Communications Intern Specialist

Communications Intern Specialist

Fall 2026 – Spring 2027

About Salient Strategies

Salient Strategies is a Texas-based public affairs, strategic communications, and business development firm with a national network of political, policy, and industry professionals. We help organizations navigate complex public affairs environments through strategic communications, stakeholder engagement, advocacy support, and digital outreach.

Our team works alongside business leaders, trade associations, advocacy organizations, and emerging industries to build influence, shape public narratives, and advance strategic objectives. Leveraging relationships across Texas and throughout the country, we connect clients with experienced political consultants, former elected officials, policy experts, and communications professionals to deliver effective engagement and communications strategies.

Position Overview

As Texas prepares for the 90th Legislative Session, Salient Strategies is seeking one Communications Intern Specialist to join our team from Fall 2026 through Spring 2027.

This internship provides a unique opportunity to gain hands-on experience in public affairs, legislative communications, stakeholder engagement, and digital communications. The selected candidate will work directly with senior communications professionals, public affairs practitioners, and former members of the Texas Legislature on active client projects and strategic initiatives.

What You'll Gain

Direct exposure to public affairs and legislative communications in Texas.

Experience supporting communications and stakeholder engagement strategies.

Mentorship from senior communications professionals and former Texas legislators.

Opportunities to contribute to real-world advocacy, public affairs, and business development initiatives.

A professional portfolio featuring communications materials, campaign content, and stakeholder engagement projects.

Valuable experience working in a fast-paced public affairs environment.

Key Responsibilities

Assist in the development and execution of communications strategies for client and organizational initiatives.

Support communications planning and stakeholder engagement efforts related to the 90th Texas Legislative Session.

Draft press releases, newsletters, talking points, briefing materials, and other communications content.

Develop and manage content for social media platforms, including X, Facebook, and LinkedIn.

Monitor social media activity and assist with audience engagement.

Support communications response efforts, including media monitoring and stakeholder correspondence.

Conduct research on legislative, policy, and industry developments.

Assist with campaign reporting, analytics, and communications performance tracking.

Participate in team meetings, strategy discussions, and client-related projects.

Preferred Qualifications

Current graduate student or advanced undergraduate student pursuing communications, public relations, journalism, political science, public affairs, marketing, or a related field.

Strong writing, editing, and research skills.

Experience creating content for social media platforms and digital communications channels.

Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.

Ability to manage multiple projects and meet deadlines.

Interest in public affairs, government relations, advocacy, legislative policy, or strategic communications.

Professionalism, initiative, and a willingness to learn in a collaborative environment.

Internship Details

Position: Communications Intern Specialist (1 Position Available)

Term: Fall 2026 – Spring 2027

Focus: Public Affairs, Strategic Communications, Stakeholder Engagement, and Legislative Affairs

Compensation: A small stipend will be determined upon hire.

Schedule: Flexible hours with hybrid and remote work options available.

Location: Texas-based candidates preferred.

How to Apply

Please submit the following materials to Erica@salient.us and dustin@salient. us with the subject line:

Communications Intern Specialist – Fall 2026/Spring 2027

Application materials should include:

Resume

One-page cover letter

One to two writing samples (press release, article, policy memo, campaign content, or similar work)

Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled.