What are the responsibilities and job description for the Policy and Communications Intern position at Novel Strategies (formerly Prism Group)?
Title: Policy and Communications Intern
Company: Novel Strategies
Location: Washington, D.C.
Time commitment: Fall 2026, part-time (approx. 15–20 hours/week) with flexibility around your class schedule.
Compensation: This is a paid internship.
The Firm
Novel Strategies is a Washington, D.C.-based consulting firm specializing in government affairs, public affairs, and strategic communications. We help our clients identify, educate, and mobilize the policymakers, influencers, and stakeholders who shape the issues they care about — reframing narratives, building coalitions, and delivering results on Capitol Hill and beyond.
The Details
As a Policy and Communications Intern, you will sit at the intersection of substance and storytelling, helping translate complex policy issues into clear, compelling content for our clients and the audiences they need to reach. You will deepen your knowledge of the federal policy landscape while sharpening the research, writing, and communications skills that drive successful advocacy. We will work with you to fold your own interests into the projects you take on, and you will be a key member of a team invested in your growth. This is a writing-intensive role, so come ready to write.
The Day-to-Day
- Research and draft press releases, articles, blog posts, fact sheets, and backgrounders on policy issues across our client portfolio
- Ability to pitch media — or a strong interest in learning how — paired with curiosity about the D.C. media landscape
- Contribute content for client newsletters and other recurring publications
- Track Congressional hearings, legislative activity, and policy briefings, and turn them into clear, useful summaries
- Help plan and execute briefings and events, and create engaging follow-up content
- Develop social media content across platforms — writing copy, designing graphics, timing posts, and tracking metrics
- Support the creation of visual and multimedia content, including infographics and short videos
- Collaborate with the policy and communications teams to keep messaging accurate, on-brand, and on-deadline
The “Right Stuff”
- Interest in federal policy and public affairs, with enthusiasm for presenting fact-based information clearly and credibly
- Excellent writing and research skills — clear, concise writing is at the heart of this role
- Creativity and comfort with communications and social media tools (graphic design or video editing a plus)
- A drive to learn, a willingness to take initiative on new projects, strong communication skills, and the ability to manage multiple priorities at once
We encourage students at all levels to apply. Please send a cover letter, resume, and a short writing sample to bconti@noveldc.com