Policy and Communications Intern – Policy and Communications

Job Description

Policy and Communications Intern | Novel Strategies (formerly Prism Group)

The Tone:
This is a part-time internship at Novel Strategies, located in Washington, D.C. Novel Strategies is a D.C.-based consulting firm specializing in government affairs, public affairs, and strategic communications. This role is crucial for helping clients translate complex policy issues into clear, compelling content, thereby influencing policymakers, influencers, and stakeholders on Capitol Hill and beyond. It is a writing-intensive position designed to deepen your understanding of the federal policy landscape while honing essential research, writing, and communication skills for successful advocacy.

The TL;DR
• Role: Internship
• Type: Part-time (approx. 15–20 hours/week)
• Location: In-person, Washington, D.C.
• Mission: Translate complex policy issues into clear, compelling content for clients and their target audiences to drive successful advocacy.

What You’ll Actually Do
• Content Creation: Research and draft press releases, articles, blog posts, fact sheets, and backgrounders on policy issues across the client portfolio.
• Media Relations: Pitch media outlets or develop skills in media pitching, paired with curiosity about the D.C. media landscape.
• Policy Tracking: Track Congressional hearings, legislative activity, and policy briefings, then transform them into clear, useful summaries.
• Social Media Management: Develop social media content across platforms, including writing copy, designing graphics, timing posts, and tracking metrics.
• Event Support: Help plan and execute briefings and events, and create engaging follow-up content for attendees and stakeholders.

The Must-Haves
• Background: Student at any level with an interest in federal policy and public affairs, and enthusiasm for presenting fact-based information clearly and credibly.
• Experience: A drive to learn, a willingness to take initiative on new projects, and the ability to manage multiple priorities at once.
• Skills: Excellent writing and research skills, strong communication skills, with clear and concise writing being central to the role.
• Bonus: Creativity and comfort with communications and social media tools (graphic design or video editing a plus); a strong interest in learning how to pitch media.