Summer 2026 EED Rural Affairs Intern

EOED MASSACHUSETTS RURAL AFFAIRS INTERNSHIP JOB DESCRIPTION

Who we are: The Executive Office of Economic Development prioritizes economic opportunities for residents, collaborative leadership in communities, and an environment that supports job creation and business growth.

Program Overview:

The Executive Office of Economic Development (EOED) is offering exciting professional work experience for enthusiastic and motivated undergraduate and graduate students who are Massachusetts residents or enrolled in an institution of higher learning in Massachusetts.   This program will give students from diverse backgrounds an opportunity to gain valuable real-world experience in public service and gain additional skills in a medium that will help build lifelong attributes.  Teamwork, organizational capabilities, problem-solving, and accountability are among the skillsets you will learn as part of a robust economy-based environment.  As an EOED Intern, you will be at the forefront of an energetic, fast-paced, and ever-changing governmental atmosphere.

The Massachusetts Rural Affairs Team at the Executive Office of Economic Development (EOED) is seeking an intern to support initiatives that strengthen and uplift rural and small towns across the Commonwealth, including the Rural Development Fund grant program and community outreach efforts.

The ideal candidate would be an individual who is passionate about public service, eager to learn and build experience in a professional setting. We are looking forward to meeting anyone who is prompt, professional, and ready to learn new things as they pertain to public service.

You must be ready and willing to commit 4-5 days a week (Minimum 30 hours for Summer / 10 -15 hours for fall internship) or as per your supervisor and business need. This role is a part time, 24 hour/week role.

The paid internship role will be a hybrid experience within EOED’s Massachusetts Rural Affairs Team. To learn more, click the link below:

·       Massachusetts Office of Rural Affairs

You Will Have the Opportunity To:

·       Gain hands-on experience at the Massachusetts Rural Affairs Team

·       Participate in our intern orientation, technical training and development program designed to provide the tools needed to contribute to client engagements.

·       Experience on-the-job training through real work engagements, showcasing how your academic experience translates to the professional environment.

·       Learn directly from experienced associates, seniors, managers and partners with specialized experience and technical knowledge across numerous industries and services.

·       Build friendships and strong work relationships while gaining valuable experience.

·       Demonstrate your performance and ability to join a government agency.

Skills & Expertise

·    Demonstrate a genuine interest in rural communities, whether through lived experience, academic focus, or other meaningful engagement

·    Excellent organizational skills

·    Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite

·    Exceptional attention to detail

·    Demonstrate a strong commitment to community-centered work

·    Excellent collaboration and team building skills

·    Demonstrated written communication skills

·    Must have legal work authorization in the U.S.

All job applications for consideration, must be submitted online through MassCareers https://massanf.taleo.net/careersection/ex/jobsearch.ftl.

Additional Information:

For additional information regarding the Executive Office of Economic Development (EOED), please visit our website at

Executive Office of Economic Development | Mass.gov

The internship program will run from approximately June 1, 2026, through August 2026.  Interviews will be held both in-person and virtually.  Salary is compensable with work experience and education level.

Must be currently enrolled in an associate’s, bachelor’s, or a higher degree program.

Successful Interns will be placed in the department as per their background, interest, and business needs.

First consideration will be given to those applicants that apply within the first 14 days.

Please see Preferred Qualifications.

An Equal Opportunity / Affirmative Action Employer.  Females, minorities, veterans, and persons with disabilities are strongly encouraged to apply.

The Commonwealth is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, age, disability, national origin, veteran status, or any other basis covered by appropriate law.  Research suggests that qualified women, Black, Indigenous, and Persons of Color (BIPOC) may self-select out of opportunities if they don't meet 100%25 of the job requirements.  We encourage individuals who believe they have the skills necessary to thrive to apply for this role.