Public Relations Intern Jobs in Washington, DC
Public Relations Intern jobs in Washington are concentrated in Dupont Circle, Capitol Hill, and Downtown, where nonprofits, advocacy organizations, federal agencies, and political consultancies keep demand steady year-round. Employers hiring right now include The Heritage Foundation, Council On Foreign Relations, and The Catholic University of America. Find a role that fits below and apply directly.
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Title: Prospect Research Associate, Donor Relations
Reports to: Director, Development Strategy
Job Summary: The Prospect Research Associate coordinates prospect research efforts across the Development team and helps manage the constituent data used to determine prospect feasibility. The Associate is responsible for conducting research used to identify and qualify fundraising prospects with the capacity to make major gifts, including individuals, corporations, and foundations. This position also ensures ongoing donor pipeline maintenance and management to and from all levels of giving and monitors prospect pools for opportunities that merit attention from key stakeholders.
As a key member of the Development team, the Associate coordinates with the Development team to ensure constituent data is properly shared and accessed. This position is also responsible for producing and, where appropriate, analyzing and improving reports which monitor both departmental and individual progress toward goals. The ideal candidate must be thorough, detail-oriented, efficient, and committed to delivering a high-quality work product.
Job Duties:
- Research high net worth donor prospects and gather information regarding philanthropic interests, giving capacity, background, digital behavior and other key components.
- Prepare biographical profiles and research reports for use by gift officers, Development leadership, and other key leaders and staff involved in major gift fundraising.
- Maintain a process for the allocation of research responsibilities to ensure accurate profiles.
- Source prospects by scanning new sources and journals and utilizing software for organizations and individuals who align with strategic priorities.
- Support the review of gift officer caseloads in coordination with the Assistant Director.
- Work closely with the Data Services Manager to complete and review all Donor Relations reporting, answer requests from top leadership, and service gift officers and events with research needs.
- Regularly review and improve the major and principal gift pipeline; participate in pipeline management meetings to review progress toward overall fundraising goals.
- Undertake pipeline building activities, identifying sources of individual, corporate, and foundation support to match fundraising initiatives.
- Ensure information on donors and prospects is up-to-date, accurate, and properly documented.
- Remain current and fully informed on prospect research trends and available resources.
- Support the Data Services Manager with applicable reports and analysis.
Qualifications:
Education: Bachelor's degree required
Experience: 2+ years of experience in fundraising, prospect research, major gift fundraising, or related field; experience within a development or other fundraising team preferred
Communication: Excellent communication skills and collaborative mindset
Technology: Skilled in Microsoft Office applications, as well as CRM usage or a
willingness to learn; comfortable with computer and query logic preferred; advanced knowledge of Microsoft Excel highly preferred
Other Requirements:
- Understand and support the Heritage mission and vision for America, and the department’s goals and objectives.
- Ability to thoroughly investigate, analyze, and articulate the needs and interests of major gift prospects.
- Demonstrated record of efficiency and ability to meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
- Strong organizational and analytical skills.
- Collaborative mindset and team focused.
- Comfortable with AI usage, but willing to adhere to strict guidelines for accuracy, data security, organizational safety, and data integrity.
- Trustworthy with sensitive information.
- Efficient and able to meet deadlines with short turn-around times.
- Strong organizational and analytical skills.
Benefits and Salary:
The Heritage Foundation offers a highly competitive benefits package that includes, but is not limited to, best-in-class health care, vision, and dental insurance, employer-sponsored retirement funding, “take what you need” PTO and sick leave, 14 weeks of paid leave for new moms and 6 weeks of paid leave for new dads, among other programs.
The salary range for this role is $60,000 - $70,000 annually. This range is a good-faith estimate, and the final salary offered to a selected candidate depends on a variety of factors including, but not limited to, the candidate’s experience, education, and other qualifications; internal and external market pay for comparable jobs; and level of hire based on aforementioned qualifications.
Title: Prospect Research Associate, Donor Relations
Reports to: Director, Development Strategy
Job Summary: The Prospect Research Associate coordinates prospect research efforts across the Development team and helps manage the constituent data used to determine prospect feasibility. The Associate is responsible for conducting research used to identify and qualify fundraising prospects with the capacity to make major gifts, including individuals, corporations, and foundations. This position also ensures ongoing donor pipeline maintenance and management to and from all levels of giving and monitors prospect pools for opportunities that merit attention from key stakeholders.
As a key member of the Development team, the Associate coordinates with the Development team to ensure constituent data is properly shared and accessed. This position is also responsible for producing and, where appropriate, analyzing and improving reports which monitor both departmental and individual progress toward goals. The ideal candidate must be thorough, detail-oriented, efficient, and committed to delivering a high-quality work product.
Job Duties:
- Research high net worth donor prospects and gather information regarding philanthropic interests, giving capacity, background, digital behavior and other key components.
- Prepare biographical profiles and research reports for use by gift officers, Development leadership, and other key leaders and staff involved in major gift fundraising.
- Maintain a process for the allocation of research responsibilities to ensure accurate profiles.
- Source prospects by scanning new sources and journals and utilizing software for organizations and individuals who align with strategic priorities.
- Support the review of gift officer caseloads in coordination with the Assistant Director.
- Work closely with the Data Services Manager to complete and review all Donor Relations reporting, answer requests from top leadership, and service gift officers and events with research needs.
- Regularly review and improve the major and principal gift pipeline; participate in pipeline management meetings to review progress toward overall fundraising goals.
- Undertake pipeline building activities, identifying sources of individual, corporate, and foundation support to match fundraising initiatives.
- Ensure information on donors and prospects is up-to-date, accurate, and properly documented.
- Remain current and fully informed on prospect research trends and available resources.
- Support the Data Services Manager with applicable reports and analysis.
Qualifications:
Education: Bachelor's degree required
Experience: 2+ years of experience in fundraising, prospect research, major gift fundraising, or related field; experience within a development or other fundraising team preferred
Communication: Excellent communication skills and collaborative mindset
Technology: Skilled in Microsoft Office applications, as well as CRM usage or a
willingness to learn; comfortable with computer and query logic preferred; advanced knowledge of Microsoft Excel highly preferred
Other Requirements:
- Understand and support the Heritage mission and vision for America, and the department’s goals and objectives.
- Ability to thoroughly investigate, analyze, and articulate the needs and interests of major gift prospects.
- Demonstrated record of efficiency and ability to meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
- Strong organizational and analytical skills.
- Collaborative mindset and team focused.
- Comfortable with AI usage, but willing to adhere to strict guidelines for accuracy, data security, organizational safety, and data integrity.
- Trustworthy with sensitive information.
- Efficient and able to meet deadlines with short turn-around times.
- Strong organizational and analytical skills.
Benefits and Salary:
The Heritage Foundation offers a highly competitive benefits package that includes, but is not limited to, best-in-class health care, vision, and dental insurance, employer-sponsored retirement funding, “take what you need” PTO and sick leave, 14 weeks of paid leave for new moms and 6 weeks of paid leave for new dads, among other programs.
The salary range for this role is $60,000 - $70,000 annually. This range is a good-faith estimate, and the final salary offered to a selected candidate depends on a variety of factors including, but not limited to, the candidate’s experience, education, and other qualifications; internal and external market pay for comparable jobs; and level of hire based on aforementioned qualifications.
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- Technology & Software
- Non-Profit & Social Services
- Consulting & Professional Services
- Fintech
- Education
Public Relations Intern Jobs in Washington: Frequently Asked Questions
How do I get a public relations intern job in Washington?
The strongest path into Washington public relations internships runs through the city's nonprofit and advocacy sector, federal contractors, trade associations, and politically focused communications firms clustered around Capitol Hill and Dupont Circle. Candidates who can demonstrate writing samples, media list experience, or prior work with mission-driven organizations stand out. Tailoring your application to the specific sector, whether policy, tech, or nonprofit, gives you a clear edge in this market.
Which companies hire public relations interns in Washington?
Washington public relations intern roles are posted by The Heritage Foundation, Council On Foreign Relations, and The Catholic University of America and others right now, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of July 2026. Washington's hiring mix leans heavily toward associations, government-adjacent consultancies, and issue-advocacy groups alongside traditional corporate communications teams.
Are there remote public relations intern jobs in Washington?
Yes, though public relations internships tend to be less remote-friendly than purely analytical roles because media relations, event support, and in-person client contact are common responsibilities. About 83% of public relations intern openings tied to Washington are remote or hybrid as of July 2026, with hybrid arrangements most common at policy-focused nonprofits and trade associations. Writing, monitoring, and research tasks are the duties most often performed off-site.
How can I get a public relations intern job in Washington with little or no experience?
The most realistic entry point is through Washington's large concentration of nonprofits, political committees, and trade associations, many of which run structured internship cohorts that explicitly welcome undergraduates and recent graduates. Volunteering for a local advocacy campaign or contributing to a campus or community publication builds the writing portfolio these employers look for first. Entry-level coordinator and communications assistant roles at smaller lobbying shops and issue-focused nonprofits also serve as reliable stepping stones.
Which industries hire the most public relations interns in Washington?
Most public relations intern openings in Washington sit in Technology & Software, Non-Profit & Social Services, and Consulting & Professional Services, per current listings on Migrate Mate as of July 2026. Washington's status as the policy and political center of the country means advocacy, government relations, and public affairs organizations generate a disproportionate share of local PR internship demand compared to other U.S. cities.
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