Intern (Government & Public Affairs - Multiple Positions)

This posting will remain open until May 11, 2026, or until 200 applications are received, whichever occurs first.

The Southern California Association of Governments (SCAG) is seeking two motivated students or recent college graduates eager to gain practical experience and create valuable connections in the field of government, legislative, and public affairs. As interns in the Government and Public Affairs Division, you will be an integral part of our team, supporting our organization through various administrative and technical tasks such as maintaining internal elected official databases and assisting in developing strategic communications. From conducting in-depth research to crafting compelling reports and delivering impactful presentations, you will have the chance to make an impact within the Southern California region. Join us in a growth-oriented environment where you can hone your skills and make a meaningful impact on your career trajectory!

SALARY

Interns’ salary will depend on their in-progress or highest completed degree:

Interns working toward or who possess a Bachelor’s degree will start at $21 per hour

Interns working toward or who possess a Master’s degree will start at $24 per hour

WORK HOURS & SCHEDULE

The selected interns will establish a work schedule in consultation with their supervisor. Interns are expected to work at least 15 hours but may not work more than 29 hours per week. This internship is anticipated to begin in July 2026 and conclude by June 2027, or once the intern exhausts all 750 hours, whichever comes first.

WHO WE ARE
As a mission-driven organization, SCAG is committed to attracting and retaining talent who embody SCAG’s values. SCAG's workforce is passionate and committed to innovation that improves the quality of life for all Southern Californians. When you join SCAG, you can expect a culture where collaboration and teamwork is fostered.

As part of our Work@SCAG policy, employees are eligible for two work models: in-office and hybrid. Eligibility for these models will depend on the department, position, responsibilities, and duties, as determined by management. All work models require employees to be based within the SCAG region. These positions are expected to follow the hybrid model and be in the office at least 1 day per week.

WHAT WE BELIEVE

MISSION
To foster innovative regional solutions that improve the lives of Southern Californians through inclusive collaboration, visionary planning, regional advocacy, information sharing, and promoting best practices.

VISION
Southern California's Catalyst for a Brighter Future.

SCAG CORE VALUES

Be Open:Be accessible, candid, collaborative and transparent in the work we do.

Lead by Example:Commit to integrity and equity in working to meet the diverse needs of all people and communities in our region.

Make an Impact:In all endeavors, effect positive and sustained outcomes that make our region thrive.

Be Courageous:Have confidence that taking deliberate, bold and purposeful risks can yield new and valuable benefits.

Cultivate Belonging:Embrace differences, foster equity, champion inclusion, and empower all.

SCAG is seeking two interns in the Government and Public Affairs Division, supporting our Legislative Affairs and Government Relations, and Media and Public Affairs departments.

Legislative Affairs and Government Relations Department (1 Position Available)

SCAG’s Legislative Affairs and Government Relations department serves as the primary liaison to SCAG’s member and partner agencies and as the primary liaison to the state and federal governments. The department represents the agency at public events and maintains trusted relationships with local, state, and federal elected officials and important stakeholders. The department communicates and advocates for SCAG’s programs and coordinates with other SCAG departments to support ongoing projects, workshops, and public outreach activities. The department is divided into two business units, and the intern will have the opportunity to assist with projects and programs in both.

Key Responsibilities:

• Assist with maintaining various stakeholder databases to support legislative and government relations outreach.
• Help create, track, and update SCAG’s Regional Council Elections, state of the city, and regional events databases.
• Support the SCAG Scholarship Program.
• Draft letters of support for member and partner agencies.

• Compile and disseminate the Government Affairs weekly report content.
• Assist with Mobile Workshop planning and research.
• Attend various external meetings and events with departmental staff.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Media and Public Affairs Department (1 Position Available)

SCAG’s Media and Public Affairs Department performs many key functions for the agency, such as deploying strategic communications to further agency priorities and conveying the impact of SCAG’s work. The department aims to produce clear and consistent communications and media that exemplify agency values and standards and enhance SCAG’s reputation as a respected and influential voice for the region.

Key Responsibilities:

• Develop and schedule emails for newsletters.
• Research contacts and update the contact database.
• Assist with developing content for various outreach channels for SCAG programs.
• Assist with designing and presenting new social media campaign ideas.
• Assist with creating content to be posted on the SCAG intranet.
• Support the planning and hosting of signature events.
• Support work to measure and report on results of communication efforts.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

• Perform a wide variety of administrative and technical assignments to assist department and to receive on-the-job exposure to various government issues; depending on assigned work area, learn to perform various administrative, planning, analytical, and financial tasks.
• Research, write, and present reports and recommendations on a variety of governmental topics.
• Collect, compile, describe, organize, analyze, interpret, and present data and information related to areas and issues under study.
• Assist in the coordination of data and materials for the department or section; consult with businesses, citizens, SCAG personnel, consultants, governmental agencies, and associations to obtain and distribute information and data.
• Perform a variety of clerical or technical tasks in support of SCAG programs; answer general emails inquiries; maintain a variety of records.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:

An undergraduate or graduate student who is currently enrolled in a university or community college taking classes toward a Communications, English, Government, Political Science, Public Policy, Public Administration, Public Affairs, Public Relations, Marketing, Journalism degree or other related fields, or who has graduated within the previous 24 months.

We’ll be a great match if you have:

• Effective written and verbal communication skills and the ability to juggle multiple tasks and deadlines.
• Knowledge of state and federal legislative organization, operations, processes, and procedures, including legislative publications and principles of legislative record keeping.
• Familiarity with journalism principles, including standard format, AP style rules, grammar, and spelling, as well as editorial styles and English composition.
• Proficiency in letter-writing and communication principles, practices, methods, and techniques, including marketing and media principles and concepts, public relations, media advocacy, and community affairs.
• A good understanding of project management principles and practices, including research and report preparation methods and procedures.
• Proficiency in using software such as Windows, Microsoft Office Suite, MailChimp, social media platforms, and Customer Relationship Management (CRM).
• Knowledge of sources of information related to a broad range of outreach and communications programs and services.
• Familiarity with modern office procedures, methods, computer software, and hardware, including basic principles and procedures of record keeping.
• Basic knowledge of mathematics principles.
• Proficiency in English usage, spelling, vocabulary, grammar, and punctuation.