Communications and Public Affairs Internship

The Hayes Initiative Internship Program

How to apply:

Please email your cover letter and resume to internship@hayesinitiative.com with the subject line “THI Intern FirstName LastName.” Please reference where you found the job in the body of your email and highlight any previous media experience. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis. 

About The THI Internship Program:

The Hayes Initiative is seeking highly motivated college-level intern(s) (juniors, seniors, and graduate students) interested in getting hands-on public affairs experience focusing on communications, government relations, and stakeholder management. We will help teach our interns the skills needed to succeed in this fast-paced industry. Interns will be asked to focus on a range of projects, including longer-term and day-to-day/immediate tasks. They will learn the basics of high-level communications strategizing, writing, pitching media, and advocacy. Our internship program runs for three months with an option to extend based on performance.

THI Intern role summary:

Primary Responsibilities 

• As a small boutique firm with an ever-expanding roster of blue-chip clients, THI Interns will be assigned to work with specific project leads and will collaborate with other team members as needed.
• Interns will conduct, synthesize, and analyze research with their project lead to develop actionable conclusions and insights for our clients.
• Interns will participate in client calls and presentations and assist with client communications as needed.
• Interns will draft daily reports, build press lists, gather media clips, do media analyses and research projects, pitch reporters, and copy-edit.
• Interns will assist with various communications- and team-related assignments and tasks as necessary.
• Interns will assist the THI senior team at various events to help manage our clients’ needs, including a press conference, one-on-one interviews, marching in a parade in NYC, business events across NYC and in other locations, etc.

Essential Skills

• Must have strong organizational skills and be self-motivated, detail-oriented, and able to prioritize and multitask to meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
• Must have strong writing abilities and quickly write clear and persuasive copy.
• Must be proficient in using Google Suite products, Word, PowerPoint, and Excel.
• Must be able to work collaboratively with a team to meet group objectives.
• Must be able to communicate professionally with the press, community contacts, government staff, and clients.

Requirements:

• Must be based in New York City for the internship program duration.
• Must have at least 20 hours a week of availability during normal business hours.
• Must be a Junior or Senior in college or a Graduate Student.
• Must be able to attend evening and weekend events as needed.
• Must be comfortable working in various settings that include an office environment, at high-profile events, and most importantly, the ability to work efficiently in a remote environment. 
• Must have a strong interest in news, politics, and current events.
• Must have access to a working cell phone, computer, and high-speed WiFi.
• Previous media experience preferred.

Working at The Hayes Initiative:

To support your growth and development, we offer 

• A positive, supportive, and collaborative team with opportunities for advancement and commitment to helping all staff learn and grow.
• Compensation: $20 per hour and/or academic course credit, as your college or university program permits.
• $200 stipend to support your work-from-home setup.
• Three days of Personal Time Off (PTO) for the internship duration, plus paid bank holidays.
• THI closes annually during the week of the July 4th holiday and the week between Christmas and New Year’s Day. Interns will receive paid time off during these times.

About The Hayes Initiative:

• The Hayes Initiative (THI) is an award-winning, certified LGBTQ-owned and operated public affairs firm that focuses on three areas of expertise: communications, government relations, and stakeholder management. The firm was recently recognized as 2022’s Public Relations Agency of the Year by the American Business Awards (Stevie® Award) and a 2022 finalist for Best Boutique Agency by PR Week.
• At THI, we help leaders and organizations deliver major initiatives, break through the noisy media landscape, and navigate the world of politics and government. We excel with high pressure, politically sensitive, and confidential issues while demonstrating discretion and judgment.