Government Relations Intern

Job Description

The Government Relations Intern will support the Communications and Customer Service Group on outreach needs, efforts, systems and processes designed to provide information to elected officials and other entities about Energy Trust programs and services. The intern will also support staff participating in state agency policy forums, including workshops, rulemakings and advisory group meetings, through monitoring meetings, taking notes and conducting research. The intern will gain knowledge and exposure to Oregon policy-making processes and outcomes, including bill tracking and agency rulemaking; Energy Trust program information; and communications and outreach work to help stakeholders, policymakers and policy implementers understand Energy Trust’s role in helping Oregon meet its clean energy goals.

This individual reports to the Government and Stakeholder Relations Lead. This position is expected to report to the Portland office quarterly at a minimum for all staff and other in-person meetings.

This is a temporary, part-time internship, 15-20 hours per week and negotiable upon hire; internship is not to exceed 1,000 total hours worked. This position is budgeted at $18/hour.

Oregon Legislature Monitoring and Coordination on Issues (50% of time)

• Track state legislative proposals and bills that could impact energy efficiency, renewable energy and/or Energy Trust.
• Monitor and take notes of relevant committee hearings and floor debates.
• Coordinate team delivery of public reports and presentations to the Energy Trust board, advisory councils and staff on the 2025 legislative session.
• Assemble information to respond to legislators, community groups and stakeholders inquiring about energy issues and Energy Trust programs, services and results.
• Support scheduling of informational briefings with legislators and help staff prepare for briefings.

Oregon Regulatory Monitoring and Support (20% of time)

• As assigned, track, document status and synthesize findings from Oregon Public Utility Commission rulemaking and dockets related to Energy Trust, energy efficiency, renewable energy and environmental justice. Augment summaries with relevant research of policy concepts from other states as assigned.
• As assigned, monitor public rulemakings and workshops at Oregon Department of Energy, Department of Environmental Quality, Oregon Housing and Community Services and other state agencies whose work intersects with Energy Trust programs.

Team Projects and Tasks Support (30% of time)

• Participate on project team to deliver Energy Trust information to individual state legislators.
• Enter outreach activities conducted by team members in the Customer Relationship Management software.
• Work collaboratively with communications, marketing and web teams to identify, collect and organize in a searchable format up-to-date messaging and collateral that supports external outreach efforts.
• Create templates for team projects and processes.
• Attend and take notes at energy, climate and environmental justice coalition meetings.
• Assist with other team projects and tasks related to government relations (local, state, federal and Tribal) and stakeholder engagement, including policy research, assembling materials, preparing backgrounders, responding to information requests and taking notes.
• Perform other job-related duties as assigned.
• Perform all functions of the job in a safe manner.

Requirements

• College/graduate level coursework in public policy, communications, journalism, energy or other relevant experience/degree, preferred.
• Experience in Microsoft Outlook, Word, Excel, databases and PowerPoint software.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• High organizational skills with experience managing multiple tasks simultaneously.
• Ability to work independently and as a supportive, contributing team member.
• Ability to work collaboratively with people of diverse backgrounds.
• Must be able to interact with a diverse workforce and be comfortable working in culturally diverse settings and groups.

The above information is designed to outline the major functions and position requirements of this job. It does not identify all tasks that may be expected, nor address the performance standards that must be maintained.