The National Association of Counties (NACo) in Washington, D.C., announces an opening for a Research Intern position within the Counties Futures Lab.

The National Association of Counties (NACo) unites America’s 3,069 county governments. Founded in 1935, NACo brings county officials together to advocate with a collective voice on national policy, exchange ideas and build new leadership skills, pursue transformational county solutions, enrich the public’s understanding of county government and exercise exemplary leadership in public service.

Primary Duties and Responsibilities

The intern will work with the Research team in collaboration with the Programs and Practices team for May through August 2023, with a possible extension based on need. The intern will assist in completing on-going research, data projects and provide technical and administrative support.

Qualifications and skills needed for the position are presented below:

• Excellent writing skills
• Strong data and analytical skills necessary
• Strong customer service and communication skills
• Ability to work independently
• Proficiency with statistical software package, such as STATA, R, or Python, preferred
• Experience with Microsoft Office products. Excel and Word skills should be at intermediate level or higher
• Comfort in handling large databases of county-level data
• Ability to work independently and handle multiple tasks under short deadlines
• Eye for detail; strong organizational skills and ability to work in a fast-paced environment
• Background in Public Policy, Economics, Political Science or related field

Graduate students, recent college graduates and undergraduate students (especially upperclassmen) majoring in public policy, economics, economic development, political science, public administration, other social sciences or related fields of interest to NACo are encouraged to apply.

Preference will be given to students with an interest in local/state government careers.

Hours/Salary

Interns typically work at least 3 full days, up to 24-29 hours per week, depending on the Department’s needs and the intern’s availability. This internship is paid.

Application Procedures

To apply for an internship, please send a resume to research@naco.org.

In your email, indicate your availability (approximate number of hours per week available to work and approximate start and end dates). Applications are processed on a rolling basis until all available positions are filled, so applying early is encouraged.

Jonathan Harris
Associate Research Director
660 North Capitol Street, NW
Suite 400
Washington, District of Columbia 20001

Additional Note

The intern may have the opportunity to telework at the discretion of the Associate Research Director, though interns should primarily reside in the Washington, D.C. metropolitan region for the duration of their internship and plan to spend the majority of their time in the office.

Why Work at NACo

Our vision is healthy, safe, and vibrant counties across America. Counties play an integral part of the intergovernmental responsibilities among federal, state, local and tribal government officials. We are guided by the belief that stronger counties result in a stronger America.

NACo is committed to fostering a diverse environment and is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. Our jobs are open to all applications regardless of race, color, sex, gender, sexual orientation, age, religion, national origin, marital status, pregnancy, disability, military status, or any other basis prohibited by federal, state, or local law.

Teammates of NACo enjoy a fun and challenging environment with a wide range of competitive benefits, including comprehensive medical, vision and dental insurance; generous paid leave and federal holidays; transportation subsidy; tuition assistance; 401(k) match, pension plans, group life insurance, pet insurance, credit union membership, and short/long term disability coverage including applicable parental leave and Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program.

We are passionate about advancing excellence in public service to help people and places thrive across America. We embrace and respect our diversity of experience, heritage, and thought and strive to cultivate an equitable workplace. As outlined in our Values and NACo Norms, we pursue our mission through a ONE NACo mindset of genuine care, empathy, and respect for each other, our partners, and our members.

Join us as we advance excellence in public service to help our local communities thrive.