Public Affairs Intern

Overview

Monument Advocacy seeks college-, post-graduate- or graduate-level candidates for a PAID, PART-TIME PUBLIC AFFAIRS INTERNSHIP based in one of our Washington, DC offices.

Internally, Monument refers to Interns as "Fellows."

Monument is a nationally recognized consulting firm, focused on government relations, strategic communications, and public affairs. Our practice areas span technology and innovation; sustainability; tax, trade, and economic policy; travel and immigration; defense and cybersecurity; healthcare; food, agriculture, energy, and more. Interns will have significant opportunities to witness first-hand how public affairs campaigns shape public opinion and influence key audiences, and gain real public affairs, strategic communications, and federal government experience.

Duties

• Conducting stakeholder, media, reputational, and issue research
• Monitoring news coverage, social media conversations, and emerging issues related to client interests
• Covering briefings, and industry, media, and coalition events, and identifying stakeholder and media engagement opportunities
• Drafting and editing messaging materials, talking points, op-eds, social media content, and client and coalition memos
• Supporting coalition building, grassroots and grasstops outreach, and client advocacy campaigns, including meeting notes, follow-up, and project coordination

The goal of the internship program is to expose highly motivated students, recent graduates, and career changers interested in public affairs and communications to the everyday operations of a public affairs and government relations firm. Interns will be given meaningful assignments in order to develop a range of skills including research, writing, and message development; managing work for multiple clients; communication and teamwork; critical thinking and time management under real deadlines; and a realistic understanding of how media, stakeholders, and public opinion shape public debate and drive decisions. Since 2008, more than two dozen Monument interns have gone on to join the firm full-time; however, the internship does not guarantee an offer of full-time employment.

A successful Intern will possess strong interpersonal skills, the ability to work well under pressure, and the desire to learn more about how communications, stakeholder engagement, and public opinion shape outcomes in Washington. Interns will use Monument-provided equipment and technology, including Microsoft Office and firm-approved AI tools, and will receive training on firm policies for their use, including client confidentiality.

Application Deadline: November 13, 2026.

To Apply: Please submit your resume, cover letter, writing sample (3-5 pages), and 2 references to this link: https://forms.gle/1ocQFNmRZF6GkSkYA

Only complete applications that include all requested materials will be considered.

Compensation and Benefits

Pay range: $18.40 per hour (minimum and maximum). This is a non-exempt, hourly position. The rate will be adjusted as needed so it stays at or above the District of Columbia minimum wage, which is updated each July 1.

Schedule and hours: This is a part-time position. Interns may work no more than 29 hours per week and no more than 129 hours per calendar month, and both limits apply at all times. Paid time off, including paid holidays and paid jury duty, counts toward these limits; unpaid time off does not. Within these limits, Interns may adjust which days they work each week. All time worked must be recorded on weekly timesheets showing hours worked each day, and all recorded time is paid. Working off the clock is not permitted.

This internship is in-person.

Term: There is no fixed end date. The internship may continue for as long as the role meets business needs. Employment is at will, which means either the Intern or Monument may end it at any time.

Conditions of Employment: Any offer is contingent on completing the federal Form I-9 employment eligibility verification process and signing Monument's standard onboarding documents.

Benefits:

• Monthly commuter stipend
• 11 paid federal holidays (8 hours of holiday pay each), plus 4 hours of holiday pay for each of the firm's two early office closures around Thanksgiving and Christmas
• Paid summer "half Fridays" (4 hours of paid time off each)
• Paid sick leave
• All other leave required by federal and District of Columbia law
• Health insurance: This part-time position is not eligible for Monument's employer-sponsored health insurance plan or retirement plan.

At Monument, we believe the most impactful ideas emerge from teams that reflect a broad range of perspectives and life experiences. We are committed to fostering an inclusive workplace where every individual – regardless of background – is valued, respected, and empowered to contribute fully. We prioritize creating an environment where all voices are heard and supported.

Monument is committed to ensuring an accessible and equitable application experience for all candidates. If you require any adjustments or support during the application process, please contact us at hiring@monumentadvocacy.com with your full name and a brief description of the assistance you are requesting. Accommodation requests are evaluated individually to ensure we meet each applicant's specific needs.

Interested candidates should apply using the application link on this posting.

Monument is an equal opportunity employer. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, creed, national origin, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, related medical conditions, and breastfeeding), sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, marital status, personal appearance, family responsibilities, matriculation, political affiliation, veteran or military status, genetic information, disability, status as a victim or family member of a victim of domestic violence, a sexual offense, or stalking, credit information, homeless status, sexual and reproductive health decisions, unemployment status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law. Monument does not ask applicants about their wage or salary history. Consistent with the DC Fair Criminal Record Screening Amendment Act, Monument will not ask about criminal convictions until after making a conditional offer of employment and will not ask about arrests or criminal accusations that are not pending or did not result in a conviction. For more information on Monument, our team members, and our clients, please visit http://www.monumentadvocacy.com/.