Careers and Internships

Government Affairs Specialist

The Government Affairs Specialist is a full-time position based in Washington, D.C. that supports NACD’s federal advocacy and policy agenda by leading analysis within assigned issue areas and supporting legislative and stakeholder engagement efforts. This role applies independent analytical judgment while operating within Director-approved policy and advocacy frameworks. The Specialist serves as a subject-matter resource and supports NACD leadership and members through policy analysis, communications, and grassroots advocacy execution. Read the full position description for more information.

Salary Range: $75,000 – $85,000 annually

To apply, email a cover letter, resume, and two writing samples to the attention of NACD with ‘Government Affairs Specialist” in the subject line to hr[at]nacdnet.org no later than Friday, February 20, 2026, to receive priority consideration.

Grants Management Specialist

The Grants Management Specialist leads the day-to-day compliance, monitoring, and financial oversight of NACD’s federal grants and subaward portfolio. This position also provides administrative support for the full lifecycle of pass-through grants, including pre-award solicitation activities and post-award monitoring and closeout. The Grants Management Specialist plays a critical role in ensuring compliance with 2 CFR 200 and federal grant requirements, supporting subrecipients in meeting performance and financial obligations, and maintaining strong, proactive relationships with NACD members and partners. The ideal candidate is detail-oriented, compliance-driven, and service-minded, with the ability to communicate clearly with grantees. Read the full position description for more information.

Salary Range: $65,000 – $75,000 annually

To apply, email a cover letter and resume to the attention of NACD with ‘Grants Management Specialist” in the subject line to hr[at]nacdnet.org no later than Friday, February 20, 2026, to receive priority consideration.

Internship Opportunities

NACD offers a wide range of internship opportunities to advance the association’s conservation objectives and reach. Interns will gain an array of skills and learn about the role conservation districts and state conservation associations and agencies play in the development of natural resources, agricultural, and environmental policies. Interns can support the following NACD Teams:

• Government Affairs
• Conservation Programs
• Stewardship and Education
• Communications and Media
• Membership Engagement
• Finance and Operations

NACD interns are often college juniors or seniors who are interested in natural resources policy, environmental science or agricultural fields, communications, public affairs, or nonprofit management. They are either based in NACD’s Washington, D.C. office or remotely and work at least 20 hours a week for negotiable durations up to 6 months. These are paid internships. Interns are compensated upon full and successful completion of each month of the internship.

How to Apply

Internship postings will be placed on this webpage as opportunities arise. However, we encourage applicants to submit interest year-round.

To apply for an internship opportunity with NACD, please express interest by submitting a cover letter and resume to hr[at]nacdnet.org.

The cover letter should include the start date and number of months you’d like to serve in an internship with NACD, and which team you would like to work with.

Subscribe to our weekly eResource newsletter to stay informed about future employment opportunities.