The Ferguson Group, LLC (TFG), headquartered in Washington, D.C., is a bipartisan government relations consulting firm. We represent the largest number of local governments of any firm in Washington, D.C. TFG offers a unique internship program allowing dedicated individuals the opportunity to learn and work directly with the firm’s grants or lobbying divisions on a wide variety of substantive issues that impact local governments. Our areas of expertise include federal grant funding, water and natural resources, community and economic development, workforce development, public health, education, environmental issues, public utilities, land use, law enforcement and public safety, transportation, and housing.
Position Overview
TFG’s Internship Program is different from other internships in numerous ways. Our entrepreneurial work environment provides the space and opportunity for independent, responsible self-starters to gain experience in government relations while contributing to our firm’s grants and lobbying efforts. TFG professional staff specialize in a wide variety of issue areas and understand the range of perspectives from Capitol Hill to local municipalities. We create a challenging and interesting experience for our interns. Yet, our "small firm" environment enables an intern to experience a range of federal policy issues that impact local communities.
Responsibilities
The TFG Internship Program is comprised of two types of Research Interns that assist the firm’s Advocacy and Grants Division staff on short-term to medium-length projects.
Responsibilities of each include:
Advocacy Intern
- Daily assignments of TFG Advocacy Interns often include:
- Research and track federal legislation.
- Search previous and current appropriations (federal funding) bills for critical information.
- Assist with public relations and marketing efforts by compiling information for TFG's website, internal database, and business proposals.
- Attend congressional and industry hearings and briefings and write blog posts, summaries, and memorandums.
- Contribute to research and written content for technical reports, briefs, special reports, and client memoranda.
Grants Intern
Daily assignments of TFG Grants Interns often include:
- Locate grant opportunities for TFG clients.
- Research and identify prospective funding sources and programs to support the firm's client base.
- Prepare general and customized funding reports for clients.
- Maintain internal grants database and assist with implementing efficiency efforts.
- Assist with the preparation and submission of applications to federal, state, and foundation funders.
- Search previous and current appropriations (federal funding) bills for critical information pertaining to federal grants.
- Monitor and track the release of funding opportunities,
- Support the development of weekly grant publications and funding guides.
Qualifications
Preferred candidates have focused their undergraduate or graduate studies on political science, public policy/administration, economics, environmental sciences, or related disciplines. All candidates must have strong writing and verbal skills and have an interest in government relations and/or working with public agencies and local communities. Work performed by TFG Interns requires that the successful candidate be an academically inclined, quick learner who enjoys, and is proficient at, in-depth research. A background in economics, environmental issues, transportation, utilities, water issues, and/or grant writing is strongly desired. Proficiency in Microsoft suite programs, Adobe, and internet applications is necessary.
We prefer serious applicants able to intern forty hours a week. This position can be based in Washington, D.C. or remotely throughout the United States. Interns receive a competitive hourly wage.
How to Apply
If you are interested in TFG’s Internship Program, please send your resume and a cover letter to recruiter@tfgnet.com and indicate your availability and which division you prefer to work with: Grants or Advocacy. The subject line of your email should contain the words "Research Intern Application - Grants or Advocacy” (pick one). Interviews and selections will be made on a rolling basis as qualified applications are received.