We are always looking for motivated, hard-working interns. Although we cannot guarantee specific placement requests, we will make every effort to place applicants in the office which most closely matches their interests and areas of study. Feel free to browse the office descriptions and candidate criteria below.
Appointments
Communications (Press and New Media)
Community Affairs
Constituent Services
Governor's Council
Judicial Nominating Commission
Legal Counsel - Law Students Only
Government Affairs
Operations (Scheduling and Advance)
Personnel Office
Western Massachusetts Governor's Office in Springfield, MA
and Governor's Office in Washington, DC.
NOTE: The Legal Counsel and Washington D.C. Office have different application instructions than the general application requirements.
Appointments:
Office Description: The Commonwealth of Massachusetts has over 800 boards and commissions to which the Governor will make approximately 2,500 appointments during his term. The Appointments Office works closely with both the Personnel Office and Legal Counsel to process all applications and recommendations in order to prepare candidates for the Governor’s approval.
Candidate Criteria: Intern responsibilities include reviewing and responding to correspondence, analyzing legal statutes which pertain to boards and commissions, data entry, updating files, drafting appointment letters for the Governor’s signature, corresponding with constituents and appointees as well as assisting in all facets of the appointments process as needed. Ideal candidate qualities include strong organizational skills, attention to detail, professional phone demeanor and familiarity with Microsoft Word and Excel.
Communications (Press and New Media):
Office Description: The Governor’s Communications Office combines both traditional press and new media to spread information about the Governor's administration and the work of state government to the public. The Communications team works behind the scenes in a fast paced environment that demands professionalism, creativity and quick thinking. The Governor’s Communications Office produces press releases and public schedules. The office also updates the Governor’s social media sites and assists with staffing the Governor and Lieutenant Governor at public events.
Press Office Candidate Criteria:
Interns in the Governor’s Press Office will be responsible for preparing daily news clips, answering a heavy volume of phone calls from reporters on deadline and monitoring news coverage of the Governor, Lieutenant Governor and other members of the Administration. Additionally, interns in the Press Office will also assist with general office work, writing news summaries, distributing press releases and the Governor's and Lt. Governor's daily public schedules to the State House press corps. Applicants should have strong writing skills, an understanding of web publishing, web 2.0 tools and technologies,\ and a working knowledge of some or all of the following: Flash, PhotoShop, Final Cut Studio, HTML, CSS, and XML. Maturity, motivation and excellent communications skills needed. The Press Office operates on an 8:00 AM - 5:30 PM schedule, and applicants should be flexible and willing to contribute either some morning hours and/or some evening hours.
New Media Candidate Criteria:
The Governor’s New Media Office films and photographs the Governor and Lieutenant Governor's public events. Intern responsibilities include working with video and photo editing, compression of and sharing videos online, composing transcripts and/or captions for all video and audio content, writing descriptions of media and feature stories for the web, and aiding in maintaining and expanding our efforts in social media and social networking. Turnaround time for photos and video is always immediate. Interns must be comfortable working and solving problems under pressure, often operating with limited resources. Candidates must exhibit a willingness to learn, troubleshoot, and take initiative when necessary. Interns must also be detail-oriented, have strong organizational skills, and take direction well. The New Media Office also looks for interns to assist with the following aspects of the office:
Photojournalism
Photojournalism interns assist the Governor’s Production Manager in taking pictures at all of the Governor’s events. Interns travel to events throughout the state including press conferences, tours of high-tech industry companies and schools, cabinet meetings, meetings with foreign dignitaries, bill signings and photo opportunities. Interns must be able to walk the fine line between getting the shot and being intrusive; they must be respectful of the event, the participants, and their surroundings. Requisites include: Photoshop (CS4 or 5), Willingness to learn Adobe Lightroom 3 and familiarity with Flickr.
Video Production
Production interns assist the Production Manager in filming and editing videos for the Governor’s Office. Interns travel to press conferences and events throughout Massachusetts, film formal recordings with the Governor as well as work to compile informal clips of video to tell a story of the Governor’s weekly schedule. Interns should be capable of infusing their creativity with the work they perform in the office. The office is always open to new ideas and ways that we can use video. Requisites include Final Cut Pro, Willingness to learn iMovieHD and familiarity with YouTube.
Community Affairs
Office Description: The Governor’s Community Affairs Office supports active civic engagement and community-based participation, and serves as the primary outreach vehicle of the Executive Office. The Office is committed to opening the lines of communication between Governor Patrick and Massachusetts residents by working directly with local community groups, non-profit groups, and community stakeholders through Grassroots organizing. Community Affairs works with the Governor’s Statewide Youth Council, a diverse, 28-member body of 14-20 year olds who live across the Commonwealth. The Youth Council acts as a liaison between the Governor and the youth of Massachusetts by focusing on violence prevention and education reform. The Governor’s Community Affairs Office also leads special projects involving the Youth Violence Initiative. Governor Patrick’s statewide priority is to reduce youth violence among proven-risk young men ages 14-24.
Candidate Criteria: Intern responsibilities include assisting with correspondence, conducting research, community outreach, and maintaining the office’s database. Interns also assist with preparation for and staffing events both in and out of the office. Interns often work closely with the Director and Deputy Director on projects involving initiatives mentioned above. An ideal candidate must be: Professional, team player, independently motivated, personable, innovative and skilled at writing and interpersonal communications.
Constituent Services:
Office Description: The Governor’s Constituent Services Office serves as the first point of contact between the public and the Governor's office. The office responds to telephone requests, opinion calls, and comments on behalf of the Governor and Lieutenant Governor. Furthermore, aides review and process all written correspondence to the Governor, and log, track, draft, and proofread responses for the Governor and Lieutenant Governor's signature. Constituent Services is also responsible for issuing citations acknowledging individual accomplishments, proclamations that increase public awareness about important historical and societal causes and grant support letters.
Candidate Criteria: Candidates for Governor Patrick’s Constituent Services office understand Governor Patrick's vision for Massachusetts and are familiar with current events. Though not for the shy, this is a great office to learn how state government works in a hands-on fashion and to witness how it can help people get the assistance they need. Ideal candidate qualities include: An open mind, a healthy sense of humor, excellent writing, computer and telephone skills, an ability to multitask, an interest in state government and knowledge of various state agencies, high levels of energy and enthusiasm, and an ability to anticipate new situations and learn from new experiences.
Governor's Council
Office Description: The Massachusetts Governor's Council, also known as the Executive Council, is composed of eight individuals elected from districts, and the Lt. Governor who serves ex officio. The eight councilors are elected from their respective districts every two years. The Council meets to act on issues such as payments from the state treasury, criminal pardons and commutations, and approval of gubernatorial appointments of various individuals, including judges, clerk-magistrates, notaries and justices of the peace. The Council Administrative Office within the Governor’s Office, processes paperwork required for the matters listed above. The Governor’s Council Administrative Office also processes paperwork for quasi-judicial boards such as the Parole Board, Industrial Accident Board, Appellate Tax Board, Public Administrators and the hundreds of notary applications that are received each week.
Candidate Criteria: The Governor’s Council is an elected body which meets weekly and is responsible for approving judicial nominations, as well as nominees to certain state boards. Interns in the Governor’s Council assist the staff in processing these nominations as well as notary public and justice of the peace applications. In addition, interns answer phone calls and assist individuals regarding various appointments, along with pardons and commutations. Applicants must be: Strong communicators, attentive to detail, responsible and professional.
Judicial Nominating Commission
Office Description: The Judicial Nominating Commission (JNC) is the body that is responsible for screening judicial applicants. JNC staff work directly with the Governor's Legal Office on judicial nominations. Every Tuesday evening, the JNC meets to review applications and discuss potential nominees. This office responds to correspondence, handles candidate inquiries, performs general office work such as filing and copying, and drafts memoranda, press releases, and briefing materials relative to judicial appointments.
Candidate Criteria: Undergraduates with strong writing skills and the ability to handle sensitive information are needed to assist with the day-to-day operations. As interns may be sitting in on JNC meetings and assisting in the application review process, discretion and attention to detail are essential to this position. This office would be ideal for those who are seeking exposure to the legal community and would feel comfortable working on projects independently.
Legal Counsel
Office Description: The Office of the Governor's Legal Counsel advises the Governor and senior staff on all enacted legislation; drafts legislation and executive orders; oversees extradition, clemency, and other criminal matters. The office works to support the administrations' work in the areas of administration and finance, housing and economic development, public safety and security, health and human services, education, transportation, energy and environment, and labor and workforce development.
Candidate Criteria: The Office of the Governor's Legal Counsel is a fast-paced environment which has a role in virtually every major policy initiative of the Governor. The office also handles a host of legal issues which arise daily, requiring quick research, analysis and response. Legal interns are primarily responsible for legal research and writing and reviewing legislation. Current law school students and recent law school graduates with solid research and writing skills may apply for positions in the Office of the Governor's Legal Counsel to work with attorneys on legal research and legislative review.
How to Apply: Please submit resume, cover letter, transcript and writing sample to:
Nicholas Martinelli
Deputy Legal Counsel
Office of the Governor
Room 271, State House
Boston, MA 02133
e-mail: nicholas.martinelli@state.ma.us
Applications are accepted on a rolling basis and will be considered until all positions are filled.
Government Affairs
Office Description: The Office of Government Affairs focuses on moving the Governor’s legislative agenda forward by sustaining relationships with state, federal and local elected officials as well as advocacy groups. This office ensures that the Governor, Lieutenant Governor and their staff are fully informed about all legislative matters, and acts as a liaison between the Executive and Legislative branches of government. The office tracks legislation in progress, handles legislative inquiries, and communicates with legislators and legislative staff on a regular basis regarding a variety of issues. The office also works closely with secretariats in tracking legislation and responding to inquiries from legislators.
Candidate Criteria: Government Affairs interns should have an interest in the legislative process and implementation of public policy. They must have excellent communication skills, both written and oral. As interns will frequently be in touch with legislators’ offices, they must be able to conduct themselves professionally in all instances of contact. Those who are considering attending law school and would like to deepen their understanding of the interaction among various levels of government are well-suited to this office. Prior knowledge of the basic legislative process is preferred but not required.
Operations (Scheduling and Advance) Office
Office Description: The Governor’s Operations Office is comprised of both the Governor’s scheduling staff and his advance staff. The scheduling staff directly handles all event and meeting requests for the Governor’s time, effectively managing his calendar. They catalogue invitations to the Governor, track them through the acceptance and rejection process, and communicate decisions to event organizers. The advance staff accompanies the Governor to all events and handles the logistical arrangements for the events both on-site and offsite.
Candidate Criteria: Interns are responsible for assisting both the scheduling and advance staff. Workload includes a great deal of correspondence with event organizers and meeting requestors, as well as managing the electronic tracking system of all requests received. As the Governor’s calendar contains confidential information, interns are required to be discreet and professional in performing their job. Other duties may include research on event background, event logistics, and general office support. Candidates should have: Professional phone demeanor, prior office experience, attention to detail and familiarity with Microsoft Word and Microsoft Excel.
Personnel Office
Office Description: The Governor’s Personnel Office processes and analyzes background checks and management level personnel transactions for all Secretariats within the Executive Branch. The office reviews applications for certain constitutional and statutory appointments, reviews and approves one-day marriage designations, reviews and handles nominations of Justices of the Peace and Notaries Public as well as other traditional human resource functions. The Personnel Office works closely with the Appointments Office and the Legal Counsel.
Candidate Criteria: Intern responsibilities include assisting in processing background checks, reviewing and approving One-Day Marriage Designation applications, data entry and updating files. Interns will be responsible for working with constituents in order to assist in navigating the One Day Marriage Designation Process. Ideal candidates must have attention to detail and strong organizational skills. Candidates should also be able to handle highly confidential information responsibly.
Western Massachusetts Office of the Governor in Springfield
Office Description: The Western Massachusetts Office located in Springfield is Governor Patrick's first regional office and was established in November 2007. The office acts as a crucial link between the State House and the people the Governor represents across the western areas of the state. Similar to the Governor's Constituent Services Office, this office serves as the first point of contact between the people of Western Massachusetts and the Governor's Office. The office offers internship opportunities during the academic year and summer:
- Internship during the academic year: Interns will support in the daily operation and staffing of the office, and assist in special projects that include researching issues, bills, and contacts within state agencies, maintaining data accurately, assisting in the coordination of events, meetings, and possible forums.
Interns should be organized, efficient, personable and possess excellent communication skills.
- Summer Internship Program: The summer internship program is a unique, collaborative experience. Undergraduate college students will work with state agencies and participate in exchanges, all while providing students with a deeper appreciation for the workings of local and state government. Interns will have the opportunity to meet state and local officials, as well as attend field trips to significant venues throughout Massachusetts.
How to Apply: Send resume and cover letter to Elizabeth Cardona.
Washington D.C. Office of Federal-State Relations for the Commonwealth of Massachusetts
Office Description: The Washington D.C. Office of Federal-State Relations for the Commonwealth of Massachusetts advocates and lobbies for state interests and monitors federal actions that could impact the commonwealth. The office is the primary intermediary between state officials and the Massachusetts Congressional delegation. The office also serves as a liaison between the state and federal governments. Finally, the office interacts with similar offices representing Governors from other states, working through organizations such as the National Governors Association (NGA) and the Coalition of Northeast Governors (CONEG) to advance state interests.
Candidate Criteria: Interns' responsibilities include conducting research, preparing briefing books, attending meetings of the NGA, hearings and briefings on Capitol Hill, and other administrative tasks. Interns are expected to have strong writing, organizational, and interpersonal skills. They must be able to work well under pressure and balance multiple tasks effectively. Most importantly, interns must have a healthy work ethic and be energetic, independent, and unafraid to take initiative. College students majoring in political science, public policy, and other social sciences are encouraged to apply. All internships are unpaid. While full-time interns are preferred, part-time interns will also be considered. Applications will be considered year-round. Massachusetts ties preferred.
How to Apply: Send resume and cover letter to Valerie Young.