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Public Affairs Intern Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Bantam Communications

Public Affairs Intern

$20 - $30/hr

Bantam Communications is seeking a curious, motivated Public Affairs Intern to help advance our mission of accelerating advanced energy deployment across the United States. In this role, you will ...

NABCA

Legal Affairs Intern

Arlington, VA · On-site

$15 - $18/hr

The mission of NABCA is to support member jurisdictions in their efforts to protect public health ... The Legal Affairs intern reports to the VP, General Counsel. NABCA is a Great Place to Work ...

National Education Association (NEA)

$20/hr

Intern assignments include: * Support the Public Affairs team in building and maintaining weekly message and event calendar * Support the creation of audience mapping and profiles * Support campaigns ...

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How much do public affairs intern jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 26, 2026, the average hourly pay for public affairs intern in the United States is $16.69, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.42 and $18.75 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a public affairs intern?

Public Affairs Interns are entry-level professionals who assist organizations with their communication and advocacy efforts, often focusing on government relations, media outreach, and public policy. They support senior public affairs staff by conducting research, drafting press releases, monitoring legislative developments, and helping to organize events or campaigns. This role provides valuable hands-on experience in understanding how organizations interact with the public, policymakers, and the media. Interns gain insight into the strategies behind shaping public opinion and influencing policy decisions. The position is ideal for students or recent graduates interested in careers in communications, public policy, or government relations.

What types of projects or tasks can a public affairs intern expect to work on during their internship?

As a Public Affairs Intern, you will typically assist with drafting press releases, monitoring media coverage, preparing briefing materials, and supporting the planning of public events or campaigns. You may also help with research on policy issues, stakeholder outreach, and social media content creation. This hands-on work provides exposure to the communication strategies and advocacy efforts that shape public perception and policy, while allowing you to collaborate closely with experienced professionals in communications and government relations.

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

To thrive as a Public Affairs Intern, you generally need strong research, writing, and analytical skills, often supported by coursework in communications, political science, or public relations. Familiarity with media monitoring tools, social media platforms, and basic graphic design or content management systems is typically expected. Outstanding interpersonal communication, attention to detail, and adaptability make candidates stand out in this role. These skills are crucial for effectively supporting public affairs initiatives, managing communications, and maintaining a positive public image for the organization.
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Public Affairs Intern jobs near you
Infographic showing various Public Affairs Intern job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 80% Full Time, 15% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 93% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $34,721 per year, or $16.7 per hour.

Public Affairs Intern

Washington, DC • On-site

Association of Equipment Manufacturers (AEM)
International Trade Financing • 1 - 5K employees
Learn more about Association of Equipment Manufacturers (AEM)external

$18.40/hr

Other

Posted 6 days ago

Job description

Public Affairs Intern


The Association of Equipment Manufacturers (AEM) is seeking a highly motived and organized team player interested in the opportunity to help shape public narratives and advance policy priorities. The ideal candidate will have a passion for advocacy, strong written and verbal communication skills, and a voracious appetite for news.


The Public Affairs intern will work closely with the Director of Public Affairs, Policy Communications Manager, and other advocacy team members to execute integrated communications strategies that advance AEM’s policy agenda. You’ll craft compelling content, brainstorm media opportunities, and support grassroots campaigns aligned with AEM’s policy priorities in DC, state capitals, and Canada. This is a part-time position based out of AEM’s DC office.


Weekly Schedule: Tuesday-Thursday at 15-20 hours per week in-person

Duration: Through December 31, 2026, with opportunity for extension

Pay Rate: $18.40/hour


Responsibilities include:

  • Compiling press clippings on key issue areas
  • Pitching and placing stories in local, regional, and trade publications
  • Drafting editorial calendars and media lists
  • Developing op-eds, press releases, one pagers, and other written materials
  • Generating content for social media campaigns
  • Tracking public affairs metrics and analytics to measure campaign success


What you’ll bring:

  • At least one relevant internship or professional experience (full-time or part-time) in communications, public affairs, government, consulting, political campaigns, or journalism
  • Strong written and verbal communications skills
  • Digital abilities; social media experience a plus
  • Flexibility in taking on assignments and responsibilities
  • Strong time management and prioritization skills


In addition to receiving firsthand experience working with members and exhibitors for a large international association, AEM provides additional training and development opportunities for interns. The program has been nominated for several consecutive years as a Top Internship Program, and provides activities like workshops about career-pathing, networking, resume building, Microsoft Excel, and more.


About AEM:

The Association of Equipment Manufacturers (AEM) is the North American-based international trade group representing off-road equipment manufacturers and suppliers, with more than 1,100 companies and more than 200 product lines in the agriculture and construction-related industry sectors worldwide. The equipment manufacturing industry in the United States supports over 2.2 million jobs and contributes $415 billion to the economy every year.

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