Government Affairs Intern

ABC - NATIONAL OFFICE

Position Title:  Government Affairs Intern
Location:             Washington D.C.
Reports To: Government Affairs Team
Salary:  $22/hr 

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COMPANY OVERVIEW

Founded in 1950, Associated Builders and Contractors (ABC) is a national association with 67 chapters representing more than 23,000 merit shop construction and construction-related firms with nearly two million employees. ABC Northern California represents all specialties within the U.S. construction industry and is comprised primarily of firms that perform work in the industrial, commercial and residential sectors of the industry. ABC promotes free enterprise in the construction industry and this fundamental belief is core to all we do.

JOB OVERVIEW

ABC’s Government Affairs team is seeking a high-achieving, self-motivated Spring Intern to support daily government relations activities and contribute to the advancement of the organization’s strategic priorities. This internship offers hands-on exposure to federal efforts impacting the construction industry.

The intern will gain experience across ABC’s federal government affairs program, including legislative and political affairs. The position provides meaningful interaction with staff and programs responsible for shaping ABC’s public policy and advocacy initiatives.

This is a paid, Washington, DC–based internship located at the ABC Corporate Office.

DESCRIPTION OF DUTIES

The intern may assist with the following responsibilities:

Political Action Committee (PAC) & Free Enterprise Alliance (FEA)

  • Assist with membership data collection and organization
  • Support database entry related to contributions and donors
  • Assist with donor recognition and reporting efforts
  • Attend, when necessary, political fundraisers and federal candidate interviews

Legislative Support

  • Assist with planning, preparation, and material development for ABC’s Legislative Conference
  • Conduct research on legislative, political, and regulatory history and analyze its relevance to current policy discussions
  • Track federal legislation and monitor key issues affecting the construction industry
  • Monitor congressional hearings and provide memos on relevant topics

Qualifications and Experience

  • Senior or junior currently enrolled in an accredited four-year college or university
  • Coursework or experience in government affairs, political science, public policy, communications, or a related field preferred
  • Strong written and verbal communication skills
  • Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications (Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint); familiarity with databases a plus

POSITION EXPECTATIONS

At ABC, we believe great work starts with great people. To help us achieve our strategic priorities, we seek energetic, positive, and team-driven individuals who bring the following strengths:

  • Organized and Self-Motivated: Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities and deliver high-quality work under tight deadlines. Self-starter who takes ownership with a continuous improvement mindset
  • Effective Communicator: Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to tailor messaging across diverse audiences. Trusted communicator who earns respect at all levels
  • Collaborative and Professional: Team player with a positive attitude, strong interpersonal skills, and a commitment to fostering a supportive and inclusive workplace culture
  • Strategic and Solutions-Oriented: Capable of developing and executing strategic goals, with awareness of organizational dynamics and a resourceful approach to problem-solving
  • Technically Proficient: Skilled in Microsoft Office tools, including Outlook, Word, Excel, Teams, and PowerPoint; leverages tools effectively for efficiency
  • High Ethical Standards: Demonstrates professionalism, integrity, and the highest level of personal and ethical conduct.

IMPORTANT EMPLOYMENT INFORMATION

Nondiscrimination: ABC is committed to fostering a respectful, professional workplace and making employment decisions based on merit, qualifications, and business needs. We are proud to be an equal opportunity employer and do not discriminate on the basis of any characteristic protected by law. Our goal is to recruit, develop, and retain high-performing talent from a broad and competitive candidate pool.

Employment Accommodations: ABC is committed to complying with all applicable laws ensuring equal employment opportunities for individuals with disabilities. It is the Association’s policy not to discriminate against a qualified employee or applicant with regard to any terms or conditions of employment because of such individual's disability or perceived disability, so long as the employee can perform the essential functions of the job, with or without reasonable accommodation. ABC provides reasonable accommodations for the known physical or mental limitations of an otherwise qualified individual with a disability, who is an applicant or an employee, unless undue hardship and/or a direct threat to the health and/or safety of the individual or others would result.

Physical Demands: While performing the duties of this position, the employee must be able to:

  • Move throughout the office or other work locations, including prolonged periods of sitting, standing, and walking.
  • Hear and understand verbal communication at normal speaking levels, with or without assistance, and communicate clearly in person and over the phone.
  • Use hands and fingers to operate a computer, handle documents, and control tools or office equipment.
  • Occasionally stand, walk, reach with arms and hands, climb, balance, stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl as required by the task or location.
  • Visually read and interpret information on computer screens, printed documents, and visual aids both near and far, including distinguishing colors when necessary.
  • Safely navigate construction sites or event locations, which may involve walking on uneven terrain, climbing stairs or ladders, exposure to outdoor weather conditions, and standing for extended periods.
  • Wear required personal protective equipment (PPE), such as hard hats, safety vests, eye protection, or other safety gear, as appropriate to the site or activity.

Work Environment: This role is primarily performed in a standard office setting with minimal noise and typical working conditions.

  • Depending on job responsibilities, work may also be conducted at off-site locations such as construction sites, industry events, or partner facilities. These environments may involve variable weather, uneven terrain, or other safety considerations.
  • ABC supports flexible work schedules to accommodate various lifestyles and promote a healthy work-life balance. With manager approval, a hybrid remote work arrangement may be available, with the ABC office as the primary work location.
  • Employee health and safety are top priorities. All applicable health, safety, and site-specific protocols must be followed—whether working in the office, remotely, or at off-site locations.