Spring 2027 Communications & Public Engagement Intern

Job Description

Job Description

Priority Application Deadline: October 19.

This is a DC-based hybrid position. Interns must reside and have a permanent address in the Washington Metropolitan Region for the duration of their internship.

For Spring 2027, the Partnership will prioritize hiring interns from the following schools: 

• Florida International University 
• George Mason University
• Ohio State University – John Glenn College of Public Affairs and the Washington Academic Internship Program (WAIP)
• Syracuse University – Maxwell School of Public Affairs
• Trinity Washington University 
• University of California schools – UCDC Washington Center Program
• University of Maryland
• University of Michigan 
• University of Pennsylvania 
• University of Texas at Austin – LBJ School of Public Affairs

INTRODUCTION

The Partnership for Public Service is a nonpartisan, nonprofit organization dedicated to building a better government and a stronger democracy. Central to this mission is our work to connect the government with those it serves by protecting it from harm and reimagining the way it works on behalf of the public.  

Building on our over 20 years of experience, we:

• Prepare civil servants to navigate an increasingly complex government environment
• Educate and engage the public about the value of government and how eroding its capacity hurts communities nationwide 
• Collaborate with a range of stakeholders to advance bold reforms that seek to make our government institutions more effective, responsive and accountable to the American people
• Equip and advise government leaders at the federal, state and local levels to develop critical skills for effective public service.

Our staff, diverse in experience and perspective, is mission-driven, creative, collaborative, optimistic and inclusive. Our work is strategic, fast-paced and guided by our values: 

• Passion for public service and our work toward more effective government 
• People who promote a culture of learning, leadership, collaboration, inclusion and respect 
• Persistence to drive change, take strategic risks and deliver results 
• Promise to be trustworthy, nonpartisan and fiscally responsible 

We hire smart and friendly people who are great at what they do and good to one another in the process.

POSITION OVERVIEW

The Partnership's communication efforts are designed to change public perceptions, educate the public about the need for a high-performing government and help connect citizens to their government. In addition, the Communications team ensures that Partnership programs and activities are heard, understood and actionable. 

Communications interns are integral Communications team members and assist with writing, editing and brainstorming new ideas. Our interns will be placed in one of four sub-teams within the Communications team—marketing, press, public engagement or storytelling.  

Our marketing interns provide a range of support including generating the Partnership's weekly newsletter and blogs, and managing the Partnership's social media outreach including Twitter, Bluesky, Instagram and LinkedIn.  

Press interns support media relations efforts including building press lists, drafting press materials and supporting other media outreach efforts.  

Public engagement interns primarily support the public engagement team with updates related to the Federal Harms Tracker, science grants and public perception research. The intern's primary project, the Federal Harms Tracker, is a series of data and storytelling products that measure and communicate the impact of actions to dismantle the federal workforce, spending and infrastructure. 

We offer two types of storytelling internships. The first, our journalism internships, offer journalism students and other aspiring journalists an opportunity to report on the impacts of federal program and workforce cuts and the positive contributions of federal employees within their communities. These internships are designed to be in-the-field and do not require a presence in DC. Our other storytelling interns provide administrative, logistical and research support for a variety of efforts to better understand perceptions of government and raise public awareness around the role and impact of government. This is a terrific opportunity for individuals who are interested or have experience in communications, public relations or marketing.  

The ideal candidate is a detail-oriented team player who has excellent writing, organization and public speaking skills. Interns will have the opportunity to develop experience representing the Partnership to the public. Interns also gain experience using CRM and email marketing systems, web and graphic design programs, media monitoring tools and other highly marketable skills for communications professionals. 

WORK ENVIRONMENT 

This job operates in a professional office environment in Washington, DC and occasionally at local external venues. This position requires consistent use of office equipment such as computer, telephone, printer and scanner. The Partnership adheres to all federal, state and local employment laws.

COMPENSATION

Full-time interns will receive $2,000 per month. Part-time intern compensation will be pro-rated accordingly.

LOCATION

This is a DC-based hybrid position. Interns must reside and have a permanent address in the Washington Metropolitan Region for the duration of their internship.  This is a hybrid internship, with an expectation of on-site work approximately two days per week once office space is available. One on-site day is Wednesday. 

EXPECTED HOURS OF WORK

Business hours are Monday-Friday, 9 am to 6 pm, though exact work hours may vary depending on availability and need. Academic schedules will be accommodated; a part-time schedule may be considered. There may be occasional early morning or evening activities required.

TRAVEL 

If travel occurs, it is usually during the business day.   

RECRUITMENT PROCESS

The timeline for applicant review and selection may vary depending on the size of the applicant pool. Priority consideration will be given to applications received by Oct. 19 . Applications may remain open after that date based on hiring needs. Applications are not reviewed on a rolling basis. We will begin reviewing applications on Oct. 19 and strive to complete virtual interviews and extend offers within approximately one month of that date.