Program Intern, Government Affairs

Pilot Company is an industry-leading network of travel centers with more than 30,000 team members and over 750 retail and fueling locations in 44 states and six Canadian provinces. Our energy and logistics division serves as a top supplier of fuel, employing one of the largest tanker fleets and providing critical services to oil operations in our nation's busiest basins. Pilot Company supports a growing portfolio of brands with expertise in supply chain and retail operations, logistics and transportation, technology and digital innovation, construction, maintenance, human resources, finance, sales and marketing.

Founded in 1958 by Jim A. Haslam II and currently led by CEO Adam Wright, our founding values, people-first culture and commitment to giving back remains true to us today. Whether we are serving guests, a fellow team member, or a trucking company, we are dedicated to fueling people and keeping North America moving.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, protected veteran status or any other characteristic protected under applicable federal, state, or local law.

Military encouraged to apply.

Are you an ambitious student interested in government affairs, public policy, or political science looking to apply your knowledge in a dynamic corporate environment? Pilot Company is seeking a Government Affairs Intern to join our team in Washington, D.C. for the summer of 2027. This is a unique opportunity to gain valuable experience in policy analysis and stakeholder engagement, making a significant impact by helping the company track, translate, and communicate federal and multi-state policy developments while being mentored by our experienced staff. 

In this role, you will be an integral part of our Government Affairs team. Your key responsibility will be to support the team's efforts to monitor legislative and regulatory developments that impact Pilot's energy, retail, travel center, and transportation operations. This internship is not only an opportunity to learn the practical application of government affairs and public policy principles but also a chance to grow within a supportive team that is dedicated to developing its people. 

What You’ll Do 

• Support policy intelligence efforts: You'll play a crucial role in monitoring federal and state legislative and regulatory developments across topics such as energy and liquid fuels, transportation, tax, labor and employment, trade, and supply chain issues. 

• Develop stakeholder communications: You'll help produce weekly updates that summarize what changed, why it matters, and what business stakeholders should expect next. 

• Build issue playbooks: You'll assist in creating and maintaining issue playbooks that outline policy backgrounds, key stakeholders, timelines, business impacts, talking points, and recommended actions. 

• Support advocacy initiatives: You'll help prepare briefing materials, including one-pagers, talking points, Q&A documents, and meeting summaries that support internal and external engagement efforts. 

What We’re Looking For 

• Education: Currently pursuing an undergraduate or master's degree in Political Science, International Relations, Public Policy, Government, or a related field. Upperclassmen and graduate students are preferred. 

• Technical Skills: Strong research, writing, and presentation development skills are essential. Experience preparing memos, policy briefs, reports, or stakeholder presentations is a plus. 

• Soft Skills: Excellent verbal and written communication skills, strong stakeholder management abilities, professional presence, and the ability to translate complex policy issues into clear, actionable insights for business audiences. We're looking for someone with the flexibility and adaptability to pivot as priorities change. 

• Qualities: A high level of interest in government affairs, public policy, and the legislative process, along with a desire to learn and contribute to a collaborative environment. We value individuals who are driven, reliable, authentic, and welcoming. 

Why Pilot Company? 

Our culture is built on four core virtues: Driven, Reliable, Authentic, and Welcoming. As an intern, you will see these values in action every day. You'll be part of a team that is driven to support informed business decisions, reliable in its commitment to delivering accurate policy insights, authentic in its interactions, and welcoming to new ideas and perspectives. 

This is a full-time, in-person internship running from June 7 – August 13, 2027.  You’ll be working alongside our team in our Washington, D.C. location, where you’ll have the opportunity to build meaningful relationships and experience the full scope of life at Pilot Company. 

How to Apply 

If you're ready to take on a challenging and rewarding internship with a leading company, please submit your application. The interview process will include a screening with a recruiter, followed by a final interview with the hiring manager. We look forward to hearing from you!