Summer 2026 DC Public Affairs Intern

Overview

FleishmanHillard is a global integrated communications agency delivering transformational outcomes for some of the world’s biggest brands. We offer college juniors, seniors, recent college graduates, and graduate school students the opportunity to learn from leading public relations experts through a comprehensive internship program. The substantive work experience and solid professional training interns gain through this program create a strong foundation for their budding careers. At FleishmanHillard you define it. We help you make it happen. Are you ready to join the team? 

FleishmanHillard is intentional about using diversity, equity, and inclusion to strengthen the bonds between us, grow our people and create spaces for everyone to thrive. Staying true to our commitment to our people and the communities in which we live and work, we do not discriminate in any aspect of employment on the basis of any characteristic protected by law. As part of our ongoing effort to be the world’s most inclusive agency, we are committed to seeking candidates who possess and demonstrate a profound interest in furthering our DE&I goals.

Each intern is assigned a point person and works primarily with Public Affairs Team. Interns are expected to work with professionals in the team and others around the office to understand our clients’ various industries. Interns experience multiple facets of the communications industry and engage with account staff on various projects, including research, writing, event coordination and staffing, media relations, and creative brainstorming. Responsibilities of the public affairs intern include media monitoring and pitching, research related to client industries and new business, supporting case studies and proposals related to new business, drafting and editing press releases, talking points, memos, social media posts, and other written content.

NOTE: This internship offers a hybrid work experience (remote and in-office). The position is available to applicants local to the FleishmanHillard Washington, D.C. office or applicants willing to relocate as necessary.

Interns must be a college junior or above with a minimum 3.0 grade point average. Applicants should have excellent communication and critical thinking skills, writing and research skills and be able to multitask and thrive in a fast-paced environment. They should be committed to cultivating diverse teams and contributing to an inclusive working and learning environment. While a strong interest in public relations is a must, our internship is not exclusive to public relations or communications majors. Previous PR or public affairs agency, government, or journalism internship experience is a plus.

FleishmanHillard hires interns for spring, summer, and fall semesters that mirror a standard academic calendar. Paid internships, full-time (40 hours per week) are available and preferred. Interns are compensated on the same schedule as all other FleishmanHillard employees and receive overtime pay when applicable.

Our Story

We’re more motivated by what we can give than what we receive. That holds true for our colleagues, clients and communities across cultures and time zones. We believe giving our best is only possible in an environment that empowers us to truly be our best, so we focus on creating belonging for all and caring for the whole person. Because when you belong and have what you need to thrive — both at work and in life — you’re free to be you. To pursue your dreams and passions. To be bold and try new things, in the name of personal and professional growth and of work that leads to meaningful progress for the world. So, we respect and support one another amid differences and we acknowledge and celebrate who each of us is. We accept that we don't all have to have the same perspectives, beliefs, background or experiences to do great things together. A combination of our employee experience, industry-leading client work, global community service and contributions to inclusion has earned FleishmanHillard recognition as 2021, 2022 and 2023 Campaign Global PR Agency of the Year; 2023 ICCO Large Agency of the Year – The Americas; 2022 and 2023 PRWeek U.S. Agency of the Year; 2022 and 2023 PRWeek U.S. Outstanding Extra-Large Agency of the Year; 2023 Campaign US PR Agency of the Year; 2021 PRovoke APAC Consultancy of the Year; and 2021 PRWeek UK Large Consultancy of the Year. FleishmanHillard is part of Omnicom PR Group and has nearly 80 offices in more than 30 countries, plus affiliates in 45 countries.

FleishmanHillard offers a hybrid work model and seeks employees who are comfortable working in the office for a portion of their week, in accordance with their local office hybrid work policy. We value the collaboration and camaraderie that in-person interactions provide, but also understand the importance of flexibility and balance in our employees’ lives. We acknowledge that our people are diverse individuals with unique circumstances and needs, and therefore our goal is to foster a productive and inclusive work environment where all employees can thrive, both in and out of the office.

FleishmanHillard is an Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sex stereotyping, pregnancy (which includes pregnancy, childbirth, and medical conditions related to pregnancy, childbirth, or breastfeeding), gender, gender identity, gender expression, national origin, age, mental or physical disability, ancestry, medical condition, marital status, military or veteran status, alienage, citizenship status, sexual orientation, genetic information, or any other protected class under federal, state or local laws. Please do not contact the office directly to apply – only resumes submitted through this website will be considered. If you need assistance reviewing career opportunities or completing an application, please email our careers team or call 314-982-1700 and ask to be connected to Talent Development.

The anticipated hourly rate for this position is $17.20 - $22.00 per hour.

Salary is based on a range of factors that include relevant experience, knowledge, skills, other job-related qualifications, and geography.