Government Relations Intern

Are you someone who strives for excellence, values accountability, provides the best service, all while reflecting unwavering integrity? Our talented team members across the state follow the behaviors, beliefs and outcomes of these core values to ensure that our vision is met. If you're ready to join the TSTC family and make great memories please complete our application process.

Job Description

The Government Relations Intern provides administrative, research, and logistical support to the Government Relations team during the Texas Legislative Session. This position monitors legislative activity, tracks relevant bills, conducts basic research, and assists with the preparation of briefing materials and stakeholder engagements. The role provides foundational support to help maintain accurate information, organized processes, and effective Government Relations operations during the legislative session.

Hiring Range is $16 - $16.62 per hour. The final salary offer will be determined based on the candidate's qualifications and experience. An equivalent combination of education, training and relevant professional experience will be considered.

Essential Functions The employee will demonstrate TSTC’s Core Values of Excellence, Accountability, Service, and Integrity with internal and external stakeholders, customers, students, and community members.

Legislative Monitoring & Tracking Monitor Texas House and Senate committee hearings, floor activity, and legislative developments relevant to institutional priorities. Track legislation affecting higher education, workforce development, and state funding. Maintain current records of House and Senate calendars, committee postings, agendas, and deadlines to support timely awareness of legislative activity.

Research & Analysis Support Conduct research on legislative districts, committee members, state agencies, legislation, and policy issues. Assist with gathering information for bill analyses, policy comparisons, and background materials. Prepare summaries of committee hearings, legislation, and amendments for review by the Government Relations team.

Operational & Logistical Support Support the administrative and logistical needs of the Government Relations office, including scheduling meetings with legislative offices and external stakeholders. Assist with preparing briefing materials, talking points, legislative handouts, and meeting packets. Maintain organized records and appropriately handle institutional and stakeholder information.

Administrative & Office Support Provide day-to-day administrative support to the Government Relations office, including managing correspondence, maintaining organized files, preparing documents, and supporting general office operations. Assist with scheduling, meeting coordination, and logistical needs during high-volume legislative periods.

Engagement & Event Assistance Assist with the coordination and execution of legislative events, Capitol activities, and campus visits. Attend legislative hearings, briefings, and stakeholder events as assigned to provide logistical support and document relevant information.

Education & Experience Required Qualifications High school diploma or equivalent. Current enrollment in an undergraduate or graduate program at an accredited college or university. One year of experience in an office environment, student organization, or related support role.

Preferred Qualifications Pursuing a degree in Public Policy, Political Science, Government, Communications, or a related field. Basic knowledge of the Texas legislative process. Interest in workforce development or Texas higher education policy.

Skills & Abilities Ability to research, monitor, and organize legislative and policy information using established resources and processes. Ability to summarize legislative activity, hearings, and research findings clearly and accurately for review by Government Relations staff. Ability to communicate effectively through written and verbal formats. Ability to collect, organize, and present information using reports, spreadsheets, presentations, and other business tools. Ability to maintain accurate records, calendars, legislative tracking information, and supporting documentation. Ability to manage multiple assignments, deadlines, and changing priorities in a fast-paced environment. Ability to interact professionally with legislative staff, institutional stakeholders, and external partners. Ability to appropriately handle confidential and sensitive information.

Core Competencies Research & Information Management Gathers, organizes, and summarizes information from established sources to support legislative monitoring, research, and Government Relations activities.

Organization & Attention to Detail Maintains accurate records and documentation and completes assigned work in a timely and organized manner.

Communication Communicates clearly and professionally and prepares concise written summaries and materials appropriate to assigned responsibilities.

Adaptability & Flexibility Adjusts to changing priorities, deadlines, and legislative activity while maintaining accuracy and responsiveness.

Professionalism & Confidentiality Demonstrates professionalism and integrity in interactions with internal and external stakeholders. Maintains confidentiality and handles sensitive information with appropriate discretion.

Initiative & Accountability Takes ownership of assigned responsibilities, follows through on commitments, and seeks appropriate guidance when needed.

Extra Duties Statement This job description outlines the general responsibilities and expectations of the role. It is not intended to include every task or responsibility. Additional duties may be assigned by leadership as needed.

Additional Job Description This position may be considered for telework options based on eligibility under TSTC’s Telework Policy aligned with State of Texas requirements. Must be reachable during assigned work hours through standard communication channels as required by the role. Some duties may require work outside standard business hours during legislative sessions, committee hearings, government relations events, stakeholder engagements, or other institutional priorities. Part-time, FLSA non-exempt position and subject to applicable time reporting and overtime requirements. The position may require travel to or work at the Texas Capitol, TSTC locations, state agencies, meetings, or other government relations events as required by assigned responsibilities. Position requires appropriate handling of confidential, sensitive, and operationally important legislative, stakeholder, and institutional information. TSTC will provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities to enable them to perform the essential functions of the position. TSTC is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, disability, age, religion, genetic information, or veteran status. The role may require movement between office, Capitol, meeting, and event locations and engagement with TSTC employees, legislative staff, government representatives, and external stakeholders. Work is primarily performed in an office or professional environment using standard technology and communication tools. These activities can be performed with or without reasonable accommodation to support the essential functions of the role.

Equal Opportunity Employer Texas State Technical College (TSTC), as an equal opportunity employer, complies with all applicable federal and state laws regarding nondiscrimination. TSTC is committed to a policy of equal opportunity for all persons and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, marital status, sex, sexual orientation, disability, religion, or veteran status in employment, educational programs and activities, and admissions.

Employment Eligibility Verification If hired, you will be required to complete the federal Employment Eligibility Verification I-9 form. You will be required to present acceptable and original documents to prove your identity and authorization to work in the United States. Documents need to be presented no later than the third day of employment. Failure to do so will result in loss of employment at TSTC.

Background Checks A criminal history background check will be required for the finalist(s) under consideration for this position.