Strategic Communications Paid Internship Program

Job Description

Job Title: Strategic Communications Paid Internship Program (West Coast)

Company Overview: APCO Worldwide
APCO is a leading global advisory and advocacy firm founded in 1984, dedicated to helping corporations, foundations, and governments navigate complex environments and create lasting impact. As an independent, majority women-owned firm, APCO employs over 1,200 professionals across 80 markets worldwide. Headquartered in Washington, D.C., APCO’s team of strategic advisors, consultants, and creators offers expertise in public affairs, crisis & reputation management, corporate reputation, impact, and global solutions. They are renowned for championing clients’ interests, building their reputation, and strengthening their standing across sectors such as health, energy, technology, transportation & infrastructure, and food & consumer products. APCO values diversity and integrated approaches, fostering uncommon ground for progress.

Program Overview:
APCO is inviting seniors and recent graduates to join its full-time, paid internship program on the West Coast. This program offers substantive experience in strategic communications, treating interns as integral team members. Interns will participate in meetings, contribute ideas, and actively support the management and growth of client work and the firm. APCO excels in guiding organizations through critical moments, future-proofing operations, and engaging diverse stakeholders, with work spanning technology and impact communications, corporate positioning, and reputation management. This unique breadth allows interns to learn how to craft compelling narratives that resonate with key audiences and drive business success globally.

Key Responsibilities:
As an integral member of the team, interns will actively support client projects and new business initiatives, including:
• Client Project Support: Providing day-to-day assistance by drafting materials such as summary reports, press releases, credentials, and proposals.
• Media & Research: Conducting media monitoring, performing in-depth research, and analyzing findings on various client-related issues to develop a strong understanding.
• Digital & Social Media: Assisting with creative project management, social media research, reporting, and content creation for digital platforms.
• Proposal Development: Drafting initial proposals for potential client work and new business ventures.
• Meeting Participation: Attending and actively contributing to internal and client meetings, including brainstorming sessions.
• New Business Development: Actively supporting the new business process by preparing pitches and proposals, compiling bios, and preparing presentation decks.

Qualifications:
Candidates should possess a blend of academic achievement, professional interest, and critical skills:
• Academic Standing: Recent college graduate or a senior in class standing.
• Demonstrated Interest: A clear interest in communications or public relations.
• Work Ethic & Environment: Comfortable in a fast-paced environment and capable of collaborating effectively within a global team.
• Entrepreneurial & Analytical: Possessing an entrepreneurial spirit with strong critical thinking abilities.
• Organizational Skills: Highly organized and attentive to detail.
• Independence: Able to multi-task effectively and approach assignments independently.
• Technical Proficiency: Strong working knowledge of the Microsoft Office Suite.
• Availability: Available to work 40 hours per week, Monday to Friday.
• Work Authorization: Requires US Work Authorization; candidates with CPT/OPT/Post-OPT status cannot be considered.

Working Model & Compensation:
• Work Schedule: Full-time, 40 hours per week, Monday to Friday.
• Location: Interns will be based on the West Coast. West Coast offices currently operate remotely day-to-day, with monthly in-person convenings.
• Compensation: This is a paid internship with a fixed hourly rate of $17.95, or $19.18 for interns based in San Francisco.

Key Dates:
• Application Closing Date: Friday, February 27th.
• Program Commencement: Tuesday, June 16th.
• Program Conclusion: Friday, December 11th, 2026.

Diversity & Inclusion:
APCO is deeply committed to building diverse teams that bring robust perspectives and expertise to clients. The firm embraces differences in experience, viewpoint, and ideas, striving to create a positive, welcoming environment where everyone belongs and can thrive. APCO is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer (EOE M/F/V/D) and encourages applications from all qualified candidates, regardless of race, national origin, citizenship, native language, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, marital or parental status, religion, age, veteran status, neurodivergence, mental or physical disability, medical history, pregnancy, political belief or affiliation, or any other characteristic protected by law.