External Affairs Intern

Location: Hybrid, Washington, DC
Dates: September - December 2026
Compensation: $25/hr for undergraduate students, $30/hr for graduate students, up to $150 metro reimbursement

The Corn Refiners Association (CRA) is the national trade association representing the corn refining industry of the United States. CRA and its predecessors have served this important segment of American agribusiness since 1913. Corn refiners manufacture sweeteners, ethanol, starch, bioproducts, corn oil, and feed products from corn components such as starch, oil, protein, and fiber.

RESPONSIBILITIES

  • Monitor and analyze federal legislation, regulatory actions, and policy developments affecting the corn refining industry.
  • Research policy issues and prepare concise summaries, briefing materials, and legislative analyses.
  • Draft advocacy and communications materials, including fact sheets, one-pagers, newsletters, press materials, website content, and social media posts.
  • Assist with congressional outreach by preparing meeting materials, researching Members of Congress and committee priorities, and supporting advocacy activities.
  • Attend congressional hearings, coalition meetings, briefings, and industry events and prepare summaries for CRA staff and members.
  • Support coalition engagement and collaboration with strategic partners.
  • Assist with the planning and execution of Government Relations Committee meetings, including agenda preparation, issue tracking, member communications, and meeting logistics.
  • Support special projects and advocacy initiatives across the External Affairs team.
  • Provide support to other CRA committees, including Communications, Health & Wellness, Environmental Affairs, Product Safety & Quality, Sustainability, Trade, and Workplace Safety, as organizational priorities require.

QUALIFICATIONS

  • Be a recent university graduate, current graduate student, or exceptional college junior or senior pursuing or holding a degree in political science, public policy, agriculture, agribusiness, communications, or a related field.
  • Demonstrate excellent written and verbal communication skills.
  • Be highly organized and able to manage multiple projects and deadlines.
  • Possess strong research and analytical skills, with the ability to synthesize complex information into concise written products.
  • Have an interest in federal policymaking, agriculture, food policy, trade, energy, environmental policy, or public affairs.
  • Be proficient in Microsoft Office applications, including Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and SharePoint.
  • Experience with Mailchimp, social media management, or digital communications is a plus.

To Apply:

Interested applicants should email a cover letter, resume, cumulative GPA, writing sample, and contact information for three references to careers@corn.org using the subject line “RE: External Affairs Intern.”

At least one reference should be a current professor or academic advisor familiar with the applicant’s academic record. References will be contacted only for top candidates and only after the candidate has been notified.