Communications Intern (Washington, D.C.)

Internships

Senator Murray is seeking paid legislative and communications interns in our Washington, D.C. office, and constituent service interns in the Seattle office. This is a great opportunity for students to see the legislative process up-close, learn more about the federal government, and build strong ties to their communities. Interning in either Washington state or Washington, D.C. provides a unique opportunity to join a hardworking team that’s dedicated to serving the people of Washington state.

Application

The links below will take applicants to an online portal to fill out and submit an application. In addition to the online application, the following supporting materials are required:

• Resume
• Cover letter
• Three References

• Writing Sample: Washington, D.C. applicants can provide a general writing sample (500 words). Washington state applicants can choose between a general writing sample (500 words) or the below prompt.

• Constituent Services prompt: Pick an issue that you are passionate about and explain how it relates to the work of Senator Murray. (500 words max)

D.C. Office Application Legislative

D.C. Office Application Communications Washington State Application

COVID-19 Guidelines

During this time, Senator Murray’s internship program is being conducted in person for those serving in the Washington, D.C. and Seattle offices. Applicants will need to relocate to the D.C. area for this internship.

Qualifications and Program Details

Students with strong ties to the state of Washington will be given preference in the application process. Interns should be interested in government and have excellent writing and research skills, a positive attitude, and a willingness to complete tasks as assigned. Legislative and Constituent Service interns must be willing to work at a variety of activities, and have the ability to work independently and as part of a team. For communications interns, a communications, press, or journalism background is preferred.

In order to best accommodate all applicants, internship sessions are scheduled both on academic quarters and semesters (i.e., an intern could work either a semester or quarter internship, based on their academic institution’s credit system). Internships are available for school credit if approved by a college or university. We encourage Washington, D.C. interns—both legislative and communications—to work full time if possible (30 hours/week), though this is not a requirement. In our state offices, internships are available primarily on a part-time basis (20 hours/week).

Types of Internships

Legislative Internships

The Washington, D.C. legislative intern experience is designed to immerse interns in all areas of a U.S. Senate office and empower interns to pursue their policy interests while serving the constituents of Washington state. Legislative internships are writing intensive and successful applicants will exhibit strong written and oral communications skills. Typical legislative intern responsibilities include: research, writing, and editing responses to constituent letters and requests; attending hearings and briefings in specific legislative areas; carrying out projects in specific issue areas, and performing a variety of administrative tasks including fielding calls from constituents and leading constituent tours of the U.S. Capitol.

Communications Internships

The Washington, D.C. communications internship is a great opportunity for those with a demonstrated interest in political communications, as well as an interest in public policy and a desire to learn. Excellent candidates will demonstrate strong attention to detail and time management, be self-motivated, and possess excellent written and oral communication skills. Writing and research experience preferred is preferred and policy issues will vary.

Constituent Services Internship

Constituent Services internships take place in Washington state and provide a firsthand look at the constituent service process and the inside operations of a United States Senate office. A large part of this experience is assisting with casework, which is the process and tools Senator Murray’s office uses to help resolve issues people in Washington state have with federal agencies – for example getting a social security check or accessing VA services. Casework can sometimes show immediate results for the constituents and their families, and is a great way to connect to the community. This work often entails letter writing, research, constituent engagement, and acting as a liaison with government agencies. Responsibilities include written and oral communication with constituents and government agencies, research, general administrative duties, and attending outreach meetings.

Contact Information

For questions and more information about internships in the Washington, D.C. office, please contact:

Kate Anderson, Intern Coordinator Office of Senator Patty Murray 154 Russell Senate Office Building Washington, D.C. 20510 (202) 224-2621 e-mail: dcinternship@murray.senate.gov

For questions and more information about internships in Washington state, please contact:

Laura Benbow, State Intern Coordinator Office of Senator Patty Murray 915 Second Avenue, Suite 2988 Seattle, Washington 98174 (206) 553-5545 Fax: (206) 553-0891 e-mail: interncoordinator@murray.senate.gov

*Late applications may be considered if positions have not yet been filled, but must be submitted with all supporting documents to* *dcinternship@murray.senate.gov* *if applying to the Washington, D.C. office and to* *interncoordinator@murray.senate.gov* *if applying to a Washington state office.*

Application Deadline

*\*All applications close at 11:59PM PT*

Quarter | Session Dates | Application Opens | Application Deadline Winter/Spring 2027 (DC) | January – April | 1st week of September | Sunday, November 1, 2026 Winter 2027 (State) | January – March | 1st week of September | Sunday, November 1, 2026 Spring 2027 (State Only) | April – June | 1st full week of December | Sunday, January 24, 2027 Summer 2027 (DC and State) | June – August | Last week of January | Sunday, March 14, 2027 Fall 2027 (DC and State) | September – December | 1st week of May | Sunday, June 27, 2027