Summer Intern, Media Relations

Description

About the Internship

Interns with the Office of Media Relations get front-row, hands-on experience at how one of the country's busiest transportation agencies interacts with the country's most dynamic news media environment. Responsibilities are aligned with providing experiences and opportunities for future comms professionals to draft media communications; staff and plan media events; write and report stories that offer an inside look at Port Authority projects and initiatives; and go behind the scenes at the facilities that keep the New York/New Jersey region moving. This is an unique opportunity for students pursuing a public sector career or future employment in communications, journalism, or public relations to engage in meaningful work at an agency in the midst of several transformative capital projects such as the redevelopments of John F. Kennedy International and Newark Liberty International airports, the replacement of the Midtown Bus Terminal, the once-in-a-generation rehabilitation of the George Washington Bridge, among other high-profile and highly impactful infrastructure projects that affect almost every person who lives or works in the New York-New Jersey region. The Office of Media Relations tells the Port Authority's story to the world, and we're looking for interns who are curious about how infrastructure drives the metropolitan New York City area.

Responsibilities

• Collaborate with agency staff to research and draft blog posts, press releases, and other written materials. Note: while you may occasionally work with the agency's social media staff, social media is not a major component of the Office of Media Relations' work.
• Visit facilities and attend meetings to learn about the agency and its departments, participate in planning calls and assist with staffing media events as assigned.
• Respond to emails or calls from media outlets in a timely manner and route to the appropriate staff to handle.
• Compile daily press stories involving the agency and maintain the team's media contact lists regularly.
• Assist with administrative tasks to support staff as assigned.
• Assist with pitching stories or media events to reporters as assigned.
• Complete at least two research assignments with presentations.

• A cover letter is required with this application. Any applications submitted without a cover letter will not be considered.
• Enrollment at a college or university at the time of the internship
• Major in English literature, journalism, public relations, political science, communications or a related field.
• Experience with writing in a public relations, journalism, local government or communications settings such as prior internships, volunteer work, school newspaper/magazine publications or paid employment.

• Self-starter.
• Strong interest in transportation, urban planning or public service.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office programs such as Word, Excel, MS Teams, PowerPoint, Sharepoint.
• Strong multi-tasking and organizational skills.
• Creativity, with ability to pivot and recover quickly from last-minute changes.
• Working knowledge of Associated Press style.
• Interest in future career in journalism, communications or public service.

• The start date will be Thursday, May 28, 2026
• The internship will last approximately 12 weeks, ending on Friday, August 21, 2026
• This is a full-time internship (5 days per week at 7.25 hours per day)
• In accordance with Port Authority policy, this position permits interns to work remotely a maximum of one day per week. In person collaboration is essential to how the Port Authority conducts business and regular in-office days or team collaboration days may be required depending on business needs. Some internships may require interns to be fully in-person.

• Only applicants under consideration will be contacted
• If selected to move forward, the hiring team will reach out directly to schedule 1-2 interviews
• Different internships will have different timelines for interviews

• The hourly rate range is $18.07 to $30.31 (the exact rate will be determined by internship type and rising school year)
• Ability to opt in to the New York State and Local Retirement System
• Access to Employee Business Resource Groups
• Facility Tours
• Career Panels
• Social/Networking Events