Public Affairs InternAt — Communications LAB

The Public Affairs Intern is an entry-level position that provides administrative and program support to account executives, other members of the agency team, and clients. This position assists in the day-to-day administration of public affairs, public relations, communications, event management, marketing, and advertising initiatives on behalf of the agency’s clients.  

Tasks/Typical Duties:

Preparing account service-related documents such as: 

• Meeting or board agendas, meeting reports, and board minutes  
• Client communications and correspondence 
• Participating in and documenting discussions during client meetings and conference calls     

Creating Content & Copy  

• Prepare & draft press releases, op-eds, newsletters, scripts, briefing materials, and other written content to effectively communicate a client’s key messages in the public domain 
• Conduct in-depth research on policy issues, key stakeholders, and legislative developments to support strategic communication goals. 

Fielding and processing internal information requests 

Assisting with mailing and advertising 

Implementing Social media strategies  

• Draft copy for content calendars 
• Schedule posts following the approval of a content calendar 
• Coordinate graphic design needs with the Art Department  

Maintaining current work-in-progress records and archives of past project information as appropriate 

Recommended Skill Sets 

• Excellent Communication: The ability to articulate ideas clearly and concisely, both in written and verbal communication, With minimal spelling and/or grammatical errors.  
• Research Proficiency: Adept at conducting thorough research on policy issues, current events, and relevant stakeholders to contribute to the development of informed and strategic communications.  
• Social media: Familiarity with social media platforms and comfortable with creating engaging copy to enhance online presence and disseminate key messages effectively. 
• Adaptability: Flexibility to work on various projects simultaneously and adapt to the dynamic nature of public affairs, adjusting strategies based on evolving circumstances.  
• Relationship Building: Capable of cultivating and maintaining positive relationships with stakeholders and clients fostering a collaborative and supportive environment.  
• Problem-Solving: Ability to think critically and propose creative solutions to challenges, demonstrating resourcefulness in navigating complex public affairs issues.  
• Computer/Software: High competency level in computer and software skills compatible with job responsibilities (Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Canva, etc.). 
• Team Player: Possesses strong interpersonal skills and the ability to work collaboratively and professionally within and outside the office while conducting agency business. 

Training:

During the academic internship, the student will receive the following training:

1. General Employer Orientation
2. Client Overview and Onboarding
3. Job Shadowing with an Account Manager
4. Software training as applicable (WIX, Adobe, Hootsuite, Canva, Microsoft Office, Mailchimp, Survey Monkey, Asana, Toggle, etc.)
5. Weekly Scheduled Meetings with Mentor & Account Managers
6. Copy editing and development with Account Managers & Mentor

Learning outcome:

By the end of the academic internship, the student will be able to do the following:

Independently develop draft materials for review and distribution/publication on behalf of clients.

Fully understand the event-planning process, from idea generation, venue selection, invitations and stakeholder correspondence, event logistics, and follow-up.

Obtain a working knowledge of how public relations, marketing, and graphic design tasks are received from the client, completed, reviewed for quality control, and then submitted to the client.