Paid internship – Corporate and Government Advisory (Washington, DC)

Job Description

The role

We are looking for an intern with a keen interest in media, politics and international affairs to join our Washington, DC team. This individual is a current student or recent graduate with a Bachelor’s degree in a related field, likely in political or social sciences, economics, languages, media or international relations. passion for foreign policy and international relations, sharp research skills, and strong writing proficiency.

The working environment of our US office is currently a hybrid one. Therefore, job candidates should be based in the DMV area.

The company

Portland is a leading communications consultancy with offices in London, Doha, Nairobi, Singapore, Washington D.C., Berlin, Paris and Brussels.

We design and deliver communications strategies for some of the world’s highest profile organizations, governments and individuals.

We are pioneers in integrated communications, helping our clients to engage key stakeholders, navigate complex issues and manage their reputations around the world.

Position

We are looking for a highly-motivated and enthusiastic individual who is seeking to start their career at the intersection of communications, policy and foreign relations. In this role, you will support communications campaigns with international clients in government, health and corporate sectors.

Job requirements include:

• Preparing research and briefing notes on national and international issues and developments;
• Developing and maintaining media and stakeholder databases;
• Supporting with administrative items, including activity reporting for clients;
• Undertaking ad-hoc research to support new business proposals and pitches;
• Having excellent writing skills;
• Drafting social media content;

• Being organized and have strong attention to detail;
• Being proficient in the use of internet tools and word processing;
• Being able to take direction and report progress on your work with others.

Skills & competencies

You must:

• Have related experience, either through a previous internship role or academic studies (or both);

• Have a clear interest in international affairs or policy;

• Have strong personal presentation skills both oral and written (the ability to draft high quality written content is essential);

• An exceptional attention to detail, even in an often high-pressure environment.

• Good knowledge of digital communication;

• A logical, creative and flexible approach to solve problems, with an enthusiastic ‘can-do’ attitude;
• Relevant international experience and language skills (Arabic, French, German) are an advantage
• Basic knowledge of Washington DC and the US political system is advantageous 
• Have an understanding of the link between international affairs and the DC political landscape 

What we offer in return

We are committed to employee development and have an open doors culture where you will have the opportunity to learn from some of the most experienced people in the business. We regularly reward and promote success, and actively encourage interns to take on new challenges and responsibilities to support their personal and professional development.