Washington State Governor's Leadership Academy

 Governor’s Leadership Academy

The Governor’s Leadership Academy is a unique internship program for college and graduate students to gain a hands-on learning experience in the Governor’s office. The Inslee Administration is looking for innovative, forward-thinking individuals who are committed to public service and who want to develop their leadership and public policy skills in a dynamic environment.

Qualifications
·         Outstanding verbal, written and leadership skills
·         Ability to handle multiple priorities and meet established deadlines
·         Ability to work well and creatively, in a team environment and independently
·         Good judgment, ability to manage sensitive situations, and highly personable
·         Passion for public service

Internship Opportunities:
Boards and Commissions
Boards and commissions are designed to give citizens a voice in their government and provide a means of influencing decisions that shape the quality of life for the residents of our state. Washington State has 200+ boards and commissions to which Gov. Inslee appoints citizen members. Interns will assist the Director of Boards and Commissions in the fulfillment of office responsibilities including, but not limited to: soliciting, receiving, organizing, processing and responding to applications, assisting in outreach to board and commission members and researching board functions.

Office of the Chief of Staff
The office of the Chief of Staff is a fast-paced environment that offers interns the unique opportunity to interact directly with the Governor’s Executive Team, Cabinet members, agency staff and constituents. Interns are required to assist with briefings for the Chief of Staff, prepare agendas for Cabinet-level meetings, and administrative duties as assigned by the Executive Assistant to the Chief of Staff.

Communications Office
The Communications office works with the media to inform the public of the Governor’s actions, goals and ideas. An intern in the Communications office would assist with the assembling of daily news clips, drafting press releases, assisting with media events, assisting with Social Media and other administrative duties as assigned.

Constituent Services
The office of Constituent Services receives and processes 80,000 to 100,000 contacts each year. Interns will respond to constituent comments and concerns via email and letters, but also face to face and by phone as necessary. Interns will assist in drafting and processing official correspondence for publication, opening the mail, scanning correspondence, data entry work and filing. Constituent Services interns are expected to have a high level of interpersonal, writing and research skills.

Internal Relations Office
The office of Internal Relations oversees the Governor’s Small Agency Cabinet, the Boards and Commissions office, the Governor’s International Relations office and the Executive Residence. An intern for the Internal Relations office will have a unique opportunity to interact with the Governor’s Executive Team, The First Lady, small agency cabinet members and constituents. Responsibilities include but are not limited to: preparing briefing material for the Executive Director of Internal Relations and First Lady, preparing meeting agendas, research, special projects, event coordination and other administrative duties as assigned.

External Relations Office
The Governor’s office of External Relations is responsible for statewide outreach on behalf of the Governor to a diverse set of stakeholders and constituency groups. The External Relations office provides staffing and briefing for the Governor’s public events and are the eyes and ears on the ground for the office of the Governor. Interns in the External Relations office will work closely with Regional Outreach Representatives to assist with briefing materials, research, event coordination and other duties as assigned.

Office of General Counsel
The Governor’s General Counsel provides a variety of legal advice to the Governor and the Governor’s Executive Team, including advice on judicial appointments; clemency or pardon petitions; executive orders; legislation; and ethics. Interns and externs will assist with legal research, writing and other duties as assigned. Internships in this office are intended for second and third year law students.

 Legislative Affairs and Policy
The Legislative Affairs and Policy Office (LAPO) are comprised of approximately 20 professionals who manage the Governor’s legislative agenda. They work closely with legislators, stakeholders, governmental entities and numerous constituent groups in their work to develop and/or guide policy initiatives in support of the Governor’s agenda. LAPO advisors are assigned to specific issue area(s) such as Education, Health Care, Aerospace, Energy and Environment and more. This staffs ensure the Governor’s policy interests are represented at all levels of government, including in Washington, D.C. Interns in LAPO will have the unique opportunity to be indirectly involved in the legislative process by assisting in responsibilities which may include policy and issue research, development of briefing documents, tracking high priority bills, analyzing bills, coordinating bill signing and various administrative duties.

Scheduling and Reception
The first point of contact for many constituents is often the Governor’s executive receptionist. Interns who work with the Executive Receptionist are responsible for taking calls, directing guests and meeting attendees and other duties as assigned. Interns who work with the Governor’s scheduler will have an opportunity to help with special projects for the Governor.

International Relations and Protocol
The Governor’s office meets and hosts numerous international dignitaries every year. Interns who work with the International Relations Director will assist with preparing briefings, correspondence, protocol, event coordination and other duties as assigned.

Washington DC Office
Interns in the Washington, DC office will have a unique opportunity to assist the Director of the Washington, DC Office with projects related to the Governor’s federal agenda, and that will promote Washington State interests in the nation’s capital. Interns will assist with research, preparing briefing memos, scheduling and other administrative duties as assigned.

Application instructions can be found on Symplicity