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Public Affairs Fellow Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Avōq

Public Affairs Fellow

Washington, DC · On-site

$39K/yr

We are seeking a communications fellow who want to join a dynamic team and get hands-on experience in public affairs and corporate reputation. If you're a politico, policy wonk, news hound, or ...

Avoq

Public Affairs Fellow

Washington, DC · Hybrid

$39K/yr

We are seeking a communications fellow who want to join a dynamic team and get hands-on experience in public affairs and corporate reputation. If you're a politico, policy wonk, news hound, or ...

The Herald Group

THG Fellow

Washington, DC

$55K - $75K/yr

The Herald Group is searching for a highly motivated, career-oriented individual looking to gain hands on knowledge of public affairs and strategic communications through our fellowship program. The ...

The Herald Group

THG Fellow

Washington, DC · On-site

$55K - $75K/yr

The Herald Group is searching for a highly motivated, career-oriented individual looking to gain hands on knowledge of public affairs and strategic communications through our fellowship program. The ...

The Herald Group

THG Fellow

Washington, DC · On-site

$55K - $75K/yr

The Herald Group is searching for a highly motivated, career-oriented individual looking to gain hands on knowledge of public affairs and strategic communications through our fellowship program. The ...

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Public Affairs Fellow information

See salary details

$25K

$59K

$83.5K

How much do public affairs fellow jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 19, 2026, the average yearly pay for public affairs fellow in the United States is $59,022.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $49,000.00 and $66,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a public affairs fellow?

A Public Affairs Fellow is an early-career professional or graduate student who participates in a fellowship program focused on public policy, government relations, advocacy, or communications. Fellows typically work with nonprofit organizations, government agencies, or think tanks to gain hands-on experience in policy research, stakeholder engagement, and public communications. The fellowship is designed to develop skills in analyzing policy issues, crafting messaging, and building relationships with key audiences. These roles often serve as a stepping stone to careers in public service, advocacy, or policy analysis.

What types of projects and responsibilities can a public affairs fellow expect during their fellowship?

As a Public Affairs Fellow, you can expect to work on a variety of projects such as policy research, drafting communications materials, organizing public events, and monitoring legislative developments. Fellows often collaborate closely with policy analysts, communications teams, and external stakeholders to advance the organization's advocacy goals. The role typically involves a mix of independent research and team-based projects, providing valuable exposure to public policy processes and stakeholder engagement. This hands-on experience helps fellows develop skills in strategic communication, policy analysis, and relationship building, which are essential for future roles in public affairs.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a public affairs fellow, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Public Affairs Fellow, you need a background in communications, public policy, or political science, often supported by a relevant degree or internship experience. Familiarity with media monitoring tools, social media platforms, and content management systems is typically expected. Strong written and verbal communication, strategic thinking, and relationship-building abilities are essential soft skills. These competencies enable effective advocacy, stakeholder engagement, and impactful communication in dynamic public affairs environments.

What is the difference between Public Affairs Fellow vs Public Relations Specialist?

AspectPublic Affairs FellowPublic Relations Specialist
Required CredentialsTypically a recent graduate or early-career professional with a degree in political science, public policy, or related fieldsOften holds a degree in communications, marketing, or related fields; certifications like APR are common
Work EnvironmentGovernment agencies, think tanks, or nonprofit organizations focusing on policy and advocacyCorporate, agency, or agency settings focusing on brand management and media relations
Employer & Industry UsageUsed by government and nonprofit sectors for policy advocacy and stakeholder engagementUsed across industries for managing company reputation and media outreach

While both roles involve communication and stakeholder engagement, Public Affairs Fellows focus on policy, government relations, and advocacy, often in nonprofit or government settings. Public Relations Specialists primarily handle media relations, branding, and reputation management across various industries.

More about Public Affairs Fellow jobs

What job categories do people searching Public Affairs Fellow jobs look for?

The top searched job categories for Public Affairs Fellow jobs are:

Public Affairs Fellow jobs near you
Infographic showing various Public Affairs Fellow job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $59,022 per year, or $28.4 per hour.

Public Affairs Fellow

Avōq

Washington, DC • On-site

$39K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 8 days ago

Job description

We are seeking a communications fellow who want to join a dynamic team and get hands-on experience in public affairs and corporate reputation. If you're a politico, policy wonk, news hound, or itching for the chance to get into corporate comms, you've found the right firm.
Who you are
  • Resourceful and able to work independently
  • Exceptionally organized and can keep track of multiple priorities at once
  • Intellectually curious and a diligent researcher
  • A strong verbal communicator with even sharper writing skills
  • Excited to work on a diverse variety of projects which draw on an array of skills
  • Motivated and fulfilled by succeeding as a team

What you'll do
  • Routinely assist with the firm's core work areas: in-depth research, public affairs campaign management, media and public relations, strategic consulting, tactical messaging, corporate positioning, grassroots advocacy, digital campaigning, and issue advocacy.
  • Daily responsibilities will include researching, preparing reports, assisting staff on client requests, and helping on a variety of office responsibilities. Trainees will work directly with senior staff to meet client needs.

The Fellow Program typically runs for 6-12 months with the possibility to extend beyond the initial timeframe. Fellows may be eligible for promotion depending on the quality of their work and department availability.
Requirements
Your Experience
Strong candidates will possess many of the following attributes:
  • Exceptional writing and research skills
  • An interest in/aptitude for digital advocacy techniques, including online marketing and media production
  • Experience with the basics of digital and social media marketing a big plus
  • Excellent communication, interpersonal, and organizational skills
  • Knowledge of local and national policies and current events
  • Background in politics, economics, business, or journalism strongly desired
  • Experience on campaigns a plus
  • Experience with digital media, including video and graphic editing, a big plus
  • Proficiency with Mac OS and Microsoft Office programs

Candidates need not possess every attribute listed above to qualify for a role. If you identify with this profile but don't quite meet all of the criteria we strongly encourage you to apply to joining our winning team!
Benefits
Avōq prides itself on the kind of innovation that is only achieved through inclusive collaboration and equal opportunity. Maintaining a diverse staff of first-class talent (including those from BIPOC, LGBTQ communities, and others from historically underrepresented groups), and conferring a sense of value and belonging on each team member is central to our mission as expert communicators and advocates.
The salary for this role is $39,000
We offer a uniquely rich benefits package to support our team's quality of life outside of work that includes:
  • 100% Company-paid Medical, Dental and Vision insurance
  • Paid parental leave
  • 401(k) contributions
  • Flexible, hybrid work arrangements
  • 12 paid company holidays per year, up to 39 days individual paid time off
  • Winter break: Offices close the last week of the year

Avōq also provides necessary assistance or modifications to the application process for prospective candidates. If you need support, please reach out to Talent@teamavoq.com and include your full name and the accommodation needed to assist you with the application process. Decisions to grant reasonable accommodations are made on a case-by-case basis.

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