Public Engagement & External Affairs Interns - Governor's Office (College)

Commonwealth of Pennsylvania; Harrisburg (Dauphin County); Sur place; USD 14 000 - 21 000; Temps partiel

Résumé du poste

The Commonwealth of Pennsylvania seeks two interns for the 2026 Fall session in the Office of Public Engagement and Office of External Affairs. Interns will assist with communications, research, outreach, and coordination to engage constituency groups and respond to constituent inquiries.

Applicants should be enrolled in an undergraduate or graduate program with a 2.5+ GPA and be Pennsylvania residents. This non-civil service, part-time internship is based in Harrisburg with a fixed schedule.

Qualifications

• Current enrollment in an undergraduate or graduate degree program.
• Good academic standing (2.5 GPA or higher).
• Pennsylvania residency or enrollment at a Pennsylvania college or university.
• Ability to handle multiple projects simultaneously and manage high-volume tasks.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills.
• Professional and courteous telephone etiquette.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced, collaborative team environment.
• Preferred: studying or graduated in communications, public administration, political science, or related humanities.

Responsabilités

• Coordinate communication: manage calls and correspondence; assist with mail operations.
• Respond to inquiries: handle citations, proclamations, policy letters, and constituent inquiries.
• Conduct research: gather information through staff coordination.
• Advance collaboration: liaise with state agencies on messaging and policy goals.
• Support advisory commissions: create social media content, drafts, and event support.
• Complete special projects: assist with memos, events, and spreadsheet/database maintenance.

Connaissances

Oral & written communication

Telephone etiquette

Multitasking

Teamwork

Fast-paced environment

Formation

Undergraduate or graduate degree program enrollment

Description du poste

Salary

$17.88 Hourly

Location

Dauphin County, PA

Job Type

Non-Civil Service Temporary Part-time

Job Number

N-2026-60355

Opening Date

10/13/2026

Closing Date

10/19/2026 11:59 PM Eastern

Job Code

U2715

Position Number

Multiple positions may be filled from this posting.

Union

Non-Union

Bargaining Unit

XH98

Pay Group

98

Bureau / Division Code

00011024

Bureau / Division

Office of the Governor, Public Engagement and External Affairs

Worksite Address

Main Capitol Building

Worksite Address

501 North 3rd Street

City

Harrisburg, Pennsylvania

Zip Code

17120

Contact Name

Darice Mayhew

Contact Phone

717.772.9092

Contact Email

[e-mail]

THE POSITION

Are you an undergraduate or graduate-level student interested in assisting with projects to engage constituency groups and handle constituent calls and correspondence? If you are looking for an opportunity to gain hands-on experience working within Pennsylvania's Office of the Governor, consider applying to the Office of Public Engagement and Office of External Affairs. We are on the lookout for two interns for the upcoming 2026 Fall session. Do not miss this exceptional opportunity for real-world experience that will help launch your career!

DESCRIPTION OF WORK

This position assists with communication, research, outreach, and coordination efforts that help our team deliver effective results for the people of Pennsylvania. You will have the opportunity to strengthen your skills and further your expertise by completing a variety of assignments. As an intern within the Office of Public Engagement and Office of External Affairs, you will perform the following duties:

• Coordinate Communication: Assist with managing incoming phone calls and correspondence; collaborate with a team on mail operations, including US mail and online submissions
• Respond to Inquiries: Answer a variety correspondence requests, including citations, proclamations, and policy letters; communications with federal, state, and local officials; and constituent inquiries
• Conduct Research: Gather information through research and coordination with staff
• Advance Collaboration: Coordinate with staff regarding messaging and policy goals; act as a liaison to state agencies to find solutions to constituent inquiries
• Support Advisory Commissions: Create social media content; draft press releases, memos, presentations, and policy documents; plan and support events and meetings hosted by the Commissions
• Complete Special Projects: Assist the External Affairs Office with memos, events, spreadsheet and database maintenance and other projects as needed

Work Schedule and Additional Information:

• One part-time internship with External Affairs, approximately 15 to 22.5 hours per week, January 2027 through May 2027
• One part-time internship with Public Engagement, approximately 15 to 22.5 hours per week, January 2027 through May 2027
• Scheduling will be flexible within the 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM work hours.
• Telework: You will not have the option to telework in this position. You must be available to report to the office located in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania.
• Salary: In some cases, the starting salary may be non-negotiable.
• You will receive further communication regarding this position via email. Check your email, including spam/junk folders, for these notices.

REQUIRED EXPERIENCE, TRAINING & ELIGIBILITY

QUALIFICATIONS

Internship Requirements:

• Current enrollment in a undergraduate or graduate degree program. (Graduates from Fall of 2026 may also be considered for this program)
• Good academic standing (2.5 GPA or higher).
• Pennsylvania residency or enrollment at a Pennsylvania college or university.

Additional Requirements:

• You must be able to handle multiple projects simultaneously, execute high-volume projects, and demonstrate personal initiative in moving projects along.
• You must be able to identify and evaluate source material for veracity and accuracy.
• You must use good judgment in regarding highly sensitive information.
• You must have excellent oral and written communication skills.
• You must have professional and courteous telephone etiquette.
• You must be able to work in a fast-paced environment.
• You must be able to work cooperatively and courteously in a team environment.
• You must be able to perform essential job functions.

Preferred Qualifications (not required):

• Studying or have graduated with a degree in communications, public administration, public affairs, political science, public relations, English, journalism, women and gender studies or other humanities
• Bilingual or multilingual

Veterans

Pennsylvania law (51 Pa. C.S. *7103) provides employment preference for qualified veterans for appointment to many state and local government jobs. To learn more about employment preferences for veterans, go to www.pa.gov/agencies/employment/how-to-apply.html and click on Veterans.

Telecommunications Relay Service (TRS)

• 711 (hearing and speech disabilities or other individuals).

Accommodations

If you are contacted for an interview and need accommodations due to a disability, please discuss your request for accommodations with the interviewer in advance of your interview date.

Equal Opportunity

The Commonwealth is an equal employment opportunity employer and is committed to a diverse workforce. The Commonwealth values inclusion as we seek to recruit, develop, and retain the most qualified people to serve the citizens of Pennsylvania. The Commonwealth does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religious creed, ancestry, union membership, age, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, AIDS or HIV status, disability, or any other categories protected by applicable federal or state law. All diverse candidates are encouraged to apply.