 20005.

The Land Trust Alliance’s mission is to save the places people need and love by strengthening land conservation across America. The Land Trust Alliance is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, national or ethnic origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, disability, marital status or veteran status.