Public Affairs Intern - Winter Internship 2027

Earnscliffe is one of Canada’s leading public affairs, public relations, opinion research, digital and design firms. We work with organizations, businesses, associations, coalitions and campaigns to navigate complex challenges, shape public conversations and connect with the audiences that matter most.

Our integrated teams bring together expertise across strategic communications, public affairs, research, digital strategy, and creative design to deliver thoughtful, impactful work grounded in insight and execution. From advocacy campaigns and stakeholder engagement to branding, content, and digital communications, we help clients move their objectives forward through strategies that are clear, creative, and effective.

We are seeking highly motivated interns to join our Public Relations, Digital Strategy, and Public Affairs teams for a four-month, full-time internship. As an intern, you will gain hands on experience supporting client projects, conducting research, creating content, monitoring emerging issues and opportunities, and contributing to a variety of communications and public affairs initiatives.

Working alongside experienced consultants across the agency, you will develop practical skills in communications, research, client service, and strategic thinking while contributing to meaningful client work in a dynamic, collaborative, and fast paced environment.

Key Responsibilities:

• Support client teams on a variety of projects and assignments.
• Contribute to research, content development and client deliverables.
• Participate in team meetings, brainstorming sessions and collaborative projects.
• Assist with business development, administrative and event-related activities as required.
  

Public Relations

• Monitor and analyze media coverage and industry trends.
• Develop, maintain, and update accurate media lists and databases through research, verification, and follow up with media contacts.
• Research and identify relevant media opportunities across traditional, broadcast, print, online, social, consumer, trade, and business media outlets.
• Draft and edit communications materials, including press releases, advisories, briefing notes, and bylines.
• Support media outreach, pitching, and follow up activities.
• Assist in the preparation and execution of media training sessions.
• Develop and maintain communications measurement reports and dashboards.
  
  

Digital Strategy

• Draft copy for social media, websites, email marketing, digital advertising and other campaign materials.
• Support with social media channel management, content scheduling and reporting
• Support the planning and execution of digital communications and marketing campaigns.
• Assist with project coordination and workflow management.
• Support with campaign performance monitoring, measurement reports and dashboards
  
  

Public Affairs

• Monitor government announcements, parliamentary proceedings, committee activity and political and policy developments.
• Produce monitoring reports and issue summaries that provide timely updates on legislative and policy developments.
• Support with drafting briefing notes, stakeholder contact lists, and other public affairs materials.
• Support government relations and stakeholder engagement initiatives.

Key Skills & Qualifications:

• Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications (Word, PowerPoint, and Excel).
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Excellent attention to detail and commitment to producing high quality work.
• Strong organizational and time management skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines.
• Initiative, curiosity, adaptability and a willingness to learn.
• Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to collaborate effectively with colleagues and clients.
• Professionalism, sound judgment and a client service mindset.
  
  

Public Relations

• Post-secondary education in public relations, media and communications, journalism or related fields considered an asset.
• Understanding of Canadian Press style is considered an asset.
• Understanding of earned media strategies and the media landscape.
• Familiarity with traditional, digital, broadcast, print, trade and social media channels.
• Experience using media databases or media monitoring tools such as Meltwater, MRP and MuckRack, is considered an asset.
  
  

Digital Campaigns

• Interest in digital advocacy, social media, marketing, advertising, content creation or website development.

• Familiarity with social media platforms and digital trends.
• Understanding or experience using digital advertising platforms is an asset.
  
  

Public Affairs

• Interest in public affairs, government relations, public policy, political science, or advocacy.
• Knowledge of Canada's political and policy landscape, including key stakeholders and current issues.
• Familiarity with parliamentary processes, government databases, and research resources (e.g., Hansard, House of Commons resources) is an asset.
• Previous academic, volunteer, or professional experience related to government, politics, public policy, or advocacy is an asset.
  
  

Position Details:

This is a four-month, full-time, in-office internship requiring a commitment of 40 hours per week, with an anticipated start date of mid January 2027. The internship is open to candidates in Toronto, Ottawa, and Vancouver.

This job posting is for new and existing vacancies. This employer uses artificial intelligence technology to assist in screening, assessing, or selecting applicants for this position.

Earnscliffe is an equal opportunity employer committed to building a diverse and inclusive workplace. We encourage applications from all qualified individuals and will provide accommodations throughout the recruitment process, upon request.

We thank all applicants for their interest; however, only those selected for an interview will be contacted.