Summer Government Relations Intern

About the Role

The Delaware River Port Authority (“DRPA”) is a bi-state agency of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and the State of New Jersey. It owns and operates the Benjamin Franklin, Walt Whitman, Commodore Barry, and Betsy Ross Bridges. Its transit subsidiary, the Port Authority Transit Corporation (“PATCO”), operates a rapid transit line between Philadelphia, Pennsylvania and Lindenwold, New Jersey.

The DRPA/PATCO is seeking to hire college students for the 2027 summer season for the Government Relations Department. The hourly rate will be $20.00/hr.

Key Responsibilities

• Assist in researching and analyzing legislation, policies, and community needs.
• Support the preparation of reports, presentations, and briefing materials for government officials and community stakeholders.
• Help coordinate community outreach efforts and events.
• Maintain and organize records of grant applications, reports, and funding opportunities.
• Participate in meetings and take notes to document discussions and action items.
• Assist in drafting communications for internal and external audiences.
• Perform additional administrative tasks as needed.

Requirements & Tech Stack

• Work Location: One Port Center, Camden, NJ
• Work Hours: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM, Monday - Friday, for the entire 10-week period (June 7, 2027, through August 13, 2027), including a paid lunch hour.
• Availability: Must be available to work in-person, full-time, 40 hours per week.
• Residence: Home residence must be located within DRPA’s Port District (Bucks, Chester, Delaware, Montgomery, and Philadelphia counties in Pennsylvania, and Atlantic, Burlington, Camden, Cape May, Cumberland, Gloucester, Ocean, and Salem, counties in New Jersey).
• Pre-employment Evaluation: Must pass a drug (including marijuana) and alcohol test and a background check.
• Technology: Intermediate skill level in using MS Office.

Qualifications

• Must be 18 years of age.
• High school diploma or general education degree (GED).
• Currently pursuing a degree in Public Administration, Political Science, Communications, Social Sciences, or a related field.
• Submit an official college or university transcript verifying full-time enrollment in an undergraduate degree program during both the Fall 2026 and Spring 2027 semesters, with at least 24 credits total (minimum of 12 credits in Fall 2026 and Spring 2027).
• Submit official college or university documentation verifying full-time enrollment in an undergraduate degree program for the Fall 2027 semester, with a minimum of 12 credits.
• Basic exposure to reading and analyzing information (coursework, projects, case studies, or research assignments).
• Ability to write clearly and thoughtfully, with guidance and feedback.
• Ability to follow instructions and complete assigned tasks accurately and on time.
• Openness to learning new concepts, tools, and processes.
• Confidence to ask questions, seek clarification, and apply constructive feedback.
• Attention to detail and commitment to quality work.
• Problem-solving mindset.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively.
• Professional conduct, including reliability, respectful and effective communication, and accountability.
• Strong research and analytical skills.
• Excellent written and verbal communication abilities.

Preferred Experience

• Previous experience in government relations, community outreach, or grants management.

Internship Benefits

• Competitive pay: $20.00/hr, paid weekly.
• Free parking at all facilities.
• Complimentary passage on DRPA bridges (for commuting to and from work only).
• Complimentary travel on PATCO (for commuting to and from work only).
• Opportunity to participate in a meaningful learning experience with industry leaders and professionals.
• Gain practical real-world experience.
• Develop essential professional skills.
• Opportunities to build a strong professional foundation.