SERVICE
Apply for Mayor's Office Internship Program
The in-person program offers college students hands-on experience in local government, alongside the Mayor's staff in the areas of communications, policy, government affairs, operations, and community outreach.
What to know
Eligibility
Open to students who are currently enrolled at an accredited college and university.
The Mayor’s Office does not currently have an internship program for high school students.
Compensation
Unpaid internship
Application Deadline
Spring: October 31
Summer: March 31
Fall: August 31
What to know
Eligibility
Open to students who are currently enrolled at an accredited college and university.
The Mayor’s Office does not currently have an internship program for high school students.
Compensation
Unpaid internship
Application Deadline
Spring: October 31
Summer: March 31
Fall: August 31
What to do
1. Check if you are eligible to apply
You must be a student who is currently enrolled at an accredited college and university.
We do not currently have an internship program for high school students.
2. Prepare your information
We will ask you about your:
- Name and contact info
- Academic information
- Preferred term and availability
- Focus area preferences
You will need to submit a:
- Resume
- Cover letter (Briefly explain your interest in the internship, why you are a good fit, and what you hope to gain from the program.)
- 2 recommendation letters (Letters of recommendation must be from 2 academic or professional references who can speak to your qualifications.)
3. Submit your application
Fill out the application, attach your materials, and answer the required additional questions before submitting.
Late or early applications will not be accepted.
Special cases
Focus areas
- Communications: Assist in crafting speeches, press releases, social media content, and internal communications for the Mayor's office. Help manage public relations efforts and contribute to shaping the city’s narrative in the media.
- Government Affairs: Learn how local government interacts with state and federal agencies. Assist with tracking legislative developments, supporting advocacy efforts, and preparing materials for meetings with policymakers.
- Community Affairs: Engage with San Francisco's diverse communities. Support outreach efforts, attend community meetings, and assist in managing relationships with community organizations and local stakeholders.
- Policy: Support policy research and analysis on key issues facing San Francisco. Assist in developing policy recommendations and briefings that inform the Mayor’s decisions on local legislation and city initiatives.
- Protocol: Coordinate global partnerships to drive the City’s priorities and strengthen its position on the international stage. Assist with carrying out foreign affairs at the municipal level.
- Operations: Gain firsthand experience in how the Mayor’s Office functions day-to-day. Assist with scheduling, staffing logistics, internal workflows, and general administrative support. Help ensure meetings, events, and internal processes run smoothly and efficiently. Interns will gain insight into how strategic coordination and behind-the-scenes planning are essential to effective city governance.
Learning outcomes
- Gain practical experience working in government, public relations, and community engagement.
- Develop strong skills in writing, public speaking, research, and event planning.
- Build connections with professionals in local government, policy-making, and public affairs.
- Contribute to meaningful projects that directly affect San Francisco residents and local policy.
Additional program features
- Mentorship: Interns will be paired with a staff member who will provide guidance, support, and career development advice throughout the internship. This mentorship will give an inside look at navigating a career in public service.
- Networking: Opportunities to network with key figures from local government, non-profit organizations, and the private sector. This gives interns direct access to professionals who can help guide their careers.
- City Initiatives & Public Engagement: Interns will visit key sites where the Mayor’s Office is working on initiatives like affordable housing and sustainability. They’ll also attend public events and press conferences to see how the office interacts with the community and media.