Public Affairs, Research Internship (Fall 2026)
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What you'll do
- Conduct research and monitor industry, market, and media trends
- Draft content, reports, presentations, and communications materials
- Support client and internal projects from planning through execution
- Participate in meetings, brainstorming sessions, client calls, and events
- Collaborate across teams on integrated initiatives
- Gain exposure to strategic communications and public affairs in a fast-paced agency environment
What they're looking for
- A bachelor's degree (or be graduating before the internship start date)
- Prior internship or relevant work experience in the selected practice area
- Strong writing, research, analytical, and communication skills
- Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail
- Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment
- Proficiency with Google Workspace and Microsoft Office
- Digital fluency and eagerness to learn new platforms
- A strong interest in communications, marketing, public affairs, policy, or related fields
Summarised by NextRaise from the employer’s description, which follows in full below.
Full description from employer
ABOUT ORCHESTRA
Orchestra is a strategic communications and marketing company built for today’s complex and fragmented world. From decoding audiences to designing bold strategies, Orchestra integrates people, platforms, and stories that stick to help clients build lasting influence. The company offers programs that span from the highest level strategic business counsel through to tactical execution. Orchestra brings together 700+ people with experience across consumer and lifestyle, technology, nonprofit and philanthropy, real estate, sports, travel, hospitality, and more. Made up of leading firms BerlinRosen, Civitas Public Affairs Group, Derris, Glen Echo Group, Inkhouse, M18, Message Lab, Onward, and Small Girls PR. Orchestra also launched Brightmode, a talent acquisition firm for communications professionals, and Versus Media Group, a strategy-first political media team. Learn more at www.orchestraco.com.
People of all backgrounds and abilities are strongly encouraged to apply. Orchestra is committed to building and maintaining a diverse staff, and recognizes that its continued success depends on hiring and retaining high-quality creative professionals with a variety of backgrounds and experiences. Opportunities for advancement exist, and we are committed to helping all staff develop and grow.
ABOUT THE INTERNSHIP
Orchestra is seeking highly motivated individuals to join our Fall 2026 Emerging Talent Post-Grad Communications Internship Program. This hands-on opportunity for recent college graduates provides meaningful experience across strategic communications, public affairs, media engagement, and brand storytelling.
Duration: September 29 – December 18, 2026
Location: Hybrid internship based in New York, NY or Washington, DC. Minimum 3 days per week in-office.
Compensation: $18/hour
This internship offers the potential for permanent, full-time employment. While full-time opportunities may become available, they are not guaranteed and are contingent upon individual performance and the company's hiring needs at the time.
COMMUNICATIONS INTERNSHIP - PUBLIC AFFAIRS (RESEARCH)
This internship is part of Orchestra's Public Affairs, Research practice area. Interns in this practice area work alongside communications professionals to support strategic communications campaigns that help organizations navigate complex public, political, and community-facing issues.
WHAT YOU'LL DO
As an intern, you'll...
- Conduct research and monitor industry, market, and media trends
- Draft content, reports, presentations, and communications materials
- Support client and internal projects from planning through execution
- Participate in meetings, brainstorming sessions, client calls, and events
- Collaborate across teams on integrated initiatives
- Gain exposure to strategic communications and public affairs in a fast-paced agency environment
QUALIFICATIONS
Required:
- A bachelor's degree (or be graduating before the internship start date)
- Prior internship or relevant work experience in the selected practice area
- Strong writing, research, analytical, and communication skills
- Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail
- Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment
- Proficiency with Google Workspace and Microsoft Office
- Digital fluency and eagerness to learn new platforms
- A strong interest in communications, marketing, public affairs, policy, or related fields
HOW TO APPLY
To be considered, applicants must submit:
Resume (1-2 pages)
Highlight relevant professional, academic, internship, volunteer, or extracurricular experience.
Application Form
As part of the application, candidates will be asked to complete a brief essay (500 words or less) describing how their experiences have prepared them for success and why they are interested in pursuing a career in the field.
Due to application volume, we are unable to respond to all submissions. We will reach out directly to candidates selected for interviews. We kindly ask that you do not call, email, or contact us to confirm receipt of your application or inquire about your status.
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Orchestra is the first communications company built for today’s media landscape. Since 2022, it’s acquired nine firms, including: BerlinRosen, Civitas Public Affairs Group, Derris, Glen Echo Group, Inkhouse, M18, Message Lab, Onward and Small Girls PR. It also launched Brightmode, a talent acquisition firm for communication professionals. Learn more at: www.orchestraco.com.
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