Graduate Research Intern Jobs in Reno, NV (NOW HIRING)

The strategic communications consultancy TrailRunner International is seeking high-energy, detail-oriented, service-minded interns to support the firm's clients around the world. Fall interns work up to 40 hours per week starting September 14, 2026 - December 11, 2026, in any of the following office locations: Dallas/Fort Worth, Nashville, New York City, and Truckee, California.

The Internship Program is available to college seniors, recent graduates and graduate degree students. TrailRunner Interns serve as the primary pipeline for our Analyst Program, a full-time intensive program designed to give Analysts the skills and experiences needed to be successful in strategic communications.

Each Intern will be assigned two to four client teams and will work as an active team member. Interns will have structured assignments, regular check-ins, and additional development resources along the way. The goal is to ensure that interns learn about the communications industry and develop their skills including research, writing, media pitching and organizational skills such as project management.

Working directly withTrailRunner leadership and senior advisors, Interns support clients in various industries around the world, leveraging strategic communications to achieve their objectives in special situations (IPOs, M&A, restructurings, investor issues, regulatory matters, litigation, crises, etc.) and in longer-term engagements focused on corporate reputation building, executive visibility, media relations, investor relations, and issues management.

Mentorship and teaching are an important aspect of the TrailRunner International culture. At TrailRunner, interns support teams that are diverse in industry, client situation, and team make up. Our teams work directly with and learn from top talent and

seasoned leadership across the firm's offices.

Program Highlights

• Work with TrailRunner's Human Resources team to identify and set your internship objectives
• The opportunity to work on 2-4 client teams
• A central repository of internship projects and work assignments to ensure thoughtful distribution of work
• Weekly all-intern meetings to share experiences, learnings, challenges and solutions
• 360 Learning: An opportunity to deliver a presentation/workshop to the entire global team
• Workshops/ "Lunch & Learns" led by seasoned TrailRunner professionals on relevant topics, such as media relations, crisis communications, client service best practices, and IPO communications.
• Career coaching and guidance
  

Key tasks and responsibilities

• Assist client teams in providing exceptional communication support to TrailRunner International's global clients
• Compile and maintain media lists of relevant reporters, publications, conferences and awards for client awareness; assist in researching, briefing and coordinating events, interviews, conferences, podcasts and other client initiatives
• Produce high quality first drafts of memos, briefing documents, research and analysis, and other common client-driven work products
• Coordinate project plans, internal meetings and initiatives on client accounts
• Research and complete business briefings for current and prospective clients
• Monitor and maintain client topical awareness on relevant industry, competitor and company news
• Research and summarize broader trends in the media
• Use conventional and creative means to gather intel on behalf of clients and prospects
• Learn and adapt in an extremely fast-paced, ever changing environment
  

Background and qualifications

In addition to strong writing, research, and analytical skills, success as an Intern requires an unwavering commitment to helping clients and teammates win.Candidates should possess a strong work ethic, personal drive and intellectual curiosity. Success in this role requires the ability to stay composed and maintain a positive outlook in fast-paced, high-pressure situations.

• Proficiency in Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Strong attention to detail, with analytical and research capabilities
• Ability to organize, prioritize, and manage multiple workstreams effectively
• Demonstrated commitment to teamwork, learning, and excellence, with a high degree of integrity
• Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment
• Strong interpersonal skills and a collaborative mindset
• Intellectual curiosity and a proactive, solutions-oriented approach
• Familiarity with digital tools and platforms (e.g., media databases, social media, or research tools) is a plus
• A degree in public relations, communications, finance, business, or a related field is preferred but not required

About TrailRunner International

Headquartered in Dallas/Fort Worth, TrailRunner International is a global strategic communications firm that provides crisis communications, financial communications, and ongoing corporate communications support to the world's top enterprises, institutions, and individuals. The firm is experiencing significant growth driven by its signature commitment to client service and is committed to hiring entry-level, mid-career, and senior communications professionals from diverse backgrounds who share its founders' obsessive focus on helping their clients win. For more information about TrailRunner International, go to www.trailrunnerint.com.