About MHEC

Midwestern Higher Education Compact (MHEC) strengthens post-secondary education in its twelve midwestern states through development and support of best practices, collaborative efforts, and cost-sharing opportunities. MHEC works with and for a variety of stakeholders within and across member states, including higher education system and campus leaders, state policymakers, and other state leaders. Through these efforts it works to ensure strong, postsecondary educational opportunities and outcomes for all.

MHEC’s strategic approach highlights member states’ strong desire for cooperation, effectiveness, and efficiency. MHEC believes that actions informed by research and best practices are the catalyst for improving quality, accessibility, relevance, and affordability of postsecondary educational opportunities. MHEC does this primarily through the following approaches: convenings, programs, research, and cost-savings contracts. MHEC strives to help its members support students and their success.

Position Summary

The Midwestern Higher Education Compact (MHEC) is seeking a motivated and detail-oriented Legislative & Policy Intern to assist with research, legislative tracking, and stakeholder engagement during the 2026 legislative session.

This position provides hands-on experience in public policy and higher education, offering an opportunity to learn how a regional organization supports collaboration among legislators, state agencies, and higher education leaders across the Midwest.

Reporting to the Manager of External Relations and Strategic Initiatives, the intern will support MHEC’s state visit work across all twelve Midwestern states by preparing meeting materials, researching legislative committees, compiling biographies, updating contact information, and assisting with scheduling and outreach to legislators, state agencies, and higher education partners. The intern will also analyze meeting notes, track follow-up items, and support related communication and documentation.

Key Responsibilities

• Research legislative committees, state agencies, and nonprofits engaged in higher education policy across all Midwestern states.
• Prepare biographical summaries and meeting materials for MHEC’s annual state visits.
• Analyze meeting notes, identify follow-up items, and support related communication and documentation following state visits.
• Update and maintain contact lists for policymakers, legislative staff, higher education leaders, and nonprofit partners.
• Make phone calls and send follow-ups to legislative offices and stakeholders to schedule meetings or confirm participation.
• Support the policy team with MHEC’s FAFSA initiative as time allows, including assisting with administrative tasks, planning for the upcoming FAFSA summit, and observing multi-state team calls where participants discuss challenges and opportunities for FAFSA completion in their states.
• Attend internal meetings and, when possible, external events or visits in Minnesota.
• Engage in professional development, including informational interviews with MHEC staff, mock interviews, and personalized resume and cover letter review.

Qualifications

• Required
• Current undergraduate student majoring in political science, public policy, education, or a related field with a demonstrated interest in higher education policy.
• Self-starter with excellent organizational skills and ability to manage multiple projects with varying deadlines.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Demonstrates attention to detail, accuracy, and professionalism in all work.
• Demonstrated initiative in taking on new projects and learning through professional experience.
• Collaborative and customer-focused, contributing to a positive, team-oriented, and nonpartisan work environment.
• Ability to work effectively with individuals and groups representing different perspectives and political backgrounds.
• Able to perform office/computer-based work for up to 8 hours/day.
• Must reside in the Twin Cities metro area and be able to work in person multiple days per week, with at least one in-person day on a Tuesday or Wednesday at MHEC’s downtown Minneapolis office.
• Preferred
• Experience in policy, legislative, or government-related work, especially connected to higher education or nonprofit organizations.
• Experience conducting research or writing summaries, briefs, or biographies.
• Familiarity with stakeholder engagement or event coordination.

Schedule and Work Environment

Internship runs January–May, aligned with the legislative session.
Interns are expected to work in person multiple days per week, with at least one of those days on a Tuesday or Wednesday.
Flexible scheduling around classes and other commitments; average 15–30 hours/week (typically between 9:00 AM–5:00 PM), depending on availability and project needs.

Location: Minneapolis, MN (Hybrid – must reside in the Twin Cities metro area)

Application Requirements

• Resume
• Cover Letter or Personal Statement addressing:
• Your experience or interest in higher education
• Your experience or interest in public policy at the state level
•  What you hope to gain from this internship
•   How you will use this experience to support your professional growth
• 2–3 references (academic or professional)

Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled. To apply, please visit MIDWESTERN HIGHER EDUCATION COMPACT - Legislative & Policy Internship to apply. 
MHEC Careers - Legislative & Policy Internship