Texas Communications and Legislative Internship

Public Citizen is seeking an Austin-based communications and legislative intern to join our team for the Spring 2025 semester.

The Texas office of Public Citizen works to protect the environment and public health and tackle climate change in a state where fossil fuel interests and polluting corporations have an outsized influence on our politics.

This intern will work with the Texas Communications Director to contribute to Public Citizen’s social media and traditional media presence. This work will include a focus on the Texas Legislature, as well as assisting with communications needs local campaigns in Austin, San Antonio, Houston, Fort Bend County and elsewhere in Texas, as needed.

Working in and around the legislature is challenging and fast-paced. The right candidate for this position will gain valuable experience in the legislative process and how public advocacy and communications can impact what happens inside the Capitol.

We are looking for applicants with strong writing and communication skills who are interested in public policy and making a difference for the people of Texas.

Responsibilities 

• Help develop a social media strategy and suggest and create content to publicize Public Citizen’s work, mostly, but not entirely, focusing on the organization’s work during the 2025 session of the Texas Legislature.
• Track media coverage of Public Citizen issues to identify opportunities for coverage.
• Work with the press officer to develop messaging, help with press events and write press materials
• Maintain press lists
• Help manage the organization’s social media channels
• Create videos for local campaigns and/or statewide issues appropriate for TikTok and Instagram reels
• Track and log Public Citizen’s press mentions and interview appearances
• Some in-person attendance at Capitol hearings, events and other meetings is expected

Qualifications 

• Strong written and verbal communication
• Candidates seeking a career in journalism, public relations, marketing, or a related field are preferred, but others are welcome and encouraged to apply
• Solid understanding of the legislative process and the Texas political landscape
• Knowledgeable of social media channels

Desired, but not required:

• Experience making simple and compelling videos for social media
• Graphic design skills

To Apply

To apply, email Kaiba White (kwhite@citizen.org) the following, with “Texas Communications Internship” as the email subject:

• Cover letter outlining why you want to intern at Public Citizen, why you need to be paid for your work, and any other relevant information not found on your resume
• Resume
• If you have completed the FAFSA, a copy of your Submission Summary
• Writing sample (something you already wrote)
• Graphics, videos, and/or social media content you have created

Submit applications by November 19, 2024.