Harris County Leadership Internship Program Intern

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 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
you need special services or accommodations please call or email .
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.

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 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 butONLY information stated on the application will be used for consideration. See Resumewill not be accepted for qualifications.

• Residence or current school location in Harris County Precinct One is a plus

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

you have any questions regarding the application please contact Jacqueline Locarno Internship Program Manager at

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.