ABOUT HCHSA
Over the last 25 years, The Harris County – Houston Sports Authority (HCHSA) has served as the sports marketing agency for the city of Houston and Harris County and has dominated the competition with the hardware to prove it. HCHSA is responsible for bidding on and attracting new sports events to the Houston area, as well as overseeing the marketing and operations of those events. These events include the NCAA Final Fours, NCAA College Football Playoffs, CONCACAF Gold Cup, FIFA World Cup Committee, MLB and NBA All-Star Games, ITTF World Table Tennis Championships and the annual National Battle of the Bands.
THIS POSITION
The Strategic Government & Community Affairs Intern is a graduate-level, executive-facing internship designed for a highly capable candidate who will work directly with the Chief Executive Officer on public policy, government relations, funding strategy, venue-related issues, and community partnerships.
This role is intentionally high-exposure and high-trust. The intern will function as an extension of the CEO supporting senior leadership through research, analysis, executive-level briefing materials, and, when appropriate, representing the organization in meetings with elected officials, agency staff, and community stakeholders.
Key Responsibilities
Government Affairs and Political Strategy
- Monitor and synthesize local, county, regional, state, and federal political and policy developments impacting the organization.
- Track elected officials, senior staff, committees, agencies, and boards relevant to funding, venues, and strategic initiatives.
- Prepare CEO-ready briefing materials including political context, stakeholder interests, risks, opportunities, and recommended talking points.
- Attend meetings with elected officials, agency leadership, and partners as delegated, capturing notes, commitments, and follow-up actions.
- Operate within applicable quasi-governmental, ethical, and public-sector constraints.
Research, Analysis, and Executive Support
- Conduct high-quality research on public funding mechanisms, grants, appropriations, reimbursement programs, and venue-related policy issues.
- Produce concise executive deliverables: briefing memos, one-page issue summaries, slide decks, talking points, and Q&A prep.
- Provide rapid-turn analysis on time-sensitive issues at the direction of the CEO.
Community Engagement and External Coordination
- Support community and civic engagement efforts tied to organizational initiatives.
- Assist with preparation for community meetings, listening sessions, and outward-facing engagements.
- Translate complex or technical initiatives into clear, accessible language.
- Track stakeholder feedback and ensure disciplined follow-up.
Cross-Functional Collaboration
- Work closely with the CEO, COO, Legal, and Marketing/Communications teams.
- Maintain confidentiality and exercise sound professional judgment at all times.
Professional Expectations
This intern may represent the CEO and the organization externally. The role requires executive presence, discretion, accuracy, responsiveness, and the ability to operate independently with limited supervision.
Qualifications
Required
- Familiarity with the Houston and Harris County political landscape.
- Current graduate student in public policy, political science, public administration, law, urban planning, economics, communications, or a related field.
- Must be able to receive academic credit for internship
- Must be able to work a minimum of 20 Hours a week in person
- Exceptional writing and analytical skills.
- Demonstrated interest in government affairs, public-sector strategy, and community engagement.
Preferred
- Prior experience in government, legislative offices, policy research, public-sector consulting, campaigns, or community organizations.
- Comfort interacting with senior leaders and external stakeholders.
- Proficiency with Microsoft Word, PowerPoint, Excel, Outlook, and OneDrive.
Start Date: Looking to fill position as soon as possible
End Date: Open to a one semester or year long internship
We are an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, age, disability, gender identity, marital or veteran status, or any other protected class.
