Harris County Leadership Internship Program Intern
Position Description
About the Harris County Leadership Internship Program
The Harris County Leadership Internship Program (HCLIP), led by Commissioner Rodney Ellis, is a 10-week summer experience that connects young adults interested in leadership development, community, and public service to career opportunities. HCLIP is designed for youth aged 18 and over pursuing post-secondary opportunities who have an interest in leadership and public service. Through HCLIP, students will immerse themselves in local government programs, policies, and issues as they build professional skills for their future careers. HCLIP is committed to recruiting students from diverse educational, economic, racial, and ethnic backgrounds that reflect the diversity of the residents Harris County serves. The Office of Harris County Commissioner Rodney Ellis will make HCLIP a best-in-class summer internship program for public service. Learn more at hcp1.net/HCLIP
About the Office of Commissioner Rodney Ellis
Commissioner Rodney Ellis' Office, is committed to becoming a national model for delivering responsive public service that utilizes inclusive, innovative, and collaborative approaches to improve the quality of life, advance equality of opportunity, and promote the fair treatment of all people in Harris County. Key Areas of focus for our organization include, but are not limited to:
Advancing more effective, fair and equitable criminal justice system.
Furthering economic justice, equity, and opportunity for all Harris County residents, especially those often and historically left behind by government programs.
Ensuring equitable outcomes in health and access to quality, affordable healthcare
Fighting for environmental and climate justice that keeps all communities safe and healthy.
Equitably investing in developing and maintaining resilient infrastructure and transportation for the 21st century
Building and defending voting rights and a democracy that ensures equitable representation.
Progressing equity and social and racial justice as common threads through all areas of public policy and public service.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities
HCLIP offers internship opportunities across a variety of program pathways. Within your application, you may express interest in one or more of the following pathways:
Policy & Research Pathway
Research and analyze policies in Texas and nationally to align with the priorities of the host office or official.
Provide research support, memo writing, and help identify best practices.
Community Affairs Pathway
Implement responsive public service by engaging residents and stakeholders on policy issues.
Communicate policy priorities though inclusive messaging.
Communications & Marketing Pathway
Utilize multimedia tools to convey important messages to residents and stakeholders.
Support copywriting, editing, press relations, video production, and social media.
Senior Programs (Adults 50+) Pathway
Implement educational programs and recreation to keep seniors active and engaged in their community.
Support event set-up, information gathering, and provide a social outlet for seniors.
Technology, Engineering, & Data Analysis Pathway
Use coding, technical, and/or cloud-based programs to support operations.
Manage databases and significant data, create graphics to visualize data, and provide analysis.
Youth Education Pathway
Support, nurture, and teach children ages 5 to 12 in summer enrichment.
Engage in sports, games, recreation, outdoor learning, conservation, field trips, core academic support, and/or creative arts, and fun with youth.
Work with youth at Precinct One Community Centers or other programs through the One For All Foundation.
Harris County is an Equal Opportunity Employer
https://hrrm.harriscountytx.gov/Pages/EqualEmploymentOpportunityPlan.aspx
If you need special services or accommodations, please call (713) 274-5445 or email ADACoordinator@bmd.hctx.net.
This position is subject to a criminal history check. Only relevant convictions will be considered and, even when considered, may not automatically disqualify the candidate.
Requirements
Internship Requirements
Must be at least 18 years old by the start of program.
Must be a student enrolled for the current academic year (Fall 2025 and Spring 2026) in a college, university, or dual credit program with at least 12 credits earned towards a degree
Must not be on academic probation
Must be eligible to work in the United States
Required Supporting Documents
Must include the following documents attached to your application
1) Resume
2) Unofficial Transcript
3) Writing Sample (academic essay completed between April 2025 to present)
4) Letter of Recommendation (Must be from a Professor, Previous Employer, and/or Organization Leader)
Note: The Letter of Recommendation may be sent separately via email to internships@cp1.hctx.net by the applicant or their recommender.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
Interest in leadership development, community, and public service
Skills in organizing and/or program planning
Ability to interact with various stakeholders and community members using either written or verbal methods
Ability to follow direction and work in collaboration with all levels of management, staff, and other departments
Maintain a consistent professional appearance and demeanor
Ability to prioritize and perform multiple tasks to meet goals and objectives
General knowledge and skills relevant to your desired Internship Pathway(s)
NOTE: Qualifying education, experience, knowledge, and skills must be documented on your job application. You may attach a resume to the application as supporting documentation but ONLY information stated on the application will be used for consideration. "See Resume" will not be accepted for qualifications.
Preferences
Residence or current school location in Harris County Precinct One is a plus
General Information
Position Type and Work Schedule
Full-time (40 hours per week) in-person internship positions located in Harris County, TX.
Monday through Friday schedule, with occasional weekend or evening opportunities.
Day-to-day hours may vary per assignment.
10-week program, running from June 1 to August 7, 2026.
What you get in return
As a Harris County Leadership Internship Program Intern, you will receive a competitive compensation rate that reflects the value you bring. You will have access to tailored professional development trainings, gaining valuable skills that will set you apart in your future career. You will have opportunities to connect with industry leaders and fellow interns - building a network that will open doors for your future professional careers.
You will be surrounded by coworkers who bring their best to work each day. Passionate people that want to make a difference in the communities the Office of Commissioner Rodney Ellis serves along with Harris County as a whole.
How to apply
If you are interested in this internship opportunity, meet the required qualifications, and can see yourself working for Precinct One in the Harris County Leadership Internship Program, we invite you to apply at
https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/harriscountytx
If you have any questions regarding the application, please contact Jacqueline Locarno, Internship Program Manager, at internships@cp1.hctx.net.
Employment may be contingent on passing a drug screen and meeting other standards.
Due to a high volume of applications positions may close prior to the advertised closing date or at the discretion of the Hiring Department.
Not Applicable
01
Will you be at least 18 years of age by the start of the program?
Yes
No
02
Are you currently a student enrolled in college, university, or dual credit courses with at least 12 credits earned towards your degree?
Yes
No
03
Are you currently on academic probation?
Yes
No
04
Are you a resident or attend a current school location in Harris County Precinct One?
Yes
No
05
Applicants must provide a resume, unofficial transcript, and writing sample to the online application. Have you attached all required documents?
Yes
No
06
Applicants must additionally provide a letter of recommendation online or via email before the posted deadline to complete their application. Please select an option below:
a. Submit Now: I have a copy of my letter of recommendation and will submit it now with this online application.
b. Submit Later: My recommender or I will email the letter directly to internships@cp1.hctx.net at a later date, prior to the application deadline.
07
Please describe your interest in public service. (500 words or less)
08
What strengths will you bring to this internship experience? (200 words or less)
09
Which internship pathway(s) are you most interested in? Please select all that apply:
Policy & Research
Community Affairs
Communications & Marketing
Senior Programs (Adults 50+)
Technology, Engineering, & Data Analysis
Youth Education
N/A; None of the above
10
For each pathway that you are interested in, please select the pathway, and answer both of the associated questions underneath. (200 words or less per question) A. Policy & Research i. What is a barrier that people in your community face that policy changes could address? ii. What is your standard method that you use when beginning research? B. Community Affairs i. Please describe a volunteer experience that you had that was meaningful to you. ii. What is your interest in community outreach? C. Communications & Marketing i. What is your favorite digital content creation tool and why? ii. How do you make technical content accessible to a broader audience? D. Senior Programs (Adults 50+) i. What interests you in working with senior adults? ii. What approach would you use to connect with these senior adults? E. Technology, Engineering, & Data Analysis i. Provide an example of a technology or engineering project that you have completed. ii. Describe your favorite technical program or tool to use and why? F. Youth Education i. What interests you in working with youth? ii. Please describe a specific positive experience that you have had working with youth (family could be included).
Required Question
Employer Harris County
Address 1111 Fannin St
Ste. 600
Houston, Texas, 77002
Phone 713-274-5445
Website https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/harriscountytx