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Public Affairs Internship Jobs (NOW HIRING)

PhRMA

Fall Internship, Public Affairs

Washington, DC · On-site

$25 - $35/hr

PhRMA Public Affairs Internship The Pharmaceutical Research and Manufacturers of America (PhRMA) is seeking an internship candidate to support Public Affairs Department initiatives, activities, and ...

Parsons

Public Affairs Officer- Junior

Springfield, VA · On-site

$26.59 - $46.54/hr

The Public Affairs Officer- Junior,is a self-starter that provides essential administrative and ... Experience:2+ years of professional experience or relevant internships in a, public relations or ...

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Public Affairs Internship information

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$24.5K

$130.2K

$210.5K

How much do public affairs internship jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 7, 2026, the average yearly pay for public affairs internship in the United States is $130,157.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $89,000.00 and $171,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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 need strong research, writing, and communication skills, often complemented by coursework in political science, communications, or public relations. Familiarity with media monitoring tools, social media platforms, and content management systems is beneficial. Initiative, attention to detail, and the ability to work collaboratively help set candidates apart. These abilities are vital for effectively supporting public affairs campaigns, managing information flow, and contributing to organizational goals.

What is the difference between Public Affairs Internship vs Public Relations Internship?

AspectPublic Affairs InternshipPublic Relations Internship
Required CredentialsTypically pursuing or holding a degree in political science, communications, or related fieldsOften pursuing or holding a degree in communications, marketing, or related fields
Work EnvironmentGovernment agencies, nonprofit organizations, advocacy groupsCorporate firms, PR agencies, media outlets
Employer & Industry UsageUsed in government, policy, and advocacy sectorsCommon in corporate, media, and marketing industries
Search & Comparison IntentInterested in policy, government relations, advocacy workFocused on brand image, media relations, and communication strategies

Public Affairs Internships primarily focus on government relations, policy advocacy, and working within the public sector, while Public Relations Internships concentrate on managing brand reputation, media communication, and corporate image. Both roles involve communication skills but serve different industry needs and environments.

What types of projects and responsibilities can I expect during a public affairs internship?

As a Public Affairs Intern, you can expect to assist with drafting press releases, monitoring media coverage, and supporting outreach initiatives. Interns often help organize events, prepare briefing materials, and conduct research on policy issues relevant to the organization. You’ll typically work closely with communications professionals and government relations teams, gaining hands-on experience in stakeholder engagement and public messaging. This role provides valuable exposure to both internal strategy meetings and external communications, offering a well-rounded introduction to the field.

What is a public affairs internship?

Public affairs internships are temporary, entry-level positions that provide students or recent graduates with hands-on experience in public affairs, government relations, or communications. Interns typically assist with tasks such as monitoring legislation, drafting press releases, conducting research, and supporting advocacy efforts. These internships are often offered by government agencies, nonprofit organizations, or private sector firms focused on policy and public relations. The goal is to help interns develop practical skills and gain insight into how organizations interact with the public and policymakers.
More about Public Affairs Internship jobs
What cities are hiring for Public Affairs Internship jobs? Cities with the most Public Affairs Internship job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Public Affairs jobs? The most popular types of Public Affairs jobs are:
What states have the most Public Affairs Internship jobs? States with the most job openings for Public Affairs Internship jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Public Affairs Internship jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Public Affairs Internship jobs are:
Public Affairs Internship jobs near you
Infographic showing various Public Affairs Internship job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 50% Internship, and 50% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $130,157 per year, or $62.6 per hour.

Drive Public Affairs Internship (Fall 2026)

Push Digital Group

Alexandria, VA • On-site

$15 - $20/hr

Temporary

Re-posted 15 days ago

Job description

We're using creativity, data, and technology on a mission to be the most effective, innovative, and trusted force in politics and public affairs. But none of that happens without our award-winning team. It's our people, day in and day out, who deliver for our clients and for each other. That's why we prioritize our collaborative culture and invest in you - so you can grow your career and thrive professionally and personally.
Sounds like something that would get you up in the morning? Join us!
As a Public Affairs Intern with Drive Public Affairs (a member of Push Digital Group), you'll work side-by-side with members of our public affairs team on many projects critical to our company's success... and help to propel your own career to the next level.
Here's a snapshot of what you may accomplish during your time as a Public Affairs Intern:
  • Video Production Support: Assist in video production with C-Suite executives and Members of Congress.
  • Ad Concept Drafting: Draft creative concepts and messaging for client advertising campaigns.
  • Digital Content Management: Learn how to clip, caption, and format video assets for social media rapid response.
  • Technology Vetting: Test and provide critical feedback on internal AI software development.
  • Operational Support: Assist staff through detailed notetaking and essential daily office tasks.

What sorts of skills and experience should you bring to a Digital Advertising Internship?
Most importantly, we only recruit interns with a positive, can-do attitude who take a "run, not walk" approach to helping our clients and team succeed.
Here are some of the other things we look for in our Public Affairs Interns (don't have all of these? That's okay - we still encourage you to apply and throw your hat in the ring.)
  • Organized, self-starting team player who can prioritize, multi-task, maintain a professional demeanor, and has a desire to grow in the role.
  • Flexibility and ability to perform in a fast-paced work environment, often under tight deadlines.
  • Ability to maintain a high level of confidentiality and discretion for confidential work, information, and sensitive situations.
  • Strong attention to detail.

What you need to know about our Public Affairs internship program:
  • Public Affairs Internships are in-person, in-office roles available in our office in Alexandria, Virginia.
  • Fall internships start in late-August and last through early December. Summer internships typically run from late-May to mid-August. Spring internships typically run from mid-January through early May. We accept applications year-round for all terms.
  • You should expect to work around 15-25 hours a week. Your manager will work with you on a specific schedule.
  • These are paid internships with specific compensation dependent on location and any prior experience you may have.
  • We are also happy to help you obtain school credit through your university.

Sound like a great fit? Complete an internship application today!
As of the date of this posting (June 23, 2026), a good faith estimate of the hourly pay range for this position is $15 to $20. Placement within the range will be determined based on job-related, non-discriminatory factors including qualifications and experience, education, external market data, and internal equity.
The deadline to apply is September 23, 2026.
Push Digital Group is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All applicants will be considered for employment without attention to any characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law. We are committed to the principle of equal employment opportunity for all employees and to providing employees with a work environment free of discrimination and harassment. We comply with all applicable minimum wage laws. We comply with any leave required under federal, state, or local law as applicable. Benefits are subject to vesting and eligibility requirements. To comply with pay transparency requirements and other applicable laws, you can notify us if you believe that a job posting is not compliant by contacting us at apply@pushdigital.com.

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