External Affairs Intern

Are you an undergraduate or graduate-level student interested in assisting with projects to engage the Governor’s Advisory Commissions constituency groups? Would you like to gain hands-on experience working within the Pennsylvania’s Governor’s Office? If so, consider applying to the Office of External Affairs where you will play a pivotal role as an Intern. Do not miss this opportunity to launch your career and have a direct, positive impact on the people of Pennsylvania!

DESCRIPTION OF WORK

As an External Affairs Intern, you will be responsible for performing entry-level work as you gain experience to become knowledgeable in external affairs. Your work will focus on the Executive Directors for the Governor’s Advisory Commissions on African American Affairs, Asian American and Pacific Islander Affairs, Latino Affairs, LGBTQ Affairs, Next Generation Engagement, and Women. Effective communication is a key aspect of this position as your duties will include: 

• Aiding the Executive Directors with stakeholder engagement and correspondence
• Submitting correspondence requests including citations, proclamations, and constituent inquiries, as well as communications with federal, state, and local officials
• Gathering information through research and coordination with staff and coordinating with staff on messaging and policy goals
• Creating social media content for the Commissions
• Planning and supporting events and meetings hosted by the Commissions
• Drafting press releases, memos, presentations, and policy documents for the Commissions
• Assisting the External Affairs Office with memos, events, spreadsheets and database maintenance, and other projects as needed.  

Work Schedule and Additional Information:

• This is a part-time internship, 20 hours per week, that is expected to be between January 6, 2025 through May 23, 2025.
• Work hours are flexible within 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM, Monday - Friday, with a 60-minute lunch.
• Telework: You may have the opportunity to work from home (telework) part-time, depending on the needs of the office. Some level of in-person reporting is required. In order to telework, you must have a securely configured high-speed internet connection and work from an approved location inside Pennsylvania. If you are unable to telework, you will have the option to report to the headquarters office in Harrisburg.
• Candidates must be available to report to the office in Harrisburg.
• Salary: In some cases, the starting salary may be non-negotiable. 
• You will receive further communication regarding this position via email. Check your email, including spam/junk folders, for these notices.

REQUIRED EXPERIENCE, TRAINING & ELIGIBILITY

QUALIFICATIONS

Minimum Experience and Training Requirements:

• Current enrollment in an undergraduate or graduate degree program.
• Good academic standing (2.0 GPA or higher).
• Pennsylvania residency or enrollment at a Pennsylvania college or university.

Additional Requirements:

• You must be able to handle multiple projects simultaneously, execute high-volume projects, and demonstrate personal initiative in moving projects along.
• You must be able to identify and evaluate source material for veracity and accuracy. 
• You must use good judgment in regarding highly sensitive information. 
• You must have excellent oral and written communication skills.
• You must have professional and courteous telephone etiquette. 
• You must be able to work in a fast-paced environment. 
• You must be able to work cooperatively and courteously in a team environment. 
• You must be able to perform essential job functions.

Preferred Qualifications (not required):

• Studying or graduated with a degree in communications, public administration, public affairs, political science, public relations, English, journalism, women and gender studies or other humanities. 
• Bilingual or multilingual.