Government Relations Internship
Nashville, TN
Who We Are
MNA Government Relations represents a myriad of clients, including businesses and corporations; trade associations and nonprofits, in state legislative and regulatory work in Tennessee. Our firm assists each client in developing a comprehensive strategy to effectively represent its interests and priorities within Tennessee state government.
Why Join Us?
We are looking for a detail-oriented individual with strong writing skills to be part of a fast-paced environment. We will provide you with opportunities to attend daily legislative sessions at the state capitol and observe and interact with members of state legislature and their staff.
Please note, this is not a typical 9-5 job with a set schedule. Legislative sessions and committee meetings can be lengthy and scheduling is erratic at times. Therefore, the ability to work long, irregular hours from January 1st until the end of the legislative session (sometime in May 2027) is mandatory.
This is a paid internship. Interns are paid bi-weekly.
What Will You Do?
- Attend in-person legislative sessions and committee meetings and provide written and verbal reports daily
- Create a weekly newsletter
- Schedule legislative appointments with House and Senate members either in person, by phone or by email
- Assist with Day On The Hill preparations and appointments
- Provide occasional support with administrative tasks
What You Will Learn?
- Gain an understanding of the state legislature and regulatory process
- Develop research and writing skills
- Strengthen communication skills
What We’re Looking For
- Interest in lobbying, government or law
- Strong writing, research, critical thinking and multi-tasking skills
- Flexibility, strong work ethic and eagerness to learn
- Ability to manage multiple projects and priorities
- Rising Junior, Senior, or recent graduate from an accredited university
Questions? Feel free to email the office manager, Shelly Higdon, at shigdon@mnagr.com.
Interested candidates are required to submit a separate application that will include the following items:
- Cover letter
- Resume
- Writing Samples
- References
- Answer questions about your interest in the internship, availability, and skills and qualifications
Please email Shelly at shigdon@mnagr.com to request an application link.
The application deadline is September 30, 2026.
Hiring Process:
Applicants selected for an interview will be contacted in early October for an introductory 15-minute Zoom meeting. After introductory interviews, we will schedule in-person interviews with all MNA Partners.
Hiring decisions will be made by November 20, 2026.
The tentative start date is January 4, 2027 and the internship will conclude when the legislative session ends in May 2027.
Out-of-state applicants are welcome to apply, but will be required to relocate to Nashville, TN for the duration of the internship – January 2027 – May 2027. Also, all candidates will be required to interview in-person at the Nashville office. Please do not apply if you are unable to attend an in-person interview.
This is a temporary, full-time, in-person internship. Remote work options are not available.
