Summer Public Relations Intern/Fellow

SUMMER INTERN / FELLOW

Curley Company is seeking Summer Interns and Fellows to support client work across communications, public affairs, and reputation management. This is a hands-on, fast-paced program where you will contribute to real client projects, work closely with experienced practitioners, and build core skills that translate to a career in communications.

This entry-level role is ideal for:

• Interns: Undergraduate students with prior internship experience and strong writing and research skills


• Fellows: Recent graduates with prior internship experience and a background in communications or public relations

Logistics

• Program length: 6 - 8 weeks (summer)


• Hours: 24 to 40 hours per week


• Compensation: Paid


• Location: Washington, D.C.


• Format: In person or hybrid, depending on team and client needs. Candidates should expect a primarily in-person experience.

What You Will Do

• Draft and refine materials including press releases, media pitches, briefing notes, social content, and client-ready updates


• Research and synthesize information for client work, including mapping key audiences and influencers, tracking policy and regulatory developments, and monitoring media and competitors


• Build and maintain media lists and support outreach preparation


• Monitor media and social coverage and summarize findings clearly and accurately


• Support client events and outreach efforts as needed


• Participate in brainstorms and contribute practical, well-reasoned ideas


• Attend internal meetings and select client meetings, take clear notes, and track action items


• Use new tools and processes to support research and drafting while maintaining a high standard for accuracy, verification, and judgment

What You Will Leave With

• A portfolio of polished work, including writing clips and client-ready summaries


• Practical research and monitoring skills, including media list building, mapping key audiences, and writing clear briefs


• Direct feedback from experienced practitioners to improve your writing, research, and professional judgment quickly


• Real exposure to communications work in fast-moving, high-stakes environments

What We Are Looking For

• Strong writing skills and the ability to adapt tone for different audiences


• High attention to detail and pride in producing clean, accurate work


• Sound judgment and a willingness to ask questions early rather than guess


• Strong organization, time management, and follow-through in a deadline-driven environment


• Ability to manage multiple tasks and stay steady when priorities shift


• A professional, collaborative working style and comfort engaging in a team setting


• Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook)


• Interest in communications work tied to policy, reputation, and innovation sectors


• Comfort using AI and other new tools responsibly to support research and drafting, paired with disciplined factchecking and verification habits

About Curley Company

Founded in 2002, Curley Company is a strategic communications and reputation management agency with offices in Washington, D.C. and Seattle. We partner with corporations, nonprofits, trade associations, foundations, and innovation-driven companies, often in highly regulated industries, on public affairs, media relations, executive visibility, reputation management, and multi-channel campaigns that shape policy and business outcomes.