Institute of Politics

Overview of Organization:
Ben Ray Luján has represented New Mexico in the United States Senate since January 2021. He previously served as U.S. Representative for New Mexico’s Third Congressional District and House Assistant Speaker in the 116th Congress.

Senator Luján sits on the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation; the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions (HELP); the Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry; the Committee on Indian Affairs; and the Committee on the Budget.

Senator Luján grew up in Nambé, a small farming community north of Santa Fe, bordered by the Nambé and Pojoaque Pueblos. It was there that he learned New Mexico values, including hard work, dedication, and perseverance, from his family and community.

Since being elected to Congress in 2008, Senator Luján has championed efforts to create good-paying jobs in New Mexico, expand quality health care and protect patients with pre-existing conditions, preserve our natural resources and sacred sites, build a clean energy economy, and uplift the middle-class.

Internship Summary:
Senator Luján is excited to offer an internship program for college, graduate, and recently graduated students in his office in Washington D.C. The internship program is a unique opportunity to learn more about the daily work of a Congressional office, including the legislative process, office administration, and constituent relations. Interns are not assigned full time to a specific staffer or office department, but rather perform a variety of tasks.

Responsibilities:
- Work with members of staff to provide support to constituents
- Provide a welcoming environment and positive first impression of the office to constituents, visitors, and other VIPs
- Answer the phones and handle direct constituent inquiries and process constituent correspondence.
- Assist legislative staff with letters, projects, and research.
- Attend in-person/virtual hearings and briefings and prepare summary memos.

Qualifications:
- Effective communication skills for verbal and written correspondence
- Effective teamwork skills and the ability to support the needs of multiple team members and leaders in the office required
- Professional demeanor and an upbeat disposition while interacting with visitors, staff members, and stakeholders in a fast-paced, highly dynamic environment required
- Time management skills including the ability to prioritize, and track work status required
- Attention to detail
- Willingness to learn new skills and tasks and be flexible in supporting Member and all staff in various roles, both administrative and legislative

About the Supervisor:
Sophie Hare is a staff assistant for Senator Lujan.

Location and Modality:
Washington DC, In Person.

Start and End Date:
Summer internships will take place during the period of June 10 - September 27 with specific dates to be determined by the employer partner and intern during the interview process.