Press Relations

The Press Relations Intern supports the organization's engagement with reporters, producers, and outlets across print, broadcast, and digital media. This role is a direct introduction to how a national organization earns coverage: building and maintaining the media lists, drafting the materials reporters actually read, and handling the logistics that make interviews and press availabilities happen. It is well suited to students pursuing journalism, public relations, or political communications who want to see the press cycle from the source's side of the phone.

Core Duties

• Build and maintain media lists by outlet, beat, and region, verifying contact information and tracking reporter moves.
• Draft press releases, media advisories, and pitch emails for staff review.
• Monitor incoming press inquiries and route them to the appropriate staff member with a summary of the request and deadline.
• Assemble press kits and background materials for events, interviews, and announcements.
• Process and track credential requests for events, coordinating with the registration team.
• Maintain a log of interview requests, confirmations, and outcomes.
• Compile post-event and post-announcement coverage summaries for internal distribution.
• Verify every factual claim in draft materials against a primary source before submission.

Role-Specific Qualifications

• Writing sample required with application; a published clip is preferred but student publication work is welcome.
• Familiarity with the national political media landscape and the difference between beats.
• Comfort with phone and email outreach to people you have not met.
• Ability to work outside standard hours during announcements and events.

Standard Qualifications — All Internships

• Current enrollment in an accredited college or university; eligible for the Federal Work Study Program where applicable.
• Senior in high school, recent high school graduate, or GED equivalent.
• Strong organizational skills with attention to detail and accuracy.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) and general computer literacy.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team in a fast-paced environment.
• Reliable, punctual, and professional demeanor.
• Discretion with confidential and pre-release information; adherence to all organizational policies, including confidentiality, data handling, and workplace safety standards.
• Prior office or customer service experience is a plus but not required.