Public Engagement & External Affairs Interns - Governor's Office - College

Are you an undergraduate or graduate-level student interested in assisting with projects to engage constituency groups and handle constituent calls and correspondence? If you are looking for an opportunity to gain hands-on experience working within Pennsylvania's Office of the Governor, consider applying to the Office of Public Engagement and Office of External Affairs. We are on the lookout for two interns for the upcoming 2026 summer session. Do not miss this exceptional opportunity for real-world experience that will help launch your career!

As an intern within the Office of Public Engagement and Office of External Affairs, you will help our team deliver effective results for the people of Pennsylvania. You will have the opportunity to strengthen your skills and further your expertise by completing the following assignments:

• Assist with managing incoming phone calls and correspondence
• Respond to a variety of correspondence requests, including citations, proclamations, and policy letters; communications with federal, state, and local officials; and constituent inquiries
• Gather information through research and coordination with staff
• Coordinate with staff regarding messaging and policy goals
• Act as a liaison to state agencies to find solutions to constituent inquiries
• Collaborate with a team on mail operations, including US mail and online submissions
• Create social media content for the Advisory Commissions
• Plan and support events and meetings hosted by the Commissions
• Draft press releases, memos, presentations, and policy documents for the Commissions
• Assist the External Affairs Office with memos, events, spreadsheet and database maintenance and other projects as needed

Work Schedule and Additional Information:

• One part-time internship with External Affairs, approximately 22.5 hours per week, May 2026 to August 2026
• One full-time internship with Public Engagement, 37.5 hours per week, May 2026 to August 2026
• Work hours are 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM
• Telework: Selected candidates must be available to report to the office in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania. You will not have the option to telework.
• 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.

QUALIFICATIONS

Internship Requirements:

• Current enrollment in a undergraduate or graduate degree program. (Graduates from Spring of 2026 may also be considered for this program)
• Good academic standing (2.5 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.

• Studying or have 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

How to Apply:

• Your application must include a cover letter and resume.
• If you are claiming education in your answers to the supplemental application questions, you must attach a copy of your college transcripts for your claim to be accepted toward meeting the minimum requirements. Unofficial transcripts are acceptable.
• Your application must be submitted by the posting closing date. Late applications and other required materials will not be accepted.
• Failure to comply with the above application requirements may eliminate you from consideration for this position.

Veterans:

• Pennsylvania law (51 Pa. C.S. *7103) provides employment preference for qualified veterans for appointment to many state and local government jobs. To learn more about employment preferences for veterans, go to www.pa.gov/agencies/employment/how-to-apply.html and click on Veterans.

Telecommunications Relay Service (TRS):

• 711 (hearing and speech disabilities or other individuals).

If you are contacted for an interview and need accommodations due to a disability, please discuss your request for accommodations with the interviewer in advance of your interview date.

The Commonwealth is an equal employment opportunity employer and is committed to a diverse workforce. The Commonwealth values inclusion as we seek to recruit, develop, and retain the most qualified people to serve the citizens of Pennsylvania. The Commonwealth does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religious creed, ancestry, union membership, age, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, AIDS or HIV status, disability, or any other categories protected by applicable federal or state law. All diverse candidates are encouraged to apply.