The Office of Massachusetts Senate President Karen E. Spilka is seeking a highly motivated individual to serve as a Media Relations Intern in her State House office for Summer 2026.

The selected applicant will join the Senate President’s communications team on a part-time basis. The team supports the Senate President’s media presence, speechwriting, press interviews, and event planning. Work spans statewide policy issues, district communications, and institutional communications for the Massachusetts Senate.

Individuals with an interest in communications, public policy, state government, civic engagement, and the legislative process are encouraged to apply.

Currently enrolled undergraduate, graduate, and associate degree students are eligible to apply.

How You Will Support the Senate President

Responsibilities may include:

• Attending communications team meetings and assisting with administrative tasks

• Conducting background research on major policy issues in preparation for speeches, press appearances, and meetings

• Researching pending and proposed legislation and drafting constituent and stakeholder correspondence

• Attending legislative briefings, hearings, and Senate formal sessions

• Assisting with scheduling and preparation for speaking events

• Writing daily press clips related to statewide issues and district news

• Researching and maintaining a database of media contacts across Massachusetts

• Uploading press releases, photos, and updates to the Senate President’s website

• Monitoring breaking news and tracking coverage involving state policymakers

What We Are Looking For

• Strong written and verbal communication skills

• Demonstrated interest in public policy and government

• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment and manage multiple assignments

• Familiarity with Microsoft Office Suite

• Comfort working in a professional office environment and answering phones

• Knowledge of or connection to Ashland, Framingham, Holliston, Hopkinton, Medway, or Natick is a plus

• Spanish, Portuguese, or Russian language skills are a plus

Internship Term

The internship will run from June 8 through August 14, 2026 (approximately 10 weeks).

Compensation

This internship is unpaid. Applicants may seek academic credit through their college or university if eligible.

Location & Work Format

Interns will be expected to work primarily in person at the Massachusetts State House in Boston, with occasional opportunities for remote work depending on office needs and intern schedules.

Application Process

Please submit a cover letter, resume, and a 2-3 page writing sample via this form.

Applications close March 20, 2026. Interviews will be conducted in March and April, and acceptance notifications will be sent by May 1, 2026.

Location: Massachusetts State House, Boston, MA 
Hours: Interns will be expected to work primarily in person with occasional opportunities for remote work depending on office needs and intern schedules. 
Compensation: This internship is unpaid. Applicants may seek academic credit through their college or university if eligible. 

Timeframe: Timeframe for this internship is flexible and will occur between May and August 2026. 8–11-week internships are recommended. 

Applicants who have completed their secondary education are eligible to apply.

Position Overview

The Digital Communications & Special Projects Intern supports the management of the Massachusetts Senate and Senate President’s social and digital platforms, assists with special projects, and contributes to the communications objectives of the Senate President’s Office. This role is ideal for young professionals and students interested in government communications, public service, digital media, marketing, or content strategy. 

Interns will gain hands on experience with social media, research, internal digital systems, and high impact communications tasks while learning how a legislative communications team functions. 

Key Responsibilities

• Assist in drafting, editing, and scheduling social media content across platforms. 

• Assist with special projects including but not limited to events and report development.  

• Help develop weekly or monthly content calendars and support timely campaigns tied to legislation and Senate priorities.  

• Conduct research to identify social media updates and trends.  

• Help develop weekly social metrics reports. 

• Support creation of infographics and visual content in coordination with the Digital Communications Manager. 

• Provide administrative support related to scheduling, outreach, and digital file management.  

• Support social listening efforts and community moderation. 

Qualifications

• Strong copywriting, editing, and proofreading skills. 

• Interest in government, public affairs, journalism, digital media, or marketing. 

• Familiarity with social media platforms and basic digital content best practices. 

• Ability to multitask, meet deadlines, and adapt to a fast-paced environment. 

• Professionalism, discretion, and willingness to learn. 

• Experience with Graphic design tools (Canva, Adobe Creative Cloud) is a plus. 

• Experience with basic data organization, spreadsheets, or content management systems (such as Hootsuite) is a plus. 

What Interns Will Gain

• Experience working in a high-level legislative communications environment. 

• Exposure to the Massachusetts legislative process and real time media strategy. 

• Opportunities to develop digital portfolios (graphics, posts, research, memos). 

• Mentorship from senior communications staff and collaboration across departments. 

• Networking with staff, including communications professionals, and interns across the State House. 

Please complete this form to apply by April 20th.

Check back soon for summer internship opportunities.

Contact Jessica DeBenedictis regarding district summer internship opportunities at Jessica.DeBenedictis@masenate.gov. The deadline to apply is January 31, 2026.